thenewsindisosdiary: August 2016

Fifty Is Half Of Hundred

By sindisosdiary.com - 23:09

I have never been so excited to have hit this milestone in my blogging journey! Can you believe that this post you are reading is my 50^th published post? Yip it is and I cannot contain my excitement as I have started and taken down other blogs in the past; but this one seems to have survived the (same) ordeal that could have befallen it.

So what has really changed from my first to my current blog posts? I do not necessarily think that my writing has changed; but I think what can be noticed from my initial posts to today’s posts is the fact that I have started taking pictures at different places as opposed to earlier when I used to take pictures at the back of my house. This has added dimension to my blog pictures. Even though it takes time to find places where I could take pictures, it is worth it. I am still building this blog to where it can sustain itself so a little sacrifice here and there is necessary if I am to see it flourish. I have even published my first collaboration piece with a blogger from Kenya Simplysiro. What an experience it was. It took me out of my comfort zone and I had to approach her in good faith that she might be open to the idea. You will be shocked to know that she was actually the 4^th blogger that I approached with a collaboration idea and she was kind enough to see it through.

Can I say blogging has gotten easier with time? Absolutely NOT. The more I publish and write more post, it gets harder and more challenging as you constantly have to come up with things to write about and make it interesting for your readers so that they can find it easy to come back to your blog. And the more your blog attracts more people, the more you want to keep them engaged and encourage them to give feedback of which is not easy. Out of thousands that visit my blog, less than a 5^th of them basically do engage with me in terms of sharing their thoughts on what I wrote about or the looks I put together. It is not easy to get people to open up to you. But let me say that I appreciate each and everyone of you who has ever visited or read my blog posts. This blog would not be where it is today if it were not for you. Thank you.

Herewith is some of the looks that made it to the first 50 posts on this blog. Do share your thoughts on my blogging journey if you have been following this blog for sometime. What is it that you have enjoyed or could be an improvement? Thanks for stopping by as always! Mwah for now.

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AfricanBlogger

Tapping Into Unfamiliar Territory

By sindisosdiary.com - 03:00

These are exciting times in my world as I feel like my passion is leading me into greater and bigger things. I know that it may be a little premature but I think I am seeing some progress and people are taking note of the potential this blog has. It is scaring me at times as I feel like everything is happening too fast. Does that mean that I wish it could pan out otherwise? A big fat – NO! It is just that I tend to be over citical of my work and efforts which can lead to me doubting my potential or even underestimate what blogging can do to one’s aspirations and dreams.

Last month I attended my first Public Relations event. It was for the Iman Cosmetics E-commerce site launch which was held at Tintswalo Lodge in the upcoming Waterfall City area. What an experience it was. I got to meet other bloggers playing in my field. I did not know what to expect but even then I still managed to have a few meaningful and fruitful conversations with some established industry players. As a new blogger, it can be intimidating when you find yourself at these events because you are not sure if people will be receptive of you as a person or even what you have to offer. I guess this is fueled by the fact that you are meeting people who have been in this space for years and you are only just finding your feet. It is intimidating right? It has however made me realise that I still need to work on my networking and interpersonal skills.

Not to deviate from why I was there; I must say I found the Iman Cosmetics E-commerce site to be user friendly and easy to navigate. It is easy to follow especially when you are browsing their product range or making an actual purchase. Their checkout process even offers an overnight delivery service for those urgent and last minute buys. I also got to try their lipsticks and blushes; and I must say they definitely do compete with some of the best on the market. They have a velvety texture that feels so good on the skin. It is just unfortunate that the lipstick I got in my goodie bag does not suit my skin tone. Luckily I gave it to one of sindisosdiary’s followers.

I recently also got invited to the Edcon International Brands Spring - Summer Season Collection Launch. I thought the first PR event overwhelmed me but this one shook me a little. There were so many Instagram personalities, editors of mainstream and upcoming magazines; and off-course bloggers. There was lots to be seen and admired from the diverse fashion items that catered for everyone. Be it a hip or ladylike fashion item, there was lots to choose from on the offering table. I even got to see some childhood favourites of mine; Dr. Martens shoes. I bet you also had a pair or knew someone who owned a pair of Dr. Martens shoes. Some of the brands that were showcased included River Island, T.M Lewin, Vince Camuto, Jigsaw, Lancome, Dune London, Benefit and Estee Lauder Cosmetics.

Both events were well organised and a success. I also like the fact that there was a diverse group of people who attended too. There were established and upcoming bloggers, magazines and the general public. Herewith are some pictures for you to enjoy.

Lastly, be on the lookout for the posts to come as I will be sharing the best of the Summer and Spring 2016 style collections for some of these brands; Jessica Simpson, Dune of London, River Island, Lipsy, Jigsaw, The Only and Vero Moda. Cheers for now and thanks for stopping by as always. Remember to leave your comments below. If you are an Influencer ( especially for Beauty and Fashion), I would like to hear what your first experience at a PR event was like. Mwah for now!