It's my four year blog anniversary!

I can't believe it's been four years already!

Honestly, time flies by so quickly. I started this blog as something to do (to improve my writing). I would have NEVER known that it would have gotten me some of the most amazing opportunities. Whether it was sitting front row at World Mastercard Fashion week or having dinner with Suzi Weiss-Fischmann of OPI Products Inc. I'm beyond blessed to say that this is something I do and love. Thank you all for commenting, reading & sharing each and every post I do. You're not obligated to do it but you do it.

2013 is my year to make Spiced Beauty a better/stronger beauty outlet.
One day, I dream that I can take this further and maybe it can be my full-time job but I know we all have to start out somewhere. To celebrate I will be having a few giveaways this month from some of my FAVOURITE companies that I have featured this year.

As usual, I am open to hearing about what you want to see more from me?

Do you want more outfits? Makeup looks? Lifestyle posts? Swatches?

Whatever it may be please let me know below.

To conclude all I have to say is Thank you!

Tips to create a great blog

In January, I achieved my goal of 1,000+ followers on blog. Extremely exciting but all of that didn't come easy. Whether these individuals who are following me now are current readers or not.. I know at one point and time all these individuals supported me. I'm thankful for that!

When I started blogging two years ago there was no guide or assistance for new bloggers like me. Everything was fresh and definitely confusing. Let me start off my saying... I'm NOT a know it all..just a girl who wants to share some insight. Whether your a new blogger starting out or a someone who needs direction, this is great information that I know will help.

1. Social Networks are your friend: Facebook, Forums and Twitter are essential for promoting your blog. Twitter is my favorite because I post all my blog posts as short teaser tweets. My followers have the option of retweeting to their followers. Which results in a growth in your network.
   
2. Follow other blogs with similar interest: Let's face it everyone can benefit from a little support. I have to stress that support doesn't always mean a comment on your post but the act of just reading and sharing is great.
   
3. Credit other bloggers when you use their ideas:  Crediting your post is flattering my opinion and I'm more likely to show others your blog. Which results in a growth to your network.
   
4. Don't take hateful comments to heart: This is definitely easier said than done. Recently I had to deal with this and I didn't take it lightly..lol. But I know with one hater there will be 100 supporters.
   
5. Most importantly don't look at comment numbers: Although you may have worked hours..weeks..maybe months on a particular post don't feel discouraged if the comment section is bare. Some of my most viewed posts are stuff I wrote 2 years ago!

To reinforce my opinions I contacted some of my favorite bloggers from USA, UK & Canada far advice.

Shirley from Meek-n-Mild:

Have fun Posting, it's your own creative space! Blogging is meant to be fun, so don't take it too seriously!

Farah from Facesbyfarah:

Keeping your paragraph's and posts short and engaging is key. Also think outside the box when It comes to topics, images and design. It will help set you apart.

 Michelle from Lipstick Rules:

Don't worry about numbers and to focus on content and finding your 'voice' online.

Rai from Glam Morena:

If you're a newbie blogger. Focus more on building your blog and a good relationship with your readers.

Alicia from Funny Face Beauty:

You are your own best promoter. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and your blog to other bloggers and/or people in the beauty industry. Be genuine, but let others know you are out there.

Joy from Makeup Junkie: 

Ignore numbers, stats, and haters! Can't please everyone!

Amazing advice! I hope this helps.

Giveaway: Win two Essie Nail Polishes from Glowingbeauty.ca + Plus free gift!

 The Bloggerversary giveaways don't stop *happy dance* 

This one is sponsored by GlowingBeauty.ca. 

Canadian online retailer of beauty products including skincare, hair care, beauty tools and cosmetics. They carry over 2000 products and are proud to offer free shipping within Canada. *LOVE IT* Whether you want a medicated solution or an inexpensive, fun nail polish to brighten your day they have it.

 Speaking of Nail polish... Glowingbeauty.ca has offered one Spiced Beauty reader the opportunity to win

TWO Essie Nail Polishes!

GUESS WHAT!!!
You pick the colors that YOU want.

How to Enter:

Go to Glowingbeauty.ca and let me know what two Essie nail polishes
you want!
Along with your name, email  & Twitter user name (if you tweeted) in the comment box below.

Contest rules:

* This a CANADA only contest!

* One Winner will be chosen

* You must be a follower of my blog

* You must be 17+

 Extra Entry 

Tweet this to win a free gift if your name is chosen:

@JennMUA & @glowing_beauty are giving away two essie nailpolishes! Enter here: www.spicedbeauty.com - Canada only

CONTEST ENDS:
December 17 @ midnight

Hello! Leave your blog link below :)

Hello New Followers,

Thank you for following my blog! I want to be able to check out your blogs, so leave your link down below!

One on One with Jenn featuring Sofia!

Sofia is a 22 year old Medical Assistant by day and a Make up Junkie by night!!
Come and read her about her favorite make up brands and skincare.

Click her pic to go to her blog!

When did you become a make up junkie?
Sofia: I started becoming a makeup junkie around Sept of last year when I started watching makeup tuts on youtube...that started my addiction.


HAHA good old youtube! How did your collection grow and who did you start watching first on youtube?
Sofia: I went from a small caboodles train case to a vanity full of makeup!
well Id have to say aubrey [fafinetexx3] the first youtube tuts I saw were hers.


So what products do you find yourself into at the moment?
Sofia: I am really into blushes and lippies..no brand in particular


Seriously "no brand in particular" so if I gave you $500 and said you can ONLY use it at one store where would you go?
Sofia: OK I lied!!! lol!! I would either spend it on mac or nyx products..both very good quality makeup I love..


I knew I'd get a brand out of you! Ok what is one beauty tip you can't live without.
Sofia: prime everything...esp with my skin...I have to prime my face, lips and eyes..I don't know what I would do without primer.


Very true.speaking of skin. how do you keep your skin so radiant?
Sofia: I wash it daily using st Ives products and I don't use makeup on a daily basis..I basically let my skin breathe all week and just wear makeup on the weekends.


So what would be your weekend look?
Sofia: I don't have a weekend look in particular I just pick a shirt and then go from there..I'm that type of girl who tries to match her eye makeup with her outfit...weird... I know!


Not weird at all! Is there any particular celebrity who's style you idolize?
Sofia: mmmm?? I really love Kelly Clarkson..her style is very casual and I am exactly a casual type of girl..I don't like getting all dressed up..comfy is best for me.


She's pretty laid back..jeans t-shirt kinda girl. Do you have any tips for the ladies who are just getting into makeup and fashion?
Sofia: spend wisely..when I first started on makeup..I just bought things to "collect" and not things I knew I was going to use..now I have a bunch of makeup I don't use, just wasted money..so that would be my #1 advice "spend wisely".


Great advice. Lastly what does the hubby think about the make up addiction?
Sofia: omg don't get me started on that he thinks I'm crazy, yet he still supports my addiction..he says it's because he loves me..he's a sweetheart.


Thanks Sofia!

One on One with Jenn featuring Rai

Rai is a 20 year old girl who loves make-up and fashion. Come and read about everything from her tips for perfect skin to advice for fashion/beauty newbies!Click her picture to check out her blog

When did you start to become a make-up junkie?
Rai: In the last 3 years! Watching YouTube made it worse.


Haha youtube got me too! What brands are you“addicted” to at the moment?
Rai: I'm loving NARS & MAC and NYX right now!


What are some of your basic skin care tips in general that you think are really important?
You have to share because I swear you have perfect skin!!
Rai: Drinking plenty of water, washing my pillowcases regularly, washing my face twice a day, keeping my hands OFF my faces, & cleaning my brushes every week.


Changing pillowcases is sooo important! What is your everyday make up look?
Rai: If I'm in a rush, lately it's a neutral eye, neutral lip, and a bronzed face.


Perfect combo. I see several celebrities rocking that look daily... Speaking of celebrities.. who is your style idol?
Rai: Rihanna to the fullest! And Kim Kardashian!


Those girls are my favs as well. They're always fresh and inventive! So do you have your own everyday style? Like are you a dresses kinda girl or jeans?
Rai: For an everyday look I'm jeans girl. I'll rock a dress like when I'm on a date or going out somewhere.My style essentials are: Over sized bag & earrings. I have to have a big bag!! A doctor bag as my boyfriend calls it. lol.


Hahah. Doctor bag that's too cute. Where do you shop?
Rai: Forever 21, Wet Seal, Charlotte Russe, Target! Hell even Wal-Mart if I saw a cute top. lol


LOL.. well you gotta save money somehow. Just to finish up do you have any advice/tips for the ladies who are just getting into make up and fashion?
Rai: For makeup: Use it, don't abuse it! lol Enhance your favorite features and wear what looks best on you.
For style: Be your own trendsetter!


Thanks Rai!!!