Friday, September 5, 2014

Blogger Love

Lorac Pro Palette 2 link / Tarte Rainforest After Dark Palette  link
As a blogger since 2007 I've seen many changes in the whole blogger world and community, some good some bad. I started blogging in a place where blogs were in the most part corners of the internet where you would post from a more personal place about what you had done at the weekend or share recent purchases and crafty makes. Of course some where always better than others but it was less about Pinterest styling than saying hey here's a fantastic carrot cake recipe.

Of course it's fantastic that blogging has now become a career choice and that so many people choose to start a blog and they have become professional platforms. I too have benefitted from working with brands and PRs, getting invited to some fabulous events and received payment for posts but there is some sadness for the days when blog buttons where shared rather than sold as advertising space and things seemed less competitive and comments were left not to say 'follow for follow' but to converse with the writer in some way.

Today I wanted to show some gratitude to one blogging friend, Grace from Pink in the City. We have been 'internet friends' for a long time. Sharing comments on blog posts and likes on instagram. A few weeks ago I posted a picture of the Tarte Rainforest After Dark Eyes palette on instagram venting my frustration at having finally decided to place a Sephora order was told that this item couldn't be shipped to the UK (it's limited edition). Next an email came from Grace to ask me my address and days later a box arrived containing not only the Tarte Palette but the famous Lorac Pro Palette 2 - both gorgeously wrapped I might add.

To say I was over the moon would be an understatement and I will admit that both those palettes were swooned over most of that evening. The accompanying letter contained the fantastic news that hopefully Grace would be in London next year and we would finally be able to meet. When I asked Grace if there was anything I could send by way of thanks she just asked that I enjoyed them.

In a blogging world where much is done to score page views and followers it was fantastic to be reminded of the real enjoyment that came from earlier blogging days where it was about the interaction with bloggers and making friends even if just over the world wide web. Gifts, giveaways and swaps were sent just because rather than to hit monthly stats or targets. I'm lucky enough to have met many blogging friends over the years such as Josie-Mary and those who I have yet to meet still speak with regularly such as Candypop or Mrs M to the more recent friends made with beauty lovers like Alice and Carissa to attend events so I consider myself lucky.

This post is in no way a critisim to anyone as we all must roll with the times and adapt to changes of which I too benefit and I applaud anyone that is making a success of their blog in whatever way works for them. That said this blog is my hobby and as such should be something fun. I want to remember that and not feel guilty if I spend Sunday watching tv and decide to have a day off from blogging because the reasons why I started and why I continue to blog are that I enjoy writing and the pleasure of interacting with people from all round the world. I know that the true readers of Florence and Mary will  forgive me for being too hungover to schedule a post one day or encourage me to take the week off so I can spend the weekend with friends and family and still be there when the next post goes live. 

So thank you to Grace for the amazing gifts and more importantly the timely reminder of why I started this blog. Thank you to anyone who reads and comments on my little place on the internet, it is always appreciated.


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26 comments:

  1. Wow what a great blogging friend - how sweet of her!! Thanks for the mention lovely :) x

    http://www.teapartywithalice.com

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  2. Thank you for the lovely mention.. I'm just the same old blogger I was all those years ago!

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    1. Oh no you're not the same old... you're now the blogger with a fabulous Chanel bag!

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  3. lucky you, I saw either Fleur or Essie buying the Lorac recently and thought 'yep, bet you can't get it here'!

    I'm with you. I love blogs, and while I absolutely get the benefit of making money from it and would never tut tut over anyone doing it, I do get a little despondent about it from time to time.

    Some of my favourite blogs are now nothing more than a shop front, with perhaps a token blog hidden somewhere. And their tweets are all about pushing their products. Again, while I know everyone needs to make money, I feel a little sad when the blogs or sites I loved are so different.

    But again I have to say. If someone does a sponsored post then it's their business and I don't disapprove.

    Very glad I found you online.
    :O)
    x

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  4. That is just so lovely!
    Bloggers are the best!!
    Zxx

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  5. This now, is just lovely and so, so thoughtful. xx

    Julie
    www.rainingcake.com

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  6. Absolutely brilliant post, Victoria, you have totally hit the nail on the head about blogging. Couldn't agree more. (And I'd have said that even if it hadn''t been for the lovely mention - thank you! x)

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  7. Should also mention that I'm green with envy over the Lorac 2 palette - have been lusting after that one for a while! x

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  8. I am so glad you loved them! You are too sweet. I so enjoy reading your blog and glad that you stuck with it and are still around. This post has been in my head for a while and of course you posted it perfectly. Thank you. My blog is my release my hobby my escape. I have met so many blogging friends who read and then visit NY and then we are life long friends. Who would have ever thought great friendships from a blog? It is sad that some fun blogs have closed and some because their friends closed and they feel noone reads it. On FB and Instagram you don't get the whole picture the the emotion or the passion. Can't wait to meet you in person next year! Grace xoox

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    1. I'm still too busy swooning at the Lorac Pro but the Tarte palette has been firmly inside my make up bag and is perfect for going to work as it covers day to night perfectly.

      Friendships through the net are fantastic and it will be so much fun to meet you in person and catch up over a coffee or cheeky cocktail xx

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  9. This has so cheered me up! Firstly because yet again a blogger has shown true friendship and selflessness in sending a gift out of the blue and wanting nothing in return, and secondly because my blog is and always will be just a little of what I fancy and do, no agenda and it's great to hear that there are still some folk who want to see and read just that. I too feel it's ok for those that are taking a new path but I love what you do and will keep on reading and enjoying.

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    1. Thank you for your comment and glad you feel the same… the WWW is a big place and I think there is place for all styles of blogging as that was it's intention. Great people can have professional platforms but also I like the more personal slots too. Thank you for all your comments you leave xx

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  10. You were one of the first to comment on my blog 6 years ago! So glad to count you as a friend :) xx

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  11. That is so lovely, what an incredible friend! <3 xo

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    1. I'm blessed and thank you for always stopping buy and leaving comments you're on of the best! x

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  12. What a lovely post. It's so good to know that some people are in blogging for the right reasons and not just to make money, which is what it can sometimes feel like x

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  13. I love this post so much, Victoria! Although a newbie to the blogging world, this is the type of interaction is what I really like about blogging - having moved to the middle of VT several years ago, blogging makes this city mouse feel connected to the world. Love it!

    Meghan xo
    www.fancypantsandsugarshacks.com

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