Author: Amanda

3 Things You Should Know Before Starting a Blog

by Amanda

3 Things You Should Know Before Starting a Blog by Veteran Fashion & Travel Blogger, Glitter & Spice

I’ve been really slacking with the on-time posts lately. But I have a good(ish) excuse this time, I swear.

Three weekends ago, I flew out to California for the wedding of one of my dearest friends from my MBA. In case you missed my sporadic posts on Instagram Stories throughout the weekend, just know that the wedding was absolutely stunning. The ceremony took place in a redwood grove, and the reception was held in a nearby barn. It was so simple, so stunning, and so them. My friend looked like a literal fairy princess and I was so happy to be able to stand by her side on her special day.

Then, I got sick for a few days with a fever and Little Mermaid-level laryngitis. And then I went to Austin to celebrate (1) my dad as he was inducted into the University of Texas at Austin College of Natural Sciences Hall of Honors and (2) the wedding of two of my dearest friends from high school. Between being down for the count with a fever, and then the family time and celebrations, there wasn’t a spare moment to write a post.

And then there was last week. I originally thought, “I’ll have so much time to write this week!” Lies. I ended up getting home at or after midnight every night last week (which is not conducive to blog posts that take you at least 2-3 hours to write and you desperately need sleep to be borderline functional the next day). And then I hopped back down to Austin again this past weekend for my 10-year high school reunion. Phew!

But now I’m back and able to write again so yay. Let’s do this thing.

Today, I’m talking all about 3 things you should know before starting a blog. As of this month, I’ve been blogging for 5 years at glitterandspice.com! Where the heck has time gone?!?! Over that time, this site has gone through many changes. Case in point: anybody remember when Glitter & Spice was a food blog? Lessons have been learned, friends.

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My In-Flight Skincare Routine for Long Flights

by Amanda

My In-Flight Skincare Routine for Long Flights | Long Haul Flight Beauty Essentials | Best Face Mask for Flights | Best Beauty Products for Air Travel via travel blogger Glitter & Spice

Since Sephora is having an amazing sale right now (and only through the end of today so hurry over ASAP!), I thought it the perfect time to share my full in-flight skincare routine for long flights.

In case you’re relatively new to Glitter & Spice and aren’t in-the-know, I have dry skin. I mean absurdly dry skin. If I don’t wear moisturizer for even one day, my skin gets dull and flaky. Like Goldmember. It’s gross. And FYI: flying exacerbates said dryness as the dry, cold cabin air will dry anybody out.

As a result, I do this routine on each and every flight lasting over 5 hours. AKA on every international flight. Sure, I might look like a total freako during the flight, but then I’m a glowing goddess (or at least not-miserable-looking) upon landing, so I’ll take that tradeoff.

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My Favorite/Most Instagrammable Restaurants in London

by Amanda

Fashion and Travel Blogger Glitter & Spice Shares Her Favorite Restaurants in London and Most Instagrammable Spots in London, England

In case you can’t tell, I was torn between two names for this post: my favorite restaurants in London versus the most Instagrammable restaurants in London. In the end, I decided on some combination of the two. Because why choose one when you can have both? (Shoutout to my dad for that nugget of wisdom)

While you’ve probably heard of some of these spots (or possibly even most of them if you’re a local!), I really tried to find a few restaurants off-the-beaten-path on my most recent trip to London. So there’s sure to be a restaurant or two even a true Londoner has never tried!

Keep reading for the full list and please share your favorite restaurants in London in the comments section! I’m always on the hunt for a new, delicious spot. Extra points to Gryffindor if I can add it to my list of the most Instagrammable restaurants in London too.

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My Favorite Mobile Apps for Photo Editing

by Amanda

My Favorite Mobile Apps for Photo Editing | How I Edit My Photos | Editing Photos for Instagram

Today, I’m answering a question I get all the damn time. And I mean all. the. damn. time. Honestly. At least once a week, I receive a DM on Instagram, asking me what I use to edit my photos or for the best mobile apps for photo editing. And after answering this question literally 50+ times this summer, I thought it about time I just wrote a blog post.

So, today’s one of the rare blogging basics posts that were actually requested by my non-blogger followers! In this post, I’m going to explore all of my favorite mobile apps for photo editing, including apps that make my Instagram Stories look better and apps that I use to make me look better.

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The Best Things to Do in the Summer in London

by Amanda

The Best Things to Do in the Summer in London | What to Do in London | Things to Do in London | Where to Go in London | Queen Mary's Rose Garden in London via travel blogger, Glitter & Spice

Just as a general disclaimer: while this post is specifically focused on things to do in the summer in London, it actually includes tons of things to do year-round in London. While certain places I include in this post are only open in the summer (like Queen Mary’s Rose Garden), some spots are great year-round… And potentially are even better in the winter as they’re the perfect excuse to escape the cold (like shopping at Selfridges). Or they’re just soooooo festive for the holiday season (like Hay’s Gallery).

In the past year, I’ve visited London twice. Once for two weeks in December and then again for two weeks this past June. This most recent trip marked my fourth time in London and I love the city more and more with each visit.

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