Tag Archives: tips

Katie Features

Top 5 Blogging Tips for Beginners

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I’ve been blogging for almost two years now and although I’m definitely not successful, I am slowly improving at my own steady pace. However, there are some things that I’m only just learning that I would have loved to have known when I first started out so here are my top 5 blogging tips for beginners.

1) Pick a Sensible Name

Obviously you can blog about literally anything and you don’t have to pick just one thing to write about, but don’t be silly like me and call your blog Mum Taught Me Fashion and then realise that you’re probably only to do a fashion post once every 6 months. Changing your focus is fine but make sure you pick a fairly adaptable name as now my whole brand is completely misleading and it’s kind of too late to change everything now.

2) Write About Things You Care About

A lot of bloggers will say that you have to pick a topic and stick to it as that’s how you gain followers but as a beginner I think it’s best to write about things you care about, whether they fall into the same category or not. That way you’re way more likely to actually stick with it rather than being forced to write a post you’re not particularly excited about. I write about anything that pops into my head, which is fine because it’s basically why the word ‘lifestyle’ was invented.

3) Don’t Underestimate the Need for Photography

I started blogging because I liked writing but quickly found out that to be really successful in terms of followers and actually making money that I really needed to up my photography game (something which, to be honest, I have not done). For some reason, bloggers seem to all live in perfectly white houses which provide the perfect insta backdrops but I just can’t seem to get the photography aspect of blogging right. Of course, if you’re blogging for yourself then this really isn’t an issue but if you’re looking to make a profit then you might want to invest in a DSLR and some white paint and be prepared for some funny looks in restaurants.

4) Don’t Compare Your Progress to Others

I know that I’ve basically just said I compare my photography to other bloggers but this is a bit different. Never compare your followers or site views to anyone else because no two situations are ever the same. For example, I really don’t get that many views (and most of them are my parents) but I have still been nominated for awards and get a reasonable amount of PR offers so just keep writing the content that you enjoy and good things will happen.

5) Talk to Other Bloggers

Whether it be on Twitter or at local events, talking to other bloggers is a great way to get inspiration, advice and even sometimes friends. Commenting on other blog posts and retweeting blogs you enjoy are a great way of not only promoting the hard work of others but also, you never know who might repay the favour.

Are you just starting blogging or do you have any tips of your own? Let me know below!

Katie x

Katie Features

5 Ways to Prepare for Exams

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It’s that time of year again. The library is full by 8am and students everywhere are struggling to form real sentences due to lack of sleep and brain capacity. Exam time is the worst but you can get through with just a few simple tips and emerge on the other side, victorious and ready for the fantastic summer ahead.

1. Make a revision timetable AND stick to it!

We all know that making a revision timetable is a great form of procrastination but if you make one and actually stick to it, it can seriously improve your productivity. If you give yourself specific things to do each day then allow yourself to relax when they’re complete then you’ll be motivated to work harder to earn that all important down time. Try working in the mornings so you have the evenings free to bask in the glory of all the work you’ve completed that day.

2. Don’t compare yourself to your friends

Everyone has that one friend who is always ahead of the game. The one that handed their dissertation in three weeks early and regularly visits their lecturers just for some stimulating conversation. The worst thing you can do at this time to compare yourself to other people. Everyone works at their own pace and in their own way and looking at what others are doing is just going to stress you out even more. Just block out other people’s progress and focus on yourself.

3. Schedule in regular breaks

However behind you think you are, working all day every day is not going to be any use. Set yourself some targets and reward yourself with a break when you complete them. Take this time to go outside, stretch your legs and catch up with your friends. Your brain physically won’t be able to handle all of the information without allowing it to rest and, if you don’t schedule in breaks, I’m sure your attention span will give you one anyway.

4. Make sure you get enough sleep

All-nighters may seem necessary when you’re faced with a pile of unread books and only a matter of days before your exam but, in reality, it’s probably better for you to get a good night’s sleep than force yourself to sit up in the library all night. Sleeping well will make you more productive overall rather than letting yourself fall into a zombie-like state.

5. Be Organised

I know this seems obvious but organisation really is the key. If you follow these other steps, especially making the timetable, you should already be most of the way there but make sure you don’t forget things like making sure you have the correct stationary and familiarising yourself with the format of the exam. Being organised is the most important thing to help you remain calm and combat the exam stress demon.

Good luck to anyone that has exams coming up! I’m sure you’ll do great!

Katie x

Katie Features, Uncategorized

Save, Spend, Splurge: Easter Eggs

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SAVE: Matchmakers Mint Egg

Whilst you can definitely find an egg cheaper than £3, usually of advent calendar quality, you won’t want to. The actual chocolate of this egg is minty so it’s just like a giant matchmaker and nothing is better than that! 

SPEND: Chocablok American Dreamcake Egg

At £5, this egg is a little fancier, cover with brownie and cookie pieces, it perfect for those who like a bit of variety when it comes to eating ridiculous amounts of sugar. They also do many other varieties such as strawberry shortcake if you need to get in your five a day*.

*Disclaimer: This does not count as one of your five a day. 

SPLURGE: Lindt Excellence Dark Chocolate Egg

When better to treat yourself, or someone else….but probably yourself, than at Easter? This Lindt egg is the perfect indulgence for the sophisticated egg eater and if definitely worth the few extra pounds. Your stomach will thank you!

Katie Moves

Katie Moves | 4 Ways to Exercise Without a Gym Membership

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The exercise bug is definitely out in force in January but it can be quite hard to commit financially (and mentally….and physically) to a gym. If surrounding yourself with sweaty, grunting, fitness fanatics isn’t for you, then try one of these gym-free ways to get fit:
1) Play a sport. 

For someone who’s lazy like me, finding a sport that you love is the perfect way to get yourself moving. I’m extremely competitive and don’t particularly enjoy the gym because I can’t win at it. I’ve always been fairly sporty, playing netball from a young age, but I didn’t realise how much fun sport could be until I started playing ultimate frisbee. Even niche sports like this are still great exercise so don’t worry if highly competitive, mainstream sports aren’t for you. The great thing about frisbee is that it caters for the sporting novices all the way to the competition craving freaks, like me, so there’s something for everyone. Taking up a sport turns your exercise into a social event, which makes you much more inclined to actually turn up!
2) Walk EVERYWHERE

In a city like Newcastle I’m lucky enough to have almost anything within walking distance. Using your exercise as a form transport gives you a purpose and a motivation. It’ll also save you the money you would have spent on petrol or public transport, and ensure that you’re never late due to pesky road works.

A new pair of trainers is always great motivation!
A new pair of trainers is always great motivation!

3) Do body weight exercises at home

Body weight exercises are super easy things, like plank and squats, that require no equipment and can be done from the comfort (and privacy) of your own home. Programs can be adapted depending on what your fitness goals are but for starters, you can find some basic moves here.

4) Join a boot camp class

If you’re an early riser then a morning boot camp class is the perfect way to start your day productively and healthily. You could also go in evening (which is what I’d do), but I’ve heard that the hardcore boot camper prefers the 6am starts. Weird. The presence of a trainer gives you guidance and motivation whilst the social, friendly atmosphere means you have a little more reason to drag yourself out of bed.

How do you keep yourself fit? Let me know below!

Katie x