Some of you may have noticed that I haven’t written a “Sparkle Roundup” post in quite some time. I realised that the concept was becoming a bit stale, with the same blogs appearing over and over again because I [...]]]> Photo Credit

Some of you may have noticed that I haven’t written a “Sparkle Roundup” post in quite some time. I realised that the concept was becoming a bit stale, with the same blogs appearing over and over again because I can only subscribe to a certain number of blogs before my RSS reader starts to control my life!

I decided therefore, to stop posting them for a while, fully intending to bring Sparkle Roundup back eventually in some capacity, but unsure exactly how. I toyed with the idea of themed posts, but realised that by the time I collected enough links, many of them would be rather old and would probably have been featured in many other, more widely-read blogs than mine, thus rendering the idea as stale as the original posts. I eventually decided to jump on the tumblr bandwagon, and “Scattered Glitter” was born!

There’s not much there yet, and I still need to make it prettier, but that’s where I’ll be posting the bits and pieces I find on the web that inspire and intrigue me from now on! So please click through to:

Scattered Glitter

Do you use Tumblr? Let me know so I can follow your posts!

Image by fofurasfelinas

I appear to have given up trying to find relevant photos for these posts! The above is cute, but bears very little relation to the content, however cute is always good!

Image by fofurasfelinas

I appear to have given up trying to find relevant photos for these posts! The above is cute, but bears very little relation to the content, however cute is always good!

I hope you’re all having a relaxing weekend which for those of us in the UK is a 3-day break. I know I’m enjoying it!

* Speaking of cuteness, this story about a library cat made me smile, so although it’s not a blog post I couldn’t resist including it in this week’s Sparkle Roundup!

* This article by The Demoiselles definitely expresses my attitude to clothing – “Accentuate The Positive“. For me it’s my legs, short skirts and skinny jeans are my wardrobe staples!

* Positively Present (probably one of my favourite blogs now!) contains a great article entitled “let’s go! 5 steps for getting on the road to your goal” – it’s a really great approach to achieving things!

* “Life Planning“ by Liv is also a rather awesome post along similar lines but with a broader perspective.

* The Positivity Blog has an article that sadly is probably relevant for quite a lot of people right now – “Staying Positive Through a Layoff” with some great advice.

* “From a Place of Love” by Already Pretty poses some great questions about body image etc.

* Copyblogger shares a simple list of tips on “How to Be a Better Writer in the Next 10 Minutes“. For me, point four was the most relevant – I think sometimes I concentrate far too much on trying to write “well” as opposed to just writing.

* Here’s a post I’m going to have a lot of use for over the next month or so! “Revision Busting Tips” by Harriet is really worth reading by anyone with exams coming up!

* Finally, Sarah Von‘s “A Five Point Plan” is well worth printing and sticking somewhere you’ll see it every day!

Sorry it’s a little late this week, I had a much-needed exceedingly lazy day yesterday!

xx

Amongst all the admin this week I’ve read some brilliant posts by some amazing bloggers. I’ve definitely found some inspiring stuff, and added loads more blogs to my Google reader!

I’m not going to advise people to go out [...]]]> Image by .craig

Amongst all the admin this week I’ve read some brilliant posts by some amazing bloggers. I’ve definitely found some inspiring stuff, and added loads more blogs to my Google reader!

I’m not going to advise people to go out and enjoy the sunshine this week, since I’ve spent most of it in front of my computer, albeit with the window open!

* First up I’m going to break the mould a little and say that if you add one blog to your regular reads this week, make it Positively Present! I can’t choose one article to recommend to you, so I’m recommending the whole blog instead. Give it a read, it’s truly brilliant!

* Part of the Writing Tips series on TwentySomething Writers is this very interesting article on Creating a Character complete with a suggested profile to fill in with all your character’s essential information.

* Chris Guillebeau has written a list entitled “26 People I Highly Respect” which is exacly what the title says it is. He has selected some truly inspiring and fascinating people, and you’re sure to find someone new to read the blog of or follow on Twitter.

* Positive Living has an article that I hope will be very useful for me sometime soon, “How to Perform Well at a Job Interview“. A lot of bloggers have written articles of this type at some point, but this one is particularly good and I’d feel completely confident in following the tips given here.

* “30 Fun Things To Do For Cheap or Free” is a great list on Code For Something with some really good ideas to pass the time when you’re broke, saving or just don’t want to part with any cash.

* Empty Purse also has some excellent ideas for “Free Things to do Alone“.

* Steve Pavlinas “Productivity 101” has probably been featured on most peoples’ link posts by now, but is definitely worth repeating because it’s an exceedingly helpful read.

* Despite the occasional bout of Mac envy, I’m a PC user through and through, and a Windows user at least until my course ends (I’d probably be running Linux on my laptop if the College of Law’s online tutorials didn’t require Internet Explorer). I found Probloggers list of “Seven Essential Applications for Bloggers Using Windows” to be a great resource and I’ve already installed a couple of them. Blogging Tools 3 may well consist partially of my opinions on them!

* A very interesting perspective, “Blogs Aren’t Dead, They’re Maturing“.

I hope you’re enjoying the weekend, I know I am!

x

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!

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

The above image makes me want to eat nothing but delicious fresh fruit today whilst enjoying the sunshine! If you’re in the UK with beautiful weather and you’re not on a laptop outside (or at least by a [...]]]> Image by Project 404

The above image makes me want to eat nothing but delicious fresh fruit today whilst enjoying the sunshine! If you’re in the UK with beautiful weather and you’re not on a laptop outside (or at least by a window) get off the Internet and go and enjoy the weather! You can read these at work on Monday morning!

* Code For Something features “Going Postal” a list of resources to inspire some snail mail love in your life!

* Ashe presents part two of her corset series, “How To Buy a Corset” full of helpful advice to stop you wasting your money on something horribly uncomfortable you never wear!

* Personal Branding is a big thing in the blogosphere these days. Skelliewag has written a really useful post entitled “How to Start (or Start-over) Building Your Personal Brand” that’s really easy to follow and extremely informative.

* Sarah Von‘s “Your New Plan for Tomorrow” suggests a really great outlook I’m definitely going to try!

* Harriet has written a great post about underwear! “The Importance of Underpinnings” is a great post, and you can read part two here!

* With all the sensationalism in the media about the London G20 protests, “Dispelling the Sensationalism” by Tres Lola is a remarkable post explaining things in a really brilliant and interesting manner.

* The Coveted features a fabulous post on my national beverage – Tea! “The Beauty in a Cup of Tea” contains some really useful information on the health and beauty benefits of a delicious cuppa!

* The Glamorous Grad Student has written a lovely piece on “Living Magically” a really sweet post that gave me a great boost on an otherwise work-filled and entirely un-magical day!

* Similarly, “Simple Pleasures” by new blog Lace and Stars is a lovely post that helps us to remember the little things that make life beautiful!

I’m about to get ready for my first barbecue of the year, Spring is really here now! I hope you all have a magical Sunday!

xx

Image by dvs

Late again, sorry! This has not been a good week for me as far as writing is concerned, my brain has been in a very weird place and I’ve found it very hard to sit down and concentrate. After allowing myself a [...]]]>

Image by dvs

Late again, sorry! This has not been a good week for me as far as writing is concerned, my brain has been in a very weird place and I’ve found it very hard to sit down and concentrate. After allowing myself a weekend almost completely away from the computer however, I’m hoping that I can get back on track this week!

Here’s a short but sweet Sparkle Roundup to start the ball rolling!

* Gem writes about “Getting Into Shape the Healthy Way” with some really great do’s and don’ts for our spring diets and fitness regimes!

* Tres Lola has some more great tips: “Fun Fitness Alternatives, Gym Membership Not Necessary“.

* “How To Ground Yourself In 7 Ways” by Attraction Mind Map has really helped me regain my focus for the week ahead.

* Gala teaches us “How To Be The Best House Guest Ever” and Princess Poochie tells us “How To Be A Good Host“, awesome!

* Charade always inspires me greatly and this week was no different. “Making Your Dreams Come True: A Sure-Fire Strategy” is a fantastic post!

* Doe Deere always has great ideas and “11 Ways to Go Green & Save Money” is no exception.

* Globe-trotter Bridey certainly knows her stuff when it comes to travel! “Living Out of A Suitcase” makes me want to follow her very sage advice and to run off and see the world!

A short one this week, but I’m planning to make up for it!

xx

Image by Eugene Regis

Another shot of Birmingham today as that’s where I am all weekend, studying Law again! The photo doesn’t really do justice to how awesome the Bullring area is – Selfridges (the big silver building) is lit [...]]]>

Image by Eugene Regis

Another shot of Birmingham today as that’s where I am all weekend, studying Law again! The photo doesn’t really do justice to how awesome the Bullring area is – Selfridges (the big silver building) is lit up in different colours at night, and the “juxtaposition of old and new” to coin a slightly pretentious phrase I used to describe it last time I was here after a few beers really does make for a fabulous place to be on a warm evening.

There have, once again, been some great blog posts this week, so without further ado, I hope you enjoy reading the following!

* One of my most-used tags on this blog is Positivity, so Tres Lola‘s wonderful post entitled “Unlocking Greater Positivity Every Day with Appreciation & Gratitude” is the perfect opener for this week’s Sparkle Roundup! Give the advice a try, you won’t be disappointed by how great it makes you feel!

* Yes and Yes features a guest post by Freya entitled “How to Make Friends Wherever You Go“, with some fantastic advice for the solo traveller or simply those who want to meet a few more interesting people – the ideas can easily be adapted to suit making new friends in your home town too.

* Freya also wrote a great post on her own blog about writing. “Starting Small” is about taking action and living in the moment to achieve great things.

* Doe Deere Blogazine this week features an important post that all women should read: “Don’t Be an Easy Target“. As sad as it is that today’s society makes measures like these necessary, they are, and the advice in this article is right on target. Read the comments too, they contain some brilliant additions!

* The “Unemployment Project of the Week” on Stickers and Donuts is great even if you’re working – some fabulous DIY projects that anyone can do!

Image by recursion_see_recursion

* “Three Sneaky Traps of Personal Development” is this week’s great post from The Positivity Blog, a very interesting viewpoint on a topic that’s very popular and prevalent in the blogosphere.

* Bella has written a great post called “Pushover’s Anonymous or How To Say NO!” for those of us who give in too easily in life!

* Back in Skinny Jeans is a really great blog, and one of the first I followed. This week there’s a fabulous article entitled “Seven Ways To Keep Going When You Feel Like Giving Up” which is sadly so relevant at the moment to so many people.  Well worth a read, even if everything in your life is going brilliantly!

* Turtle Progress is a diet and fitness blog, but the article “Facing the Facts About Change” can be applied to any area of your life!

* Miss Malaprop is a great blog if you love to buy items from independent creators. “Crafty Business Blogs & Eco-Marketplaces!” showcases some great websites with some truly beautiful things to splash some cash on!

I hope you’re having or have had an amazing weekend and are looking forward to a great week ahead!

xx