Give Yourself Permission

There is nothing out of the ordinary about today. There is no deep meaning behind this day, no special occasion marked by millions. In fact, it's probably going to start and end the same as yesterday - and hundreds of other days like it...

But if there's one thing I want today to be marked as, it's as the day that you (and me) gave yourself permission. "Permission for what?" I hear you ask. Well, for anything. For whatever you need or want.

Is 'We Heart It' The New Pinterest?

So you love Instagram, you invest hours pinning on Pinterest and you may even make time for Tumblr too... There's no denying that visual social media is at the top of it's game right now. Going from content based platforms, the rise of Instagram paved the way for huge change - change that now means visual social media is BIG. In fact, it's the biggest trend in social - just ask Snapchat.

Dear Future Husband

I'm writing this because despite a monumentally horrific history with men, I still kinda hope you're actually out there. AND if you are actually out there, then you probably need a bit of warning before you marry me..

How To Better Use Social Media As A Blogger

Welcome to week two of my Bloggers Series. If you missed last week's post, it's all about how to write the best blog post possible, and you can catch up here. This week I'm talking about social media and how you can make it work better for your blog.

Marble Phone Cases by Madotta

To me, fashion, style and trends aren't just about the clothes you wear. In this day and age (God, I sounded like my Nan there didn't I?!) we are given massive amounts of choice when it comes to just about anything. This means that everything in our lives can be matched to our own personal sense of style and fashion. And it also means that it's not just our clothes that can follow trends..

12 Things Stationery Addicts Tell Themselves

My name is Lady Writes. And I'm a stationery addict. It's been...5 days since my last stationery purchase...

How To Write The Best Blog Post

So, a huge thank you to those of you who responded to my Twitter poll and told me that you wanted me to start a new post series dedicated to bloggers and blogging. Because almost all of you voted 'yes' to the series, I have happily been writing away and now have seven posts ready especially for you lovely lot.

Now, I don't profess to be the Queen of Blogging - far from it. But in my day job I work as a Social Media & Digital Marketing Manager, so blogging and social media is in my veins. I live and breathe it - sad but true...and I wouldn't change it either! Although Lady Writes was only fully launched last August (five months ago) I've got five years blogging experience through my first blog as a parent blogger for several years, and through my job too. So, I really want to share with you guys some of the things I've learnt along the way, either through my daily work, or through trial and error as a blogger myself.

Glossybox - Three Months In

I have now been a Glossybox customer for several months and I have three of their amazing boxes now taking up residence in my bedroom and their contents are fully making themselves at home in my makeup boxes.

I didn't want to write about Glossybox until I had received a few of their monthly boxes, in order to get a good feel of them, the quality of the products and to give myself time to decide on my overall thoughts. Having never had a beauty box subscription before, I was spending a lot of time looking at the different options available and Glossybox stood out the most. However, I didn't want to subscribe just because they were so well known, I wanted to make sure that the brand I chose was one I would really look forward to arriving on my doorstep every month.

My Style Icon - Lauren Conrad

There's always someone who's style and sense of dress inspires us, someone we class as a Style Icon. Someone who never fails to make their mark on the fashion word, to always look good (when we see them anyway) and who's sense of style is something we want to duplicate - with a touch of our own individuality thrown in. Someone who always gets it right, and always looks amazing - even in their chill out clothes.

How To Live A Happier Life

January. It's the most miserable of months isn't it? After the build up and anticipation of Christmas, the big day comes and goes, and as you enjoy the rest of your time off over New Year, you begin to relax and understand why we all need a break from time to time.

My Top Designer Handbags

This year it's on my bucket list to save up and buy myself a new handbag. It might sound shallow to have this as a goal, but it gives me something to work that extra bit harder for this year, plus a reason to manage my money with more focus.

Baker Days - Cake By Post

Cake. I love cake.

The way to my heart is through cake. I'm not one of these people who goes crazy for chocolate or sweets - I'm the person who goes for cake every time. It's justly preference but if I'm feeling that sweet craving coming my way, then I'm going to be reaching for cake of some variety.

New Year, New Scent

It's a new year - that means it's time for a new fragrance in my life.

Every January, I take the opportunity to start a fresh page when it comes to my perfume of choice. Of course, I have my old trusty bottles, that without fail will always have a place on my dressing table. But I use January as the prime time to try something new, that way I don't get too bored with always smelling the same. I like to mix things up you see!

Advertise With Lady Writes

I've been asked about this for months now, and it's finally here - I'm offering bloggers the opportunity to advertise here on Lady Writes! Advertising here with me will ensure that your blog is seen by thousands of people every month and will ensure that your blog is standing out from the crowd.

The Single Girls Guide To Netflix & Chill

Netflix & Chill. Oh how you've revolutionised the way men (and women) now see a date which is clearly meant to facilitate an ulterior motive. And one in which the intention is definitely not to watch Netflix and chill.

However, what happens when you're genuinely really wanting to just...watch Netflix & Chill with him? Do we even know what it means to do this anymore without cringe memories of pretending to watch a film while taking sideways glances at the man-friend sitting closer than is necessary on the sofa?

Contour Cosmetics - The Ultimate Cheek Bones

Contouring is something that's taken the beauty world by storm in the last year or so. Going from being the secret of professional make-up artists, to an everyday technique for everyone to benefit from.

The market now offers a good range of different product types to help contour your face - from pencils and powders - to creams. No matter what your make-up regime, there will be a contour product to suit you.

Lady Writes Is Nominated!

Last night I came home from work to a very exciting email...I'm up for a UK Blog Award 2016! HOW EXCITING! #UKBA16

If you enjoy reading my ramblings, reviews and general hilarity then, at the risk of sounding cheesy and like I'm begging (I am) please would you take 5 seconds out of your day to vote for me? That's all it takes, and I'll love you forever!

Ellie Goulding For M.A.C

Once upon a time, a blogger named Lady Writes was happily sat working away when an email landed in her inbox.

It was an email that bought great joy to her heart. But sorrow to her bank account.

The email was titled 'The Ellie Goulding Collection: M.A.C'.

And just like that, the happy blogger had spent her Christmas commission within ten minutes...

My Favourite Black & White Quotes

I love words. I love quotes. I'm sentimental. I find words, quotes or pieces of literature that match how I'm feeling, and I keep them and remind myself of them. Words are beautiful, fun and emotive. So today's post is all about my favourite words, quotes and general musings that I've found in various places - thank you if they've come from you! I'm loving the simplicity of black and white quotes, so that's the theme of them all. I hope you like them as much as I do..

My 2016 Bucket List

Every year on January 1st I get a new jar or box and decorate it to make it look pretty (because, well, why not?) Inside I keep something very precious - my list of hopes, dreams and goals for the year. Once I've written them, I fold the paper over and tie it with ribbon and pop it in the jar or box. I then don't open it until the next January 1st - even if I really want to.