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Friday, 17 March 2017

10 THINGS ALL BLOGGERS DO


Whether you've been blogging for 6 days or 6 years, there are some things we can't deny we all do, things that  "non-bloggers" would look at us like we're completely deluded..
​ It comes with the title, and just know, it's okay! 

1. Brought every single planner/organizer, to do list note pad, pretty pencils, post it notes, a pin board and 15 different diary's, but are still no closer to being organised. Hey, at least they make good photo props!

2. Sit refreshing you notifications on Instagram, waiting for the likes to roll in...... oh, come on.

3. Reading other blogs, deciding yours is awful, you might as well give up and forget that the idea ever existed. Followed by a serious ice-cream binge and a four marathon deep Kardashians spurge. Before getting back right into blogging the next day, obviously.

4. Asked Friends/Colleges/Partners to wait until you've got the perfect shot before they can tuck into their cocktails or food.Waiting 5 more minutes won't hurt you, give a girl a break.

5. Deleted your Snapchat selfie thinking you can definitely get a better one, 10 photos later realising you should have probably kept that first one. If only there was an "un-do" option.

6. Telling yourself over and over again you shouldn't care what people think when you're moving around the cutlery, drinks and food on your table to get the perfect picture, when really you're constantly peering over your shoulder to see if anyone is looking.

7. Clapping your hands, jumping up & down, and woooooop-ing when an exciting e-mail hits your inbox, but then calming down and replying to the PR as if your cool as a cucumber and get these kind of requests all the time. *claps hands together frantically again"

8. Getting nervous about meeting fellow bloggers you have only spoken to online, praying they don't realise you don't look anywhere near as good as your Instagram pictures or the Snapchat filter with the golden crown. Oh, what I'd do to have that filter in my life 24/7.

9. Sat staring at your ASOS saved items list, convincing yourself those shoes would look great in a blog post, so technically you'd be buying them for work purposes? Oh go you, you're so dedicated to the job. Might as well add that mascara and necklace to the bag to, because whats the point of ordering just one thing? Multi-tasking queen!

10. Going waaaaay out of you way to head to a certain lunch spot, simply because you've heard they have marble tables. Then ordering the Avo-toast and a coffee, because could you get anymore Instagram?

What are your blogging habits?
Talk soon babes XO


PR/Enquiries – exohsoph@gmail.com


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Wednesday, 15 March 2017

RECIPE| LOW CARB PIZZA


Cauliflower base pizza? It tastes better than it sounds. If you’re carb free, paleolithic, gluten free or perhaps just trying to cut back a little bit then this is a total winner.

To make one pizza you’ll need:

1 small cauliflower
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan
1/4 cup grated mozzarella
1tsp dried oregano
1 big clove crushed garlic
1 egg
Pinch of salt & pepper

Toppings:
Tomato pizza sauce (homemade or from a jar if you like)
About a cup of grated mozzarella
1 big pinch dried oregano
Any goodies you fancy! Spicy meatballs? Ham? Pineapple? Go wild.



1. Pre-heat your oven to 220C/430F and pop a large, flat baking tray in there to get hot too.

2. Grate your cauliflower until you’re left with ‘rice’ (about 2 or 3 cups).

3. Cover with a plate and put it into the microwave for around four minutes. When it pings bring it out and tip onto a clean, dry tea-towel to cool down.

4. While it cools, grate your cheese and put it in a large mixing bowl.

5. Once the cauliflower is cool enough to to handle, pull up the edges of your towel and wring all the moisture out of the rice. Really squeeze it all out! Then, throw it into the bowl with your cheeses.

6. Add your oregano, garlic & egg.

7. Stir it all together.

8. Lay a piece of grease-proof paper onto a chopping board and rub it with a bit of olive oil.

9. Squidge your ‘dough’ into a pizza shape on the paper. Give it some nice round, pizza-ry edges.

10. Carefully remove your hot baking tray from the oven. Slide the paper and the base across onto the tray (carefully!) and put it back into the oven for about 10mins.
Pull it out when it looks all gloriously bronzed.

11. Smooth on your sauce, cheese, oregano & toppings (I went for prosciutto and sliced chillies.)

12. Pop the whole thing back into the oven for about 5 mins or until it’s all melted and bubbly.

13. TIME TO SCOFF YOUR FACE.


Talk soon babes XO


PR/Enquiries – exohsoph@gmail.com




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Friday, 10 March 2017

8 THINGS GIRLS WISH GUYS KNEW


BOYS THIS ONE'S FOR YOU
1. Boys really underestimate the power of our lurking skills. I probably know more about your ex than you ever did.

2. Don't assume we're on our period just because being a little offish with you. Perhaps you've been getting on my absolute nerves and have been acting like a little shit. By using the ''you're on your period'' line, congratulations idiot, you've just aggravated me even more. 


3. We take pictures of everything and anything whether that be for Snapchat or Instagram, so please don't start scoffing your face before we get a decent picture.

4.  Do you really think dog whilsting as we walk by will stop us girls in our tracks and get us thinking 'he is the one'? It won't. Seriously, just stop. THE most unflatering compliment I could ever imagine.


5. When we ask for your opinion on how we look, at least appear to looked a little woo'ed with how hot we are. Not just a shoulder shrug and a "you look nice" Nice? NICE. I haven't spent the last 5 hours doing my highlight and spent all my wages on this outfit just to look nice. C'mon lads.

6. When we ask you a question, we probably already know the answer. Don't lie to us or try and wiggle out of the truth. We are #1 with our detective work.

7. If you've upset me and I tell you "I'm okay", do not take my word for it *REPEAT* do not take my word for it. I am lying to make you feel bad. I want you to feel sorry for me and smoother me with all the attention to make everything better. We are girls and we are difficult creatures 

8. If you ignore my text and I find you 'active on facebook 3 minutes ago', expect the storm lads, expect the storm. 

 What do you wish guys knew?
Talk soon babes XO

PR/Enquiries – exohsoph@gmail.com
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Wednesday, 8 March 2017

RECIPE | SHRIMP SAGANAKI

My aunt Elizabeth is most certainly the Jamie Oliver of the family and although, sadly, I do not go and visit as often as a should, whenever I do, she always cooks up a storm and an absolute feast for the 5,000. I must admit, I am by no means a good cook, my cookery skills only reach to just beyond the microwave but there is something so therapeutic about cooking up a homely meal for the family so slowly but surely I am learning. My aunt is very much into cooking for the more unusual, sensual pallet, usually one that is from across the globe. Today, we're holding the flag for Greece. Shrimp Saganaki, a Greek flavoursome classic.



To make a generous amount for two you’ll need:

300g raw king prawns
2 cloves of garlic
400g (1 tin) tinned chopped tomatoes
2 handfuls cherry tomatoes, halved
1 handful fresh dill (Optional)
2 glasses of nice white wine (1 for you, one for the Saganaki)
1 handful of feta
Chili flakes, dried oregano, salt, pepper, olive oil (Amount is optional)


  1. Warm a frying pan on a medium heat. Add some oil & when it’s hot crush your garlic into the pan. Just as it starts to turn golden, throw your prawns in. 
  2. Add a good sprinkling of chilli flakes, oregano, salt & pepper for the heat and flavour. Once the prawns have turned pink and just start to curl, take them out and place to one side.
  3.  Add a glass of wine to the pan and simmer away. Then, add your cherry tomato's. Leave to reduce for a few minutes, then add your tinned tomatoes. Generously stir and leave to cook away. 
  4. Tear up your dill (or herb of your choice) and add it to the mix.  
  5. By the time the cherry tomato's are soft and cooked, the whole dish should be ready. Pop your prawns back into the mix and stir.
  6. Crumble over a generous fistful of feta & serve. 
My auty tends to serve the dish with a crusty loaf for dipping.

Enjoy! More recipes coming soon.
 Talk soon babes XO

PR/Enquiries – exohsoph@gmail.com
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Monday, 6 March 2017

15 BLOG POST IDEAS FOR THE DISORGANISED BLOGGER


I'll hold my hands up and admit that by no means am I the worlds most organised blogger, quite the opposite in fact. Juggling blogging, a full time job and a social life is a lot more difficult that what I had first anticipated. Often, I forget to schedule posts or take blog pictures and there's nothing more I dislike than inconsistency. So, for those of you who understand my struggle, here are a few content ideas which require a little less preparation and thought. High five to all my fellow last-minute blogging friends, I really hope I can help.

  1.  Blogs I have been loving lately
  2.  Monthly reflection/ Life updates
  3. Top Blogs/Instagram accounts to follow
  4. Q&A (Let your readers get to know you better)
  5. Travel bucketlist
  6. Monthly Goals
  7. Tumblr/Pintrest inspiration
  8. Payday/Beauty/Homeware wishlist
  9.  Monthly Favourites posts
  10. Blog post ideas
  11. Top Tip posts
  12. How to style...(Use a moodboard/wishlist format to provide inspiration to readers)
  13. Favourite blogging apps
  14. My week through the lense (Minimal writing is always a good idea when you're in a rush)
  15. Top ten...(Films, songs, blog posts, Instagram posts)
Do you struggle with organising posts? How do you work around it?
Talk soon babes XO

PR/Enquiries – exohsoph@gmail.com

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Monday, 27 February 2017

5 BLOGGING PET PEEVES

{Pexals)
 
Follow – UnfollowThe irritation of gaining followers and reaching you next milestone, to then loose them again within 24hours. Please enlighten me in how you have the time to bother?

Automated DMsNow, there's absolutely nothing wrong with a little self promotion, of course this is entirely expected of bloggers, although, one thing that really annoys me is automated direct messages. For me, it's not personal and direct at all. If anything, I would just delete the message before I had even read it. Make it personal and I'm ten times more likely to go and give your content a read, I love supporting other bloggers.

Don’t copy my work and claim it as your own Thankfully, this is yet to happen to me, although within the blogging community copying work and claiming it as your own is a regular thing. Of course, gain inspiration from other bloggers and by all means, let other blogger influence you, but make sure you add a bit of 'me', copying content is never the ultimate flattery, although gaining inspo most definitely is.

 *If you struggle with pictures, or like me, struggle with time, you can download free 'stock' picture apps, which you can download and use freely without the hassle of copyright. They're by no means brilliant, although for a last minute post, they will do the job. I use Pexels  and Unsplash

Positivity - I am all for positivity and happiness, but there seems to be some sort of stigma towards the community, that bloggers live their 'perfect' happy little life with their avocado on toast. But hey, this isn't always the case, I am a small blogger and although, I portray happiness on my social medias and blog,  I believe people forget that many of us work full time and live an extremely normal, sometimes dull life. I would love to openly speak about my anxiety and more taboo subjects on my blog, which I am currently in the process of, it's not all sunshine and rainbows over here, you know.

You can't sit with us -  If I ask where your dress is from, please just respond, or at least tag your outfit 'I'm drooling over your dress and I can't find it anywhere'. Surely I am not the only one, blogger or non blogger, who gets the hump about this. C'mon if you're going to be an "infuencer" come and flipping influene me with your Kim K style tips okay.

Don't you just love a little rant here and there? I do.
Talk soon babes XO

PR/Enquiries – exohsoph@gmail.com


 
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Friday, 17 February 2017

19 THINGS I'VE LEARNT IN 19 YEARS




xoxo

If you're hoping to stumble across a very deep intellectual, cliche post this Friday evening then this is the read for you. I'm 19 today and currently in Liverpool, having the most wonderful time and today, I wanted to post something a little astray from the norm and present you with the various learning curves that life has taught me so far.
  1. If you’re unhappy only you can change it
  2. Always show gratitude 
  3. Be yourself at all times, regardless of various situations
  4. Work hard and the results will show
  5. Change isn’t always a bad thing
  6. Don’t be ashamed of the things that make you happy
  7. Not everyone will stay in your life, and that’s okay
  8. Capture each moment and not just for the purposes of Instagram
  9. Believe in yourself, you can do amazing things if you put your mind to it
  10. Surround yourself with positive people
  11. Not everyone is going to like you, regardless of how kind-hearted and funny you are
  12. Stop comparing yourself to others, everyone is different – life would be boring if we were all the same!
  13. Everything happens for a reason
  14. Think positively, always - This was a huge learning curve for me 
  15. Good things don't always have to come to an end
  16. Life's too short not to take any risks
  17. Be spontaneous - Plan ahead but not too much
  18. Enjoy life to the fullest
  19. Look to the future - Never look back
I can not put into words my happiness and content at the moment, sometimes in life, it really is the little things. If you are a slightly negative person or prehaps feeling a lttle down about a job or friendship for example, of which I was only a short few months ago, listening to others and persisting with a postive mind is really something we should all work on a little more. It really does help.

Have a lovely weekend, See you all again Monday.
Talk soon babes XO

PR/Enquiries – exohsoph@gmail.com




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Monday, 6 February 2017

VALENTINES GIFT GUIDE: FOR HIM






Armani Watch   {For the time keepers}

Brown Holdall Bag  {For the traveller}

Thornton's Chocolates and Beer hamper {For the one who can eat as though there is no tomorrow}

'The Boss' Mug set {For the real boss}

Magazine Subscription {For the kinda-book worm}

Gucci Guilty  {For smelling way too good}

Tommy Wallet {For the 'Hey, big spenders'}

Jack Wills Joggers {For all the cuddles}
  
Chelsea Boots {For the Smart Casuals}

Groomer trimmer kit {For the ones who love to be groomed}

Hope you have the most wonderful Valentines, let me know how you're spending Valentines with your loved ones.

I love all your feedback and always appreciate your comments. If you have any queries or requests posts etc. please contact me.
Talk soon babes XO

PR/Enquiries – exohsoph@gmail.com



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Friday, 3 February 2017

VALENTINES GIFT GUIDE: FOR HER







Let's Avo-cuddle Valentine biscuits {For a sweet tooth}  

 Diptyque candle (Vanilla) {For the romantic at heart}

Veve Clicquot  {For the love of pink and popping those bubbles}

Charlotte Tilbury 'Hot Lips' {For kissing all the boys}

Personalised card {For the little things}

Rebecca Minkoff Crossbody {For one VERY happy girl}

Olivia Burton Watch {For the ones who are fashionably late}

YSL Black Opium {For smelling sedctive}

Red Roses {For serious boyfriend points}

Pandora Jewellery {For the meaning} 

Over the Knee Boots {For the style stopper}



Hope you have the most wonderful Valentines, let me know how you're spending Valentines with your loved ones.

I love all your feedback and always appreciate your comments. If you have any queries or requests posts etc. please contact me.
Talk soon babes XO

PR/Enquiries – exohsoph@gmail.com
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Monday, 23 January 2017

PAYDAY WISHLIST


There's nothing like a spot of online window shopping on a chilly, Monday evening. It's payday Friday and although, I am suppose to be on a spending ban, I honestly could not resist. Here is a little insight on how I shall be splurging out this pay day, enjoy.







I love all your feedback and always appreciate your comments. If you have any queries or requests posts etc. please contact me.
Talk soon babes XO

PR/Enquiries – exohsoph@gmail.com
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Monday, 16 January 2017

XOSOPH | A little Introduction |

C

|FIRST DAY BACK|

Today feels like my first day of school, slightly nervous, seriously shitting myself and overall, completely overwhelmed. Maybe I should introduce myself a little more formally than that? Hi everyone! Welcome to my brand new, rebranded, spruced up blog. Looks a little different, huh? If you don’t know me or follow me on any social medias (all linked below), I have been a little *a lot* MIA recently and this is precisely the reason why. ‘HerEnviousMind’ was my previous blogging project and to be honest, a very poor beginning to blogging. Average quality photos and disappointing content, I was led to thinking “Is blogging really for me?”. I had very little time on my hands, and literally NO motivation, I really wanted to give up. Although, after a little bit of ‘me’ time and inspirational spurts, I had somehow found my new lease of life. I am now working full time, so whilst I have a minute spare, what better way than to fill my time up than to ramble endlessly online about all things fashion, beauty and life? Can you think of anything better? No, me neither. 


|CURRENTLY|

I am yet to purchase a high end camera in order for my pictures to appear as I would like, so please bare with me and of course, I shall keep you all updated throughout my social medias and on my blog. At the moment, my content will very much be based around beauty and lifestlye, where as style content e.g. OOTD posts will be pubished once I have gained more confidence behind the camera and fingers crossed, that'll be very soon.

With regards to my post scheduling, I am going to publish two posts a week. Mondays and Fridays at 6pm UK time.



|A LITTLE ABOUT ME| A Quick Factfile

- Sophie Louise Powell, 18, Birmingham 
- Boyf | Reece, 21 (1 year)
-Qualified Beautician
-Favourite Pastime | Watching Youtube and trying new restuarants
-Pets | Hamster, Gretal 
- Favourite Food | Pizza (AKA, Italian anything
- Ambiton |Work within the fashion industry 
- Ultimate 2017 Goal | To boost my self-confidence and travel ALOT
-Favorite Film | Woman In Black (one)
- Dream holiday destination | The Maldives 

Want to get to know me better? An in-depth Q&A post is coming soon. You can send me your questions via Twitter.

  I love all your feedback and always appreciate your comments. If you have any queries or requests posts etc. please contact me.
Talk soon babes XO

PR/Enquiries – exohsoph@gmail.com
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