A Year In Glitter World 2014

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

It has become a custom over here in Glitter World to spend a few moments on the last day of December to look over the year and reflect upon all it's adventures. 

In the past I have done a month by month summary of what happened here on the blog, but with only 97 posts this year, I think we'll go for something new!

2014 has been a most challenging year. Some challenges have been oh so rewarding and some, less so. It's hard to talk about these things objectively because Sprinkle of Glitter is a happy place designed to only showcase the highlights of my life, celebrate the exciting and inspire positivity. With that in mind, I'll get the hard stuff said first and then move on to easier shores. 

I will be brutal. This year has been hard. I have often found myself in situations I know not how to handle and have regularly felt out of my depth. My confidence has been knocked and subsequently so has my self esteem. 'Lost' is a good way to describe the worst parts of the year. I have felt lost in a sea of people who seem to know where their paths lead. Whilst professionally I have felt cool, calm and confident (more on that shortly), my personal life has been a very private struggle that I hope will ease in 2015. 

I have sought constantly for the approval of others when really, I should have only needed my own. I have made big, hard choices and spent days and weeks unsure if they were right. I have cried, a lot. 

A lot of this pain was reflected in my blog and youtube channels in the form of absence and I want to take a moment to thank you for never pressuring or resenting the big gaps and the lack of posts and videos. 

That was hard to write. Really hard. I hate admitting I'm not constantly a life winner but 2014, you were a toughie. A goodie, but a toughie!

Moving on to brighter topics, three things that have made me smile from ear to ear are my sweet baby girl (as always), Sprinkle of Glitter and friends. 

Darcy Jane Watson has been a joy. Watching her develop and delighting in her milestones has been such a privilege. She has grown from a tot to a small child and whilst my Mama heart wants to keep her a tiny snuggly baby for ever, I am constantly impressed by the wonders of Motherhood. To see a child experience pure happiness is better than having it yourself. Watching Darcy play with other children or be thrilled by something so mundane makes me feel like my heart might burst. 

Now she is 3 and 9 months she is enjoying imagination games (last night she made us call her Charly over and over), making up jokes ("I've got an idea! When we get home we will all climb into the bins! AHAHAHAHAHA I'm fully kidding Mummy!") and being a 'big girl' (eating food well herself, sleeping in knickers instead of pullups and getting out of the carseat with minimal assistance). 

As she grows, she is also becoming aware of bigger topics. She understands that my Mummy lives in Heaven ('with Mufasa and Ariel's Mummy') and that it is more important to be kind and smart than to be a princess. I am proud of her. I think I always will be. 

Sprinkle of Glitter has been crazy amazing this year. I have been to Florida, Milan, New York, LA, New Jersey and on a UK Tour to meet as many of you as possible, have talked on panels, been part of live shows, given Q&A's and even started my own stage tour, 'LouiseLIVE'. It has been an absolute whirlwind. 

I began the year quite overwhelmed and unsure but after starting (go me!) the topic of YouTube Culture, I have noticed a big, big shift in the way I am treated by viewers and hopefully this in turn has positively effected they way I treat you. 

At large conventions like Playlist and Vidcon, I noticed a much calmer vibe from so many people and loved it! I felt able to stand about and have relaxed conversations and actually interact with the people that watch Sprinkle of Glitter and make it so (I think) special. I love how this is all just one big conversation and how we, as a community, can take control and make it how we want it to be. Even as it grows (and wowee oh my woah woah, has it grown this year!!), I think the community feel remains and that Sprinklerinos are very protective over keeping it a kind, loving, happy place. I know with all of our efforts, that will continue into the new year. 

I have also been working behind the scenes on several large projects that will come to light in 2015 and can't wait for those too. 2014 has been a year of building, 2015 will be the unveiling!

Friends. You know that song with the line, 'I get by with a little help from my friends'? That's 2014 for you right there. 

In 2014 I made brand new friends and strengthened existing friendships so much I could cry. I have a very special place in my heart for all my oldie but goldies (Zoe, Clare, Emma, Marie, Jack and more) but have found a little bit of extra space for Hazel Hayes who wins the award for Most Time Spent Listening To Me Ramble On About Utter Crap That At The Time Felt Important. Seriously, I feel almost ashamed at how much of her time I have taken up and how nurturing she has been. She is a good egg and will join the esteemed list of 'Oldie but Goldie's above. In 2015 I would love a little getaway with her and Zoe for facials, massages and all the lols!!

A huge highlight of 2014 was fiiiinnaaalllyy flying out to Seattle with Matt and Darcy to visit Marie BitsandClips and her family. I have so much love for those people and want to spend all my days bringing them as much delight as they give to me. I said to Marie the other day, 'you are sunshine incarnate' and I was right. She cannot not make me happy. Ooff. 

Other little mentions and thank you's (I'm at the Oscars now apparently) go to - Dodie for lovingly stroking my arms the time I hyperventilated in a bar, Cayleigh for never failing to be as enthusiastic as me about insane ideas, Amber for being such a kind soul in New Jersey when I was sick and scared, Maddie for always remembering and acknowledging the hard days, my neighbour Vicky for always chitchatting on the drive, Sam, Nic and Caroline for giving perfect big sister advice, Cat for listening and analysing, Ben Cook for encouraging me to talk about big topics and Jack for forever forcing me to up my game. 

I have felt incredibly loved this year. 

*Vom*

And so there we have it, a big ol' brain dump of the last 12 months. A year of filming and flights and skater skirts and sparkly nails and baby squishes and late night dinners and red carpets (yay!) and big discussions and hotel lols and skype chats and lovely lists and fairy lights and laughter and tears and fist pumps and kittens, it's been a year!!

I am ending this year with a thankful heart and as always, an optimistic mind. 

Tell me, how has your 2014 been? 

Toodlepip!

xx

Aloha Sprinklerinos, 

Twas the night before Christmas and Louise was proud to introduce her final Amazing Advertisers of 2014 after a cracking year of blogging discoveries. Wowee have we had a good month once more, there's something about festive blogging that gives me all the feels and these gals have been blogging up a triumphant storm. Grab yourself a hot chocolate, perhaps a treat or two (it is Christmas after all) and let's get cracking! 

Source 

Abracadabra Girl

Abracadabra Girl is a beauty and lifestyle blog written by Kara, quite the blogging extraordinaire and Abracadabra Girl it is one of the most pleasing blogs I ever did see. Kara’s beautiful photography skills and in depth reviews make for quite the professional content and lovable blog indeed! Not to mention I’m a lover of the passion she has for products, as a makeup artist and a previous salon owner Kara certainly knows about all things beauty, and I’m pleased as punched she has shared said knowledge and wisdom with us.

Darling Dee Dee

Last month Dee impressed me muchly with her fabulous blogging skills and I’ve been a keen bean to see what treats she’s had in store for us in December, oh boy oh boy we’ve not been disappointed! Dee’s reviews this month have been tip top, and I’ve particularly enjoyed reading about her experience with iScream nail polishes, Dee has shown the range of colours flawlessly, and as a camera user and blogger myself I can tell ya it’s not an easy job! I look forward to future content from Dee, perhaps even a tutorial or two? Pretty please?

Anna in Wonderland

Wowza, Anna in Wonderland has been quite the busy blog this month, including guest post galore, Frozen inspired hair tutorials and even a lesson in publishing, Anna you certainly are a whizz! I’ve been a fan of Anna in Wonderland for a few months now, I enjoy Anna’s adventures and aspirations as a published writer, it’s unique and educational which is a nice little twist amongst the ‘little bit of everything’ blogs. Whether you’re after some inspiration, in need of a holiday destination idea, or simply believe variety is the spice of life, then Anna in Wonderland is for you.

SilverSpoon London

Oh my goodness gracious! We’ve got a beauty amongst our midst Sprinklerinos. Lifestyle blogger Angie and her slice of the web SilverSpoon London are bloomin’ gorgeous, you’d be a fool to disagree. SilverSpoon London is a swish, Carrie Bradshaw-esque blog and it’s certainly shown me a thing or two about wining and dining around London! From Japanese to Italian and even a tasty cocktail or two, Angie is trying it all. If you’re a foodie lover and in need of a restaurant to make your mouth water, then I’d give SilverSpoon London a gallivant. Warning, it will make you hungry.

Sunny Sweet Pea

Sunny Sweet Pea makes me smile. It’s a lifestyle blog written by Jenny, and I can’t quite pinpoint why, but it gives me the warm and fuzzies and having a sneaky peak into Jenny’s life with her partner and pup makes for a good read, and a lovable blog. Whether it’s a beautifully written musing, a thoughtful quote with meaning to provide a much needed pep in your step, or even the opportunity to fall in love with fellow advertising bloggers of SilverSpoon, Jenny has kindly provided it all and Sunny Sweet Pea is a blog I’m happy to have in my feed, as should you all!

I hope you've had a jolly good read from our final gals of Amazing Advertisers 2014. I hope to have all your smiling faces ready for another lot of my beautiful bloggers in the New Year. Who has been your favourite blog of 2014? 

Toodlepip! 

xx

Avon | Connecting Beauty Lovers

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

I’ve been using my trusty pals at Avon for donkeys years now. There’s something I’ve always loved about their personal approach to the business world, I even wrote about their amazing door-to-door service way back when in 2010 and still find myself getting super excited when my local representative drops my monthly brochure through the letterbox. You can’t ask for much more than being able to fill out a form and have everything you’ve ordered delivered directly to your door with a smiley face and a little catch up to boot.

You may already know, but Avon also offer an online service – if you need things a little more urgently you can shop your must haves on the web and have them delivered that way.

Now of course they offer a top-notch service but let’s not forget about what they actually sell! Avon have always been my go to affordable beauty brand, their books come jam-packed with makeup, beauty products, perfume, clothing AND home ware all at amazingly competitive prices. 

There are some items I've been dying to get my mitts on including a selection of the Glimmerstick Diamonds Eyeliners, the Ideal Luminous Shimmer Block and True Colour 8 in 1 Eyeshadow Palette. Avon's eyeshadows always pack a punch with their pigmentation so I'm looking forward to creating some festive looks with the palette and the glimmersticks together!

I also spotted this UH-mazing snow leopard throw...

Quotes: 'IT'S SO FLUFFY I'M GONNA DIE!!' (name that film ;))

Which apparently makes the perfect perch for displaying those beautiful items!

You can also keep yourself in the loop with all the other Avon fans using Avon Beauty Connects. It's an online community haven - where you can share your beauty tips, read blogs and watch tutorials from Avon's beauty experts! Click here to get yourself involved in the fun!

What do you think? Will there be any Avon products at the top of your Christmas list this year?

Toodlepip!

xx

*This is a paid for advertisement/ advertorial but all views are my own!

Beauty Review | Tarte Cosmetics

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

If there is one brand that has had heaps of hype this year it’s Tarte Cosmetics and I’m not going to lie when I say I was firmly perched on that bandwagon.

I’ve been itching to get my hands on some of their products and now they’ve launched a select amount in the UK it seemed the perfect time to share them with you lovely lot. 

Tarte were lovely enough to send me a nice little parcel, but the products I’m most excited to try (and that are available for us here in the UK, too) are…

Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush

It’s been one of their most talked about products and from simply opening the packaging I can see why. With highly pigmented shades, packaging to match the colour that’s inside (good thinking, guys!) and a beautifully sized compact mirror they’ve already got me sold. 

Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara
With a cheeky hint from the title, this mascara promises to provide four lash benefits – curling, lengthening, volumising and conditioning. It’s safe to say that it’s going to be the one to reach for on an evening out, when you want to achieve a dramatic, dark eye. It’s also Dermatologist proven to increase volume in the lashes, which is a bit swishy if you ask me. 

Amazonian Clay Volumizing Brow & Hair Powder
Available in a variety of shades, halleluiah! Not only is this little beauty packing a punch with some gorgeous packaging it, like the mascara, gives volumised, fuller brows – perfect for those Cara Delevingne inspired looks. 

Lastly, the Amazonian Butter Lipstick
Containing ingredients such as vitamin A and emollient butters (like cocoa butter) they’re super hydrating, ultra moisturising lipsticks with bold, pigmented application. They have a trio pack available on QVC at the moment that includes Coral Blossom - a golden coral shade, Tulip - a soft rose shade and Creamy Rose. 






I'm really excited to give this brand a whirl!
 
What do you think?

Do you have any Tarte items on your Christmas wishlist?

Toodlepip!
xx 

Motivational Monday || Fight or Flight

Aloha Sprinkerinos,

Merry Monday to you! Not only a new Monday but a new month. Merry Month to you? Heh heh. 

Today's Motivational Monday will be a little different to the usual, it's a really personal tale of triumph but hopefully one you can take elements from and incorporate them into your own life. 

A couple of weeks back I wrote THIS post about comfort zones and feeling super unsettled in new places. I was blown away by your responses to that and amazed at how many of your feel the same way. For the longest time I have not vocalised my feelings about new places because I felt a bit silly or like if I didn't think or talk about them then they wouldn't be real and I could quietly overcome them. 

I am slowly realising that by being more open, I can accept it more and will find ways to deal with it better. The most crucial thing to me is that this doesn't get worse. I'm not looking for miracles, I would just like to be able to go on trips without feeling anything more than a standard amount of fear, as opposed to an irrational amount. I'd like to not say, 'Will you though? Will you actually? Will you definitely?' to someone when they say, 'You go down and get in the taxi, I'll be there in 5 minutes'. That actually did happen this weekend. Grr. 

So, last weekend I jetted off to New Jersey to attend the Playlist Live Tri-State conference. We stayed in a Hilton which was great because I stay in those a lot and felt really secure and familiar there and Dean was in the room across the hall so I felt nice about that. 

Usually when I travel for these work things, a big group of my friends go as well as either my Manager or Producer. With those people I feel somewhat cocooned in a safety net but this time I only flew out with Jack and Dean and felt a little vulnerable. Don't get me wrong, they are the greatest. Jack is one of my absolute best friends and Dean is someone who after this weekend I feel truly bonded with but none the less, I was nervous and on edge. 

The flight was great, lots of lols and a tiny bit of sleep (after an initial cry at the airport because I just anticipated all the worst things) but by the time we were at Newark, I was feeling the fear. I don't know what it is. I just detest being in environments where I can't seem to latch onto anything familiar. I kind of need that anchor. Even silly things like if I see a Starbucks makes me feel good because I know where I am with that, I know what it is and what's inside and how it will be and so can relax. 

We arrived at the hotel late so there really wasn't an evening and everything began the next day. 

We headed into New York City with some of Jack's American friends (who were so lovely- big cuddles to Amber and Dom) and I immediately didn't feel great. I've been to New York once before and I think because I was with Matt and we only did little outings for just a couple of hours at a time it was a lot less heavy. 

Everything was like an attack on my senses. We had to walk fast, dodge people, keep up convo, be freezing, smell weird street food stuff, look everywhere, everything was loud, etc etc. It was a LOT. We ate and then went to Times Square and at this point I knew I was really struggling. Whilst everyone was having a great time I tried to remind myself that it's just 'big London' and that it was all mind over matter. 

Eventually matter won over mind and I felt way too hot, I couldn't catch my breath, I wanted to jump in a taxi and zoom away but instead I darted into a bar and threw up (in the loos, not just over the drinks dispensers haha). Not good. 

That was the point I wanted to throw the towel in and grab a cab back to the hotel. I was a teary mess and felt like the city was this big bad force that was going to swallow me up and I was drowning. 

After a big glass of ice water and very soothing words from Jack (who was just perfection about the entire thing), I decided to stay. 

Long story short, I had one of the best afternoons I've had in years. I have a lot of good afternoons so this is really saying something. We went ice skating, had hot chocolates (well, I watched the gang have hot chocolates for fear of being ill again), looked in shop windows and laughed and chatted and oh me oh my it was so magical. 

If I hadn't have forced myself to do it (or Jack hadn't have helped me I should say), I wouldn't have had that. It was scary and horrible and I cried and wanted to hide away but I stayed in the situation and (ungracefully) triumphed. I'm glad about that. 

When the innate 'flight or fight' instinct kicks in, my body always opts for 'flight' and to run to safety. This weekend (lots of other things have led me to this conclusion but there are too many to write about) I found myself taking the 'fight' option on numerous occasions and I'm really pleased. 

If you do have the chance to make that choice, try 'fight'. Right now, it doesn't feel as good as 'flight' but I know if I keep doing it, it will. 

I'm going to keep being vocal about this issue and keep updating you on progress (or set backs) because it feels healing and that's nice. 

Let me know in the comments if you have ever felt this way or if you have any similar stories. 

Thank you for always being such loves on this blog, it is never un-noticed and always appreciated. 

Toodlepip!

xx