Yay 2014

So, here we are, finding ourselves in the early midst of the year 2014, and I am returning to resume my position as blogger, happiness giver, and overall world wide sensation here on Blue Scarf Girl. So, from now on, I am going to be a full-time, overly commited blogger, regardless of the fact that I may or may not still have people interested in my blog..

Anyway, I am currently debating my third, and final, blog name. Maybe something do do with Luna or moons or whatnot?

So, to celebrate the comings of the next year, and my decision to ban reviews on my blog after I purely wrote about fifty reviews and nothing else for a while, here's a guest post from Sunny, explaining the basics of beginning a blog (which is extremely relevant to the new birth of this blog), and the commitments which it entails.

Hey guys,

My name is Sunny and I’m a YA Book Blogger from Australia. My blog ‘A Sunny Spot’ has been running for just over a year and a half now. But enough about me, the lovely Amy has allowed me to guest post on her blog today and I’ll be giving some blog making tips. I’m sorry if these aren’t very clear and if you have any more questions don’t hesitate to ask me on twitter (A_SunnySpot). These are just tips so feel free to take no notice at all. Enjoy :D

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Starting a blog is hard work, I’m not going to lie. But it’s also incredibly fun and rewarding! With the right help it can also be a lot less difficult. I’d like to think that deciding to create a blog was the best choice I’d made, so if you’re hesitant but considering it.. let me help you!

Ok.. so you’re thinking of creating a blog? Blogging is time consuming and takes a lot of dedication. So you should probably be sure that this is something you're interested in doing. You can blog about anything you want, books, music, lifestyle, fashion.. there are no limits. Firstly you need to decide what you want to blog about and then we can go from there.

So you came up with a idea but now you need to come up with a blog name and believe me this isn’t easy. Try and come up with something you know you’ll be content with in years to come. Because whilst you can always change your blog title it’s always easier to stick with the one name so your blog is easily recognizable. Can’t think of anything, here are some tips.

• Think of something memorable and recognizable.
• Something that incorporates both you and the theme of your blog.
• Something fun and quirky. Maybe it’s got a hidden meaning. Have fun with it!

Once you’ve got a name. It’s time to choose a platform for your blog ie. Blogger or Wordpress? Being a user of blogger, my personal opinion is that blogger is really easy to work with, it’s free and allows a range of different customizations. On the other hand, a self hosted Wordpress (wordpress.org) is great if you willing to add some dollars to your overall blog look. Once you’ve got your blog up and running, it’s time to write a post! Your first post can be anything but a introduction post is always nice so your readers can get to know a little bit about you. Design a header and button and work on your blog until you're happy with it.

When you begin blogging it’s hard to get followers and views. But the absolute best way to do that is to BE SOCIAL. This is actually a key element of blogging because it makes the experience so much better for you, others and your blog. Blogging Buddies are the best and something I’m so grateful to have. We are not a scary bunch and it’s actually really easy to make a blogging friend. How do I ‘Be Social’?:

• Comment on other blogs: Commenting on other peoples post is a great thing to do. It can make someones day and it’s always cool to see what everyone else is writing. But comment like you care! Don’t skim the post, read the post and let them know why you liked it. Because comments really are mood brighteners
• Goodreads: If you're a book blogger then Goodreads is a great site to be. Join groups and discuss your fave reads.
• TWITTER: This is the best way to be social! I’m addicted and believe me it such a great way to make friends, fangirl and advertise your blog. Ask people how there day is and in no time you’ll make friends.

Once your blog is up and running here are some tips:

• Make sure to update frequently but in your own time.
• Don’t ditch your blog without notice, let your readers know what’s going on.
• School before blogging, find the correct balance. It’s something we all struggle with.
• Be yourself, it’s really the best thing to be. Your blog shouldn’t be a model of everyone else’s, it should be yours.
• Have fun! Blogging should feel more like a hobby and less like a task.

Anyway I hope these tips helped. There aren’t any rules when it comes to blogging and these are just tips. I’d love to know if I’ve helped anyway and if you're a new blog, give me a hollah.

So thank you so much to Sunny, for starting this blog off to a great new year!

I hope you all enjoy what is to come ahead on this blog, and please, if you have any blog name suggestions feel free to drop me a line.

So for now, adios mi amigos!

And finally...

My blog is back to normal. I have decided that there will be a maximum of two reviews per month, as I have been a bit obsessed with them over the past three of four months, and you all know.

Luckily, now however, my blog will return to the amazingly fantabulous blog that it was, with competitions and stories and photos and fashion designs.... ahh the New Year is going to be great (:

So please, to all my blog followers who have been supporting me all this way, please continue to do so as I turn my blog around ready for 2014. 

And YAYYYY to my new blog design and header (: Opinions? Maybe a final blog name will be created in my blogging moment of clarity, as well, but then again maybe Blue Scarf Girl is actually okay?

You can sign up to my newsletter via the link on my sidebar, but hopefully in the New Year I will have amazingly regular posts, and you can all leave comments and roses at my feet.

Anywho, I'm off to sunny Tenerife tomorrow, so adios for now, mi lush amigos.

Art Pause

Thank you to everyone at Art Pause for sending me on of their gorgeous prints for review on my blog - it is lovely.

"I had a custom map made to highlight specific cities that are special to me and my husband. The quality is amazing and it looks so great framed! This is a great way to create some personal art and when you get close enough to see that it's all made with only text, it takes it this piece to another level. Very creative!"

I am a massive admirer of the city that never sleeps, New York, so I was chuffed to receive this print. It is perfect, and so unique. I love how all the bright colours clash, yet aren't overpowering, and that it is the main piece of my room.

"I had this posted directly to a relative so I can honestly say I haven't seen the finished product though my mum told me over the phone that it is absolutely STUNNING!!! Really quick delivery - would highly recommend :)"

The print is printed on high quality paper with environmentally friendly ink, and easily attatches to the double sided tape that I used to stick it to my wall. The print is absolutely gorgeous, and each part is detailed and very intricate. I like the loose droplets of ink that artistically run down the page without managing ruining the overall design.

The print arrived in perfect condition, and had been carefully wrapped to prevent any possible damage. I received it quickly within the allocated time, after it had been shipped straight after an address had been given. Customer service was brilliant, with all communication quick and swift, yet filled with all the appropriate details and information.

"Bought this as a Christmas present for my Canadian girlfriend so I won't know how well it goes down for a few weeks. The finish of the print looks great, and the packaging was solid and secure, and delivery was very fast (2-3 days) Would definitely purchase from this supplier again. Thanks!"

Visit the Art Pause Etsy page at https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/artPausefor more information.

Everyday Is A Fashion Show

Thank you to Alexandra Mannings of The Bees Knees Vinyls for sending me one of her vinyl prints for review.

Larger and smaller decals are available. Please contact us prior to placing your order for custom sizing options and pricing. Due to the size and intricacy of their designs, some vinyl decals may be produced in multiple pieces. We will include application instructions with each order. Any plastic card, such as a credit card, can be used to apply and smooth the vinyl decals. Easy to apply, with impressive results! These vinyl decals can go almost anywhere. Any smooth, clean surface that needs decoration! They are easy to apply and make an impressive impact in any room!

The vinyl is easy to apply, with minor difficulties among the way. The vinyl is an incredibly inspirational quote, saying 'Everyday is a fashion show, and the world is your runway', which always makes me feel more positive. I have placed it on the wall above my mirror, because it is a place that everyone looks, and with it's eyecatching colour it is really rather quite hard to miss. It is uplifting, because as you look in the mirror and you see a gorgeous quote mere inches above your reflection, it tends to make you feel more empowered.

Product Features:

- Our vinyl decals are easy to apply and make an impressive impact in any room!
- They can go almost anywhere. Any smooth, clean surface that needs decoration!
- Choose any of the vivid colors from our color chart. If no color is selected, black will be sent.
-Custom sizing is available. Please contact us prior to placing your order for custom sizing and pricing.
-22" x 22" Excellent quality vinyl decal.

The vinyl quote is now the centre focus of my room, brightening and uplifting the atmosphere. I have plain cream walls, whichmeans that it fits perfectly in with the background, standing out and looking unique amongst my many posters and canvases. Mine is printed in a soft pink colour, which blends in perfectly with the theme.

"These look AWESOME in my kitchen. I previously had coffee framed pictures on the wall, but was constantly having to climb up on counter to retrieve them for cleaning. The decals work out much better and don't show dirt, grease, or dust like the frames. Excellent customer service and communication throughout the ordering process. I definitely recommend this ETSY shop."

Visit The Bees Knees Etsy page at https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TheBeesKneesVinyls for more information.

Lumos Nox

Thank you to everyone at Custom Vinyl Prints for sending me one of their lumos nox lightswitch covers for review.

"This order was customized - but the tee color was true to the photo. The tee is also very soft. Sizing is contemporary with a snug fit. I experienced an issue with my order and the seller went above-and-beyond to ensure that I was happy. You can definitely purchase with confidence from this shop! Communication was timely, kind, and professional. I would order from this seller again in the future."

The Lumos print measures 2.25" wide by .7" tall and the Nox measures 2.1" wide by .7" tall. It comes in two different pieces for easy installation, and is cut from high quality Oracal outside vinyl guaranteed to last for 5 + years. The vinyl is available in assorted colors, please select your color choice from the drop down menu. Shipping is a dollar for the first item, and only $0.25 for every other order, and every order comes with instructions to install decal, but don't worry, it's easy!

"This girl loves her new Harry Potter shirt! =) I loved how I could get any color combination I wanted, but I went with Gryffindor colors of course! I can't wait to show it off. I would definately buy from this shop again. Thank you and Happy Holidays!"

The vinyl print is easy to apply, and came with detailed step by step instructions. It has a slight gloss to it, so it shines and is more aesthetic. I am a massive Harry Potter fan so this was oerfect for me. Lumos is the spell used to create light, whereas nox is used to put it out and create darkness, so of course it fits in with the theme of being a lightswitch accessory.

"Shipped quite quickly and arrived in fantabulous condition! The stickers were a gift for my friend and she absolutely adored them (yay!). Apparently they took a while to stick on though but are now a nerdalicious addition to her bedroom. Awesomesauce! :-)"

Visit the Custom Vinyl Prints Etsy page at https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/CustomVinylPrints for more information.

Absolutely Gorgeous Elephant Ring

Thank you to Donna Altman from Kissing Ravens for sending me one of her gorgeous rings for review on my blog.

I am going to come straight out and say that this is now my favourite ring, and I wear it every day. The design is flawless, and features my favourite species of animal, elephants. It is a gorgeous shade of silver, and doesn't irritate or stain at all. The quality is outstanding, with not a single blip or error. The design is a continuous line of silver elephants, which then stops at the back of the ring.

The sizing is perfect, and I wear it on my forth finger on my right hand, because I find that it fits perfectly there. I am not exaggerating when I say that this is probably the best piece of jewelry that I have ever come across in my fifteen years on Earth.

The ring came in a gorgeous little bag, and had been extremely carefully packaged, so there really is no reason to worry in the slightest about it not arriving in perfect condition. I received the ring quicker than expected, which was great as I could wear my new ring on my first day back at school after break. Customer service was brilliant, and Donna directed me to sections of her Etsy that would prove valuable to my review. 

The design is gorgeous and intricate, with no two elephants looking the same. I am in love with this ring, and have had many compliments on it since it became my new favourite accessory. I am going on holiday to a place called Tenerife tomorrow, and this is one item that I definitely could not go without - it really is great.

This ring would be brilliant for a gift to a loved one (I would be incredibly grateful if someone were to give me something as purely gorgeous as this), or even as a gift for yourself, so you can enjoy such an inspiring design resting on your flesh.

Visit the Kissing Ravens Etsy page at https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/KissingRavens for more information.

Choker from Nox Hyde

Thank you to Zero of Nox Hyde for sending me one of their chokers for review on my blog - it is literally gorgeous!

My move to Portland is complete and my standard work time of 15 business days is restored so get your Christmas orders in! 

I do custom work, just ask:) Here you will find ears, horns, tails, collars and cuffs and a few other things;) 

Please shoot me a message if you would like to inquire about a custom order or modifying something before purchase:) Thank you.

The choker is made from three to four ounce vegetable tanned genuine leather with alligator embossed texture. Painted pink, coated with shimmering pearl powder to bring out the beautiful embossed pattern and sealed with a triple thick crystal clear coat. Studded with 6mm synthetic onyx crystals. It is absolutely stunning, and I have had multiple compliments on it. I'm going to Tenerife tomorrow, and have packed it because it is one of those accessories that once you own it you don't want to risk losing it.

"Great seller, even in the middle of her moving from one state to another, she dug it out and managed to ship it so I would get it in time! Really appreciated, nice, clean, packaging with no chance of cutting the item enclosed when opening the box. :) Overall exceedingly pleased, though the tail had some character flaws that were unexpected (the pictures were not intentionally misrepresenting it, just nature of it being a real Fox Tail.) Give this lady a shot. I was more than satisfied. :)"

The choker is backed with double ruffle black satin ribbon 7/8 inches wide. The center of the necklace is adorned with a bow of the same ribbon in 3/8 width. From the bow on the necklace dangles a 3/4 inch silver tone bell. The necklace has an adjustable silver chain closure with lobster clasp, which means that it will fit all neck sizes.

"This ear and tail set went so far beyond what I was expecting!They are so soft, so realistic and so wonderfully made! There was excellent communication regarding any and all details as this was a custom order. This is my first ear and tail set and I am so glad I stumbled upon Zero's store in my search for a good set. I am recommending Nox Hyde to all my friends who show an interest in getting their own quality ears and/or tail. Thank you so much Zero!"

It is of great quality, and looks brilliant. Customer service was top notch, quick and swift. I received the choker quickly in perfect condition, and Zero kept all communications to the minimum. It is a five star accessory, and I love it.

Visit the Nox Hyde Etsy page at https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/noxhyde for more information.

Milatree 'Dreamer' Print

Thank you to everyone at Milatree for sending me one of their fabulous prints for review on my blog - it looks brilliant.

Welcome to MILATREE. Here you'll find 100% organic, cotton t-shirts printed using water based, environmentally friendly dyes as well as art prints inspired by origami, nature, music and the curiosities of this world. 

A selection of MILATREE designs are now available on men's, women's and children's organic tees at My Heart Beats Green. Visit www.myheartbeatsgreen.com.au to see more.

Thanks for stopping by. Enjoy :)

The print is absolutely flawless, printed on quality paper with environmentally friendly ink. It is a very inspiring print to have around, and fills my room with a positive atmosphere. It is made to perfection, with not a fleck of ink out of place. It hangs well on my wall, and has a gloss so it reflects the light and looks great.

I love this print, and I could not wait to receive it. It arrived quickly in the allocated time, faster than I expected. It had been carefully packaged, so there wasn't even a slight chance of any damage occuring. Cutomer service was excellent, and all communication was detailed and full with information.

"Thanks for the speedy service, can't wait to open the parcel, it's a gift for my partner so will have to wait for his birthday next week but I'm sure he's going to love it. thanks again for special offer on next purchase, how exciting!"

"Absolutely beautiful and very well packaged for its journey; an all-round excellent Etsy experience. Thank you so much!"

Visit the Milatree Etsy page at https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/milatree#