Image Credit

Image Credit

Image Credit

Some soft porn for typography lovers, but it may anger the “grammar nazis” (I actually really hate that phrase) a little! Well worth a watch anyway!

Simply because this really resonated with me, enough that I felt the need to share it in case some of you aren’t big Doctor Who nerds like me:

The way I see it, every life [...]]]> Photo Credit

Simply because this really resonated with me, enough that I felt the need to share it in case some of you aren’t big Doctor Who nerds like me:

The way I see it, every life is a pile of good things and bad things. Good things don’t always soften the bad things, but vice versa, the bad things don’t necessarily spoil the good things or make them unimportant.

- The 11th Doctor, Episode 10 - Vincent And The Doctor

I am far too excited by all the speculation regarding the finale, I’ve become quite distracted from my work at times reading theories and discussions on forums! The inevitable cliffhanger on Saturday will probably see me yelling at the TV like an angry old man!

I missed last week’s post because I was ridiculously busy, so this week I thought I’d simply share a few bits and pieces I’ve found interesting and / or inspiring recently:

It has occurred to me that I have a wealth of interests that I could [...]]]> 1, 2, 3, 4

It has occurred to me that I have a wealth of interests that I could probably write vast amounts of posts on, but for some reason, I don’t seem to write about. I’m not sure why, since I don’t exactly keep this blog to a specific topic or subject area, but that just seems to be the way of things.

In the interests of expanding the scope of what I write here, and indeed to encourage me to write differently, and perhaps outside of my comfort zone, I thought I would compile a list of interests I have that are very “bloggable”, that for some reason I never seem to write about here. I believe this will encourage me to compose some different posts and maybe allow for a bit of feedback too.

• Beauty Products – I’m totally obsessed! I spend far too much time on makeup and skincare products, and when I’m going out I’ll spend ages getting my eye make-up perfect. I think the main reason I’ve never really written about this area is that I find it very difficult to photograph make-up accurately. Has anyone written a guide on how to go about this?
• Clothes – I like layers, dark colours with bursts of brightness, red skirts and boots, classic styles, full skirts and lots of sparkle. Although I don’t think I’d feel comfortable posting full-length photos of myself (it’s very rare that I actually like a photo of me), that doesn’t mean I can’t photograph my outfits on hangers, or even make Polyvore sets!
• Interesting / Quirky People- People-watching is one of my favourite pastimes, and I’ve often considered writing small portraits of the people I see that seem a little more interesting than the rest.
• Healthy Food and Drink – I might not eat it often enough, but I have a real passion for food and drink that’s not only delicious, but also really good for you. I also suffer from an on / off “superfood” obsession from time to time!
• Gadgets - It’s probably pretty obvious from my TiLT posts that I love shiny gadgets, and totally covet the latest electronic marvels that I can’t afford!
• Bigger Issues Outside the Blogosphere- Politics, feminism, psychology, I have an interest in so many things, yet I only seem to touch on the more serious issues when there’s a blogging scandal or some such other blogosphere-related reason to bring it up.

A few weeks after my blog’s 1 year anniversary, I suppose these could be seen as blogging New Years Resolutions. I intend to push myself outside of that writing comfort zone a little and write about subjects I’d usually neglect, as well as continuing with my usual content. I’m hoping that this will make Sparkle and Glitter a more challenging, educational project for me as well as making it more interesting to read for you!

What do you think? Are there any subjects you avoid writing about even though they interest you?

Image by Lyubov

Once again it’s far too glorious a weekend to be stuck indoors on the Internet, so before reading these, please consider going out into the sunshine and saving them for later!

Image by Lyubov

Once again it’s far too glorious a weekend to be stuck indoors on the Internet, so before reading these, please consider going out into the sunshine and saving them for later!

If it’s not as fabulous where you are and you haven’t filled it in already, please take a moment to take the Sparkle and Glitter Survey by clicking here.  Sorry about that, onwards with the posts!

* First of all, if you haven’t downloaded it already, I suggest you take a few moments do download Chris Guillebeau‘s free e-book “279 Days to Overnight Success“. I’ve only read part of it, but so far it has some really useful information for getting the most out of the blogging platform and reaching a wider audience. I didn’t start this blog with the intention of going “pro” but all the fabulous tips on engaging with your audience etc. have been exceedingly insightful and useful to me so far, and I’m sure most bloggers will be able to get something out of this.

* The brilliant Mademoiselle Robot has been receiving some negative comments recently, and in response has made a video post on “Dealing With Negative Comments” in which she demonstrates a really clear and well-thought out point of view in a totally cute way!

* “Embracing Your Age” is a marvellous post about accepting the person you are right now, by the fabulous Lace and Stars.

* Attraction Mind Map features a very insightful post entitled “The Masquerade Play of Life“, regarding the masks we wear as we go about our everyday lives and when and how to removed those masks.

Image by josef.stuefer

* Most of you will have probably already read Nubby‘s excellent post entitled “What is Your Definite Major Purpose?” but a good thing is always worth promoting just in case. Definitely well worth a read if you haven’t already.

* Bakery is a great site for bloggers and business-owners. “Do You Know Your Stats?” stresses the importance of analysing your blog statistics if you’re seeking the growth of your blog.

* Another awesome travel post comes in the form of “Avoiding Jet Lag and Other Long Haul Tips” by Amber. These tips are really great, and given me a few books to add to the “to read” list as well!

* “25 Ways to Live a Fairytale Life” is a really sweet list of ideas to make your life a bit more magical, from The Princess Portal.

* CMYKaboom! (I love the name) has a regular feature entitled “Inspiration Machine” and this week’s contains some great ideas!

* I loved parts one and two of Aimee Marie‘s Photo Coach series so I was really happy when “Part 3: Composition” was posted this week!

I hope the rest of the weekend is wonderful!

Image by chrisjfry

A short yet rambling collection of thoughts follows (and multi-coloured chicks are awesome!):

Few people have the luxury of being 100% satisfied with the way they look, the job they have, the size of their bank account etc. [...]]]>

Image by chrisjfry

A short yet rambling collection of thoughts follows (and multi-coloured chicks are awesome!):

Few people have the luxury of being 100% satisfied with the way they look, the job they have, the size of their bank account etc. Everyone however, can gain the luxury of being fully happy with the person they are. Being true to yourself is not necessarily about embracing the bad with the good, but rather working to become the person you and you alone want to be.

It took me many years to realise this.

You should not change for other people. If a friend or lover wishes to mould you into someone else, someone they want you to be, then they do not have your best interests at heart. Unless these changes are ones you yourself wish to make, they will ultimately make you unhappy. The only things you need to change about yourself, as a person, are those you are personally dissatisfied with.

Perfection is not a beautiful body, a full wardrobe or a high-flying job, perfection is being completely comfortable in our own skin, and in being the people we have become. Your real friends love you for who you are, the only person’s opinion you need to satisfy and live up to is your own.

I think you’re all fabulous!

xx

A belated Happy Easter and a belated Sparkle Roundup! I hope you’re all having a good break from work, school, or just the stresses of everyday life in general and are enjoying being able to indulge [...]]]> Image by mawel

A belated Happy Easter and a belated Sparkle Roundup! I hope you’re all having a good break from work, school, or just the stresses of everyday life in general and are enjoying being able to indulge in whatever you gave up for Lent (if you did)!

Just a quick Sparkle Roundup this week, but be assured that there will be more new and better content soon! In the meantime, enjoy these fabulous posts from this week in the blogosphere!

* There’s an excellent article by The Princess Portal on “Authenticity” this week. This is something I feel really strongly about – that there is no point in being the person you think people want you to be, as you can’t be truly happy unless you’re being yourself.

* “Establish Sustainable Positivity through Perspective and Appreciation” is the lengthly title of a really amazing post by one of my favourite and most-featured bloggers, the wonderful Tres Lola. I think this post is capable of giving anyone something to think about!

* Nubby‘s fabulously detailled reply to a reader’s question, “Digital vs. Print Design & Magazine Submissions” is essential reading for anyone hoping to make a career in graphic design (or those who just find it interesting, like me!)

* La Couturier give some brilliant advice on “what to wear: at the airport“, something I always seem to get wrong no matter what! Usually I end up freezing on the plane then boiling when I get to my destination – wearing steel-heeled boots through the metal detectors is also something I’ve managed to do on several different occasions!

* The lovely Tash challenges us with the question “Are you niche enough?” For once however, this is not applied to blogs, but rather to our careers, and is a very interesting read. Definitely one to think about if, like me, you’re job-hunting right now.

* Expand Yourself is another great personal development blog I’ve recently discovered. “Craving for energy?” is a great post that highlights four different types of energy that may be lacking in our lives, and what to do to boost that energy and use it.

* Nicole Ioma‘s advice on how to “Break a Creative Block” is really great, and includes a couple of ideas I really wouldn’t have thought of if she hadn’t pointed out the benefits. Well worth a read.

I hope you enjoy reading these and that you’re still enjoying a relaxing Easter break! If you’re back at work already, I hope you’re well-rested!

xx

More than Words by J.Salmoral

The Light of Words by photine

Lost Words by kool_skatkat

Words / Word by [...]]]> Words are something I geek over terribly, so I also have something of a fascination with words incorporated or simply transformed into art.

Words, words, words by Fraochsidhe

More than Words by J.Salmoral

The Light of Words by photine

Lost Words by kool_skatkat

Words / Word by melinnis

Brassy Words by pilipala9

Almost-Words 2 by Pablo Municio

365:23 Create by katiescrapbooklady

Have a beautiful weekend!