You know people say nude is slimming? They're usually referring to shoes, but I took it all a bit too seriously when it came to this ensemble. In al honestly, I didn't mean to have this be a totally taupe moment, but hey ho, it ended up being one. The fact that my God-Puppy, Pepper (the most beautiful Pomeranian), matched as well was just a coincidence too perfect not to capture.
I'm terrified of so many things on this earth. Truly. Ask my parents and they will most likely tell you that never in a million years would they have imagined I'd end up living in a foreign country, working in a profession that has zero stability and, in fact, requires constant reinvention. What can I say? Over the past two decades I've made a concerted effort to kill all fear, all the while being petrified. This past week I was thrown another curveball. Last Monday I received an invitation to ride as a passenger in the supercar display at the Goodwood Festival of Speed with Ferrari. Naturally, I got the email and responded with an instant "hell, yes, I'll be there."
Five minutes later the reality of the situation set in.
While I adore beautiful supercars and the power and speed that come with them, I much prefer to be the one behind the wheel controlling such a beast. I am, in short, the worst passenger in existence - always have been, always will be. Planes- can't stand them. I want to be the pilot. Helicopters - yeah, them too. Even when it comes to boats, if someone else is at the helm, I'll have a near panic attack. Only no one ever sees this. Naturally, it's all hidden away in a nice little Crocodile skin vanity case, deep within my soul. But it's there and the thought of sitting as a passenger, while a professional racing driver sweeps me around a track at 140 miles an hour in one of the world's most beloved Ferrari models (the 599xx), might as well have thrown that box clear across the room. The hinges were officially off.
No one knew. I was cool as a cucumber. We took a helicopter down to Goodwood in the early morning hours- no problems there, just beautiful views of green rolling hills- and arrived at the Ferrari supercar paddocks with time to spare. We were introduced to our cars. Hello, Ferrari 599xx, which I had to travel in as I was too tall to be comfortable in the other models on offer- won't hear me complaining.
From there we were fitted with our helmets and before I even had time to register a fear, I was buckled into my seat, the swish Ferrari red belts screaming "don't worry, you're in a luxury bubble here." At this point I had more excitement than fear and absolutely no idea what to expect. Of course I knew the Hillclimb at Goodwood was one of most famous tracks in the world - renowned for showcasing the best the universe has to offer when it comes to fine automobiles. But, only a very few in this world get to see what it's like to drive this track, in a supercar, with thousands of people cheering, taking pictures and begging you to go faster or rev your engine just one more time before you move on. I had no idea what was in store.
We made our way to the starting line and my driver, a lovely chap named James, who I do so hope I meet again, informed me that he would not actually be driving me around the track. This man who has just assured me that all would be OK, that I would have a great time and that I would be in safe hands, was leaving me. WTF? Yes, queue the panic.
James stepped out of the vehicle at the start line and in slipped James Calado. Familiar with this chap? He's a big deal on the racing circuit and had just come from racing in Le Mans - another legendary event in which the drivers race for 24 hours. I kid you not, he got in the car and received instructions on how to drive it. I took out my iPhone and whatsapped everyone I loved - "I'm about to take off in the Ferrari. In case anything happens, I love you and I've lived a great life." True story.
The first "zero to some insane speed" off the starting line was where it all changed. With my helmet on and belts tightly fastened, we took off like a rocket ship. Fear flooded every inch of my skin and seconds letter was replaced by an incomprehensible exhilaration. I had spent a week worrying about 2 and a half minutes that I asked to do over again the moment I stepped out of the car. "Again, again," I cried. But, alas, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I can't help but think about the fact that I almost said no. I almost said no right up until the moment we took off. I nearly offered the ride to someone else.
There's a lesson here, that I do believe most Ferrari owners themselves have mastered a hundred times over- otherwise how would they be successful enough to own the beautiful toys they do? The lesson is this: recognise fear and then tell it, face to face, that you're coming for it and do it. Feel it and seal it, people.
Now, about that car ride. You know I got as much as I could on video. In full disclosure though, I didn't film the Hillclimb itself (but did capture the ride back) as I wanted to really experience this for myself. I was 100% selfish. I was also unsure if I would even have the ability to hold the camera as we sped along at insane speeds. Here's the result:
Note of thanks: Ferrari - you remain a legend in my mind. The fact that I had a chance to not only be a part of such an incredible day, but also to ride in a Ferrari 599xx, will forever seem like a dream I once had. This video is the only proof I have for myself that it happened at all.
If I had a pound for every time someone asked me how I made money from my blog then I would probably be retired by 30. Every time I tell someone I’m a blogger they always ask about money, always.
“BUT HOW DO YOU MAKE MONEY” They all cry like it’s a unknown fact there are many people now out there making a sole income from the internet!
I always feel like asking them how they make money just to prove a point on how rude it really is to ask someone how they make money. It used to really bother me, but I grew to just accept it as curiousness and lack of knowledge about a pretty secretive field. I can totally understand from the outside looking in that you would have no idea how tapping a few words out onto a computer could potentially make money let alone sustain you as a full time job.
So this post is in part for them and for anyone who wants to know how to monetise their blog if they weren't quite sure what to do or where to go.
There are lots of options out there to start monetising your website or blog. I will point out that not all monetisation methods work on every single blog, and there is no "set way" to make money. None the less each monetisation avenue is worth exploring until you find the one that works best for you and your own content.
Affilate Marketing
It’s probably (in my opinion) controversial but I think that beauty and fashion bloggers get most of their income from affiliate marketing. This is when you earn a percentage of the sale when a reader clicks through and buys something via your special snowflake affiliate links. If you post about personal style or homewear, then this is p. lucrative money-maker. There are many networks out there you could look into that provide affiliate marketing, so look around for the one that suits you best.
Selling Ads Yourself
Im not actually sure if people still do this as it's been years since Ive done it. But hey. You may want to start selling ad space in your blog’s sidebar. Target these prices towards small businesses and other bloggers who want a bit of exposure. Direct ad sales are a great way for smaller bloggers to get income, as these ads don't rely heavily on CPM, as you can set a fix price for these.
It might be a little more time consuming managing your own ads, but they can help build strong relationships with smaller brands. This type of advertising works a lot better for smaller blogs looking for a revenue stream that doesn't rely on huge amounts of traffic.
Ad networks
Ad networks are often more beneficial for blogs that have good/high traffic, as you are paid based on how many people see the advert or per page view. But to be honest I wont be alone in saying ad revenue from ad networks is way down. Like really down. Back in 2013 the main chunk of my income came from ads, albeit my traffic was much much higher at the time but the actual amount of money you earn per person visiting your site has gone way way down. Part of it is that theres just more blogs out there so CPM is spread a little thinner and part of it is I think advertises tend to go down the sponsored post route for more effective targeting.
Its not just me who noticed this so many of my old sk00l blogger pals feel the same. There's very little money in online ads these days and I often take mine off my blog because I don't think the pennies are worth it None the less I think having ads is down to personal preference. The downside is that you also have no control over your adverts. I’ve had terrible takeover ads all over my blog once about feminine hygiene products and chips. While both useful and delicious in their own ways - hardly the most chic ads for a fashion blog!
Sponsored Posts
Sponsored posts are when a brand approaches you about posting specifically about their product for a fee. Look at it like taking an advertorial out in a magazine. Sponsored posts can come in many forms, they can be about promoting an event, product placement, paid-for reviews, pictures of places, etc. The downsides of sponsored posts are that your readers may grow to mistrust you if you start accepting posts on brands that dont fit your niche, personal style or can sense you don't believe in the product. Always, ALWAYS be honest and never take a sponsored post if you're not into the product or brand. Your brand is ALWAYS more important than money. This is something I think that people often forget, I personally don't believe a blogger/vlogger would do a sponsored post without thinking about what their audience will think about it, we really do care about our audience more than money compared to what some people think.
Sell something
IDK if so many people do this anymore but starting up a shop off the back of your blog is a really simple way to get some extra income. If you're known for your DIY skills or your amazing thrifting, it might be worth opening up a shop to sell those bits onto others. You might even want to explore the possibility of writing your tips into an e-book and sell it! There are many merchandising options too for bloggers, so have a think about it as an alternative revenue stream if you arent quite at a level where you can draw money from sponsors or traditional adverts I think this is a good way to start.
I remember a woman once telling me that polka dots are for young girls. She said it so convincingly and from such a place of authority that I dared not argue her point. Instead, I avoided wearing polka dots for a while. We're not talking a long sabbatical from the print style, but there you go. Polka dots and I divorced after I turned 30 and it's been a long road back. But here we are, and today I'm 36 and coming to terms with the fact that no one dictates what I wear but me. There's a lesson there and it goes a little something like this: Screw the naysayers. Wear what makes you happy, what makes you smile and what you think you look hella good in. The rest is irrelevant. You wear your feelings, people, and polka dots make me feel magical. End of fashion life coaching from me here today.
I have, as of late, developed a real love affair with earrings. But, we're not just talking about any earrings here. We are discussing the must have statement earrings in your life. In all honesty, I don't think I've felt this passionate about ear adornment since the 80s. No lie. Seems the bigger the earring back then, the better. But, we all know what goes around comes around in fashion and, at present, earrings are having a major moment. Sadly, with every "moment" comes a major price hike. So, I thought I'd give you a look at some statement earrings with affordable price tags. Most of these bad boys come in at under $25, but all under $50. Every single one, however, will take your outfit from ordinary to other-worldly in seconds flat!
The world has gone crazy for the embroidered peasant dress this season and the prices seem to have most accurately reflected the demand. Designers are charging upwards of £700 for a dress that, let's be honest, you'll probably wear this year and put away in storage for another decade. So, I have a solution.
There are a few reliable high street brands doing this trend very well. My first buy in was via Eloquii and it cost me next to nothing. The dress comes in all sizes - no really, all the way up to a 24 - and it looks like everything you're seeing with three figures on the price tag.
Keep an eye out, as I'm on the hunt and I'll be sharing my finds as the summer rolls on!
Something a bit different today, as I am taking you on a little country trip in the spirit of adventure with Barbour. The British heritage brand that I’ve worked with throughout my blog, has launched a collection especially for this season, containing everything that you need to prepare yourself for a festival summer, available at Country Attire. All you UK based readers knows that this does not always mean being able to stroll around in a cropped crocket top, but rather being prepared and kitted out, not letting the typical English weather be an obstacle.
My festival approach will be relaxed this year, I feel that’s the only sane option, after all, it’s your holiday so act like it. I might not go as far as pulling on the wellies, although there is a pair or two in the collection. Comfortable pieces that you can actually dance in and a little bit of a heel sounds about right. The British take on festivals might not be as flower-heavy and sand-based as the legendary Coachella, so trust me on the fact that a waxed jacket will be your best bet, for now and the summers to come.
For spring summer, the Net-a-Porter sales are giving us all a chance to grab some incredible fashion bargains, and, well, I thought it might be a good idea to save you all some time and just go ahead and limit that massive offering to a few key pieces that will fit nicely into any wardrobe and will last for more than just one season - a true sales event investment. So, I've just spent the last three hours scanning through over 187 pages of items on Net-a-Porter to compile this listing. I won't say you should thank me, as I know you'll probably hate me after seeing your American Express bill next month. Enjoy... there's something for everyone, buying on cash, cheque or credit.
It was nearly a decade ago that I had my first Huevos Rancheros. I was sitting in Los Angeles and my boyfriend, at the time, had ordered Huevos and saw a rather puzzled look come his way when the order was placed. You see, I come from the land of sweet breakfasts. Give me pancakes, french toast or bread with jam any day of the week. Sure, you can pair these things with bacon, sausage or eggs, but the sweet stuff rules the day. The idea of eating something that could be mistaken for lunch or dinner, during appropriate breakfast hours, seems like the most foreign concept to me. And so, Huevos Rancheros seems a most ridiculous option for a breakfast order. And here's where I once again have to admit that I am a complete fool when it comes to first impressions, including first impressions when it comes to food choices.
When the Huevos Rancheros arrived in front of my boyfriend, on that fateful day in Los Angeles, he insisted I try a bite. So, with minor hesitation, I allowed the man of my dreams, at that moment, to romantically feed me a bit of Huevos Rancheros. He could have been asking me to try steel wool at that point and I would have said yes. Yet, surprisingly, that one single bite of Huevos Rancheros changed the following decade for me. I fell in love, with the food I mean.
On the off chance you don't know what Huevos Rancheros is, let me give you a brief education. It translates from spanish to literally mean "rancher's eggs," as this was a dish that was traditionally served on farms in Mexican as a mid-morning pick-me-up. Each chef seems to have his own version of the now famous dish, but it is usually made up of a refried beans, mexican style rice, avocados, salsa and eggs, all served on a fried corn tortilla. I've tried the good, the bad and the ugly (but also good), when it comes to this dish. The best I've ever had was in Los Angeles - no surprise. The worst I've ever sampled was in a small diner in Switzerland- should have known.
But, today, I bring a bit of a gift to Londoners. Two weekends ago I went and sat at The Salusbury Food Store in Queen's Park. Mr. FFG used to live around that part of the world and he thought I'd enjoy a brekkie and a walk around the park in the neighborhood. So off we went and down we sat, ready for some light fare before heading off into a sunny setting for the afternoon. The menu came and I laid my eyes on Huevos Rancheros. The Mr. claimed it was wonderful. I remained skeptical, yet placed the order. Ladies and gents, the plate arrived, the first forkful was tried and tested, and I declared in the moment, "this is the best Huevos Rancheros in London." Needless to say, Mr. FFG felt victorious. And I felt quite happy to have found my own slice of LA in London, as weird as that sounds. The Salusbury's Huevos Rancheros are the perfect combination of all ingredients. The tortilla is the perfect crispiness to capture the runny egg, smooth beans and melted cheese. The hotness of the spiced tomatoes mixes splendidly with the smooth and creamy avocado. And the first bite could be a moment for the Guinness Book of World Records.
If you're feeling homesick for great Huevos, get thee to The Salusbury this weekend for brunch!
