This past weekend — on August 12th, to be exact — Wolf & Stag celebrated its first birthday. And, in typical ‘Eire’ fashion, I procrastinated writing this celebratory post until a full three days after the date. Sigh. Some things never change, do they?
Yes, my ‘bloggerversary’ is causing me to reflect on myself, on my blog, on my little corner of the internet’s achievements and milestones. But mostly, it’s making me feel thankful. To each and every comment. Instagram like. Twitter follow. Post view. Essentially, thankful of you, you lovely person reading this, you. And what better way to say thank you than with an epic beauty giveaway? Okay, maybe not epic, let’s simmer down a bit. But a beauty giveaway that should bring a smile to one winner’s face. Read on for all the terms — and for some ramblings musings about one year of being Wolf.
Thoughts on a Year of Blogging
It’s funny: I don’t feel like someone who has “only blogged for a year.” Which may sound arrogant, because I have. It’s not to say I am anywhere near as poised, developed and interesting as those BIG bloggers who’ve been doing this for years and years.
But, in reality, I’ve been blogging in the traditional sense (writing in an online space) since I was 14. I.e. forever. I just never had the time or energy to make it into a well-crafted, un-diary-like space until August 12th, 2016. I’ve written about my one regret — not starting Wolf & Stag in its current format earlier — and I’d be lying if I still don’t feel that way.
But, in the same context, I couldn’t imagine having done it any other way. I needed that clean break of meeting Stag, quitting that job I hated and entering a new phase in my life to be ready to take all this on.
It’s surreal, looking back on that now. To see how far Wolf & Stag has come. To see how far I’ve come: as a writer, as a creator, and as an individual. The friendships I’ve made — some I can imagine for life — and the skills I’ve learned are unparalleled. No other path I could have taken would have opened up my life in such a fundamental way, reigniting my love for writing, guiding me down a creative and professional route I never thought possible. I have blogging — and you — to thank for that.
As much I relish in reflecting on the past, blogging is one of those industries where you’re never doing enough. My goals for Wolf & Stag for the next year are wide and varied — from venturing into video and improving my photography skills, to becoming more self-motivated and opening up the blog more as a business. There is so much room to grow, to learn and to improve my content offering for all of you.
So what’s my final word on a year of blogging? Watch this space. Year 2 will bring even greater things. God, I hope. NO PRESSURE OR ANYTHING.
The Beauty Giveaway
If you’ve made it this far, you bloody deserve to win this giveaway.
As I said above, this giveaway is nothing but a way to say thank you to my readers and followers. In other words, it’s in no way sponsored or endorsed by any of the brands. It’s sponsored by Stag, by me and by our quiet little flat in East London. Because we love you guys.
All of the products in this giveaway are either items from beauty brands I’ve worked with through the blog (you may recognise some of them!) — or they are simply beauty staples in my product arsenal. Either way, it’s a winning package.
What You Could Win
Nails Inc NailKale Polish in Bruton Mews | the best shade of dark, wintry green. I have my own and use it all. the time.
7th Heaven Dead Sea Mud Masks (Four Individual Masks) | Party like it’s 1999 with these guys. I love the nostalgia of 7th Heaven and use these frequently to keep my large and in charge pores at bay.
Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Clay Cleanser | My favourite facial cleanser of all time. It really keeps your face clear and is wonderfully gentle on dry or sensitive skin.
Isla Apothecary Reset Ritual Pulse Point Therapy | A beautiful roll-on oil from one of my favourite natural and independent beauty brands. I love using oils in my everyday beauty routine. This one not only clears the mind, it can help with allergies, too.
Herbivore Pink Clay Mask | My number one facial mask from quite possibly the most instagrammable brand ever, Herbivore. One of my long-time favourites.
Co. Bigelow Rose Salve | I don’t know many Americans that are without this. Use on your lips, on cuts, chaffing, sunburn, wherever.
Thalgo Reviving Marine Mist (Travel Size) | The perfect companion on any flight and while travelling. I am never without a good face mist at any point. Nothing feels quite so refreshing.
Hairy Jayne Hair Perfume with Heat Protection in Citrus | If you haven’t heard of this sulphate and paraben-free hair care company before, you need to. A wonder hair product.
Dr. Jart+ Premium BB Cream SPF40 | This is my go-to face cover for when I’m travelling, as it saves having to bring an SPF as well.
How to Enter the Beauty Giveaway
It’s easy! One mandatory step, and multiple extras to give you many entries. Enter using the widget below:
This beauty giveaway will run for just under a week, so make sure you enter right away!
Now for some boring bits ‘n’ bobs, but please make sure you read this carefully. One winner only. This giveaway is open to anyone worldwide. You must be over 18 to enter. This competition is open from Tuesday, 15 August and will close at 12 AM GMT on Tuesday 22 August. A winner will be chosen and contacted after the giveaway has closed; the winner will have 24 hours to respond before prize is forfeited and a new winner is chosen. I will endeavour to send this item the most secure way possible; however, if the item is lost in the mail or damaged by postal couriers, I cannot be held responsible for this.
Good luck!
Do you love any of the above products as much as I do? If you’re a blogger, do you understand my feelings about celebrating a year? Let me know!