Do bloggers need an iPad or tablet?

A few weeks ago I spontaneously decided to buy an iPad. Luckily these sort of things don't happen very often or I would be very broke. I had been thinking about it for awhile and the thought of 12 hours in a car made me decide to take the plunge. So after having it for a little while now I thought I would write the pros and cons from a bloggers point of view....

Pros

+ Sometimes I try and read blogs on my phone, which requires me having to hold the phone up to my nose and squint to read, the iPad makes reading blogs and commenting super easy and means you can do it on the go like on the bus to work

+ You can easily screen capture things in online magazine or other websites to share online. Or to keep in a folder for inspiration.

+ You can buy an adapter that allows you to transfer photos from your camera to the iPad which means you can share photos quickly that you have taken on your camera instead of waiting until you have access to a computer.

+ The notes feature means you can easily transcribe ideas on the go or draft posts if you are on the go.

+ Most importantly for me this is really convenient for travelling as sometimes I cannot be bothered to carry around a laptop.

Cons

- I find actually writing a post on here really hard,you have to do it in html otherwise it wont scroll down and it is far too much work to edit and import photos into a post. I would really only use it for posts if I already had photos saved in draft.

- This little sucker also makes disconnecting even harder, before when I might read a book on the bus I might look at websites instead, balance is key. 

Overall I don't think the iPad does anything more than what a smartphone and computer combination can do, and for that matter I would still always write blog posts on my laptop but it is just really convenient and means that I can do things more easily travelling than what I could before.

Do you have an iPad? What do you find most useful about it?

Why I....enjoy having a morning routine

Sometimes routine scares me because I worry that I will get stuck or it will make change really hard. But really I find some routines really comforting, especially my weekday morning routine. I am not a superstitious person but I remember when I was little being told that how you start your day sets the tone for the rest of the day. In light of this I seem to have found myself in the routine of ensuring my mornings always start out just the way I like them.

I set my alarm for 6.30am and than snooze until 7am. I than get up and get dressed and sometimes take blog photos. I than catch a bus to work that is two blocks away from my house even though there is a stop right across the road from me but the bus driver two blocks away is always happy and cheerful in the morning.

Than I get coffee from my favorite coffee place (even thought its an extra walk too) because the coffee is amazing and so are the people. I than get to work and make my favourite breakfast museli, greek yoghurt and fresh fruit.

However doing this Michelle Bridges challenge has thrown out my whole routine. You have to go to the gym six times a week and I am way too tired in the afternoons so I have been trying to get up and go in the morning. I am really hoping that I can do this and so far I am enjoying it but no more friendly bus driver or 7am wake ups. Oh well here is to embracing change for the better, what is your morning routine?

Working and housekeeping

skirt: h&m // top: chicabotti // cardigan: valleygirl // wedges: target

Back to work this week and I have to say I am desperately missing the Queensland sunshine. I actually think I could quite happily move up there, the only thing I wouldn't like is not being close to my family.

I also spontaneously joined Michelle Bridge 12 week body transformation challenge. My workout routine has nearly become non-existent over the last two months and I am hoping this will get me into good habits - have you done the challenge or are you participating in this round.

I also just wanted to remind you that I am doing my big floral post on Saturday and I would love you to email me (timeaftertea (at) gmail (dot) com) a photo of you wearing floral or leave a link in the comments to an outfit you would like me to include.

And lastly my blog birthday is coming up and I am organising a give away. If you would like to contribute something I am offering free ad space on my side bar for a month, so email me if you are interested in getting involved.

I hope you are having a fantastic week!

A photo an hour...a day in Brisbane

7am - time to hop up

8am - getting ready 

9am - breakfast in the West End (next to The Beards no less, ok I admit I had no idea who they were)

10am - South Bank markets

11am - Walking along South Bank

12pm - visiting GoMA

1pm - shopping at Dotti

2pm - celebratory wine to end the trip at Brew

3pm - airport

4pm - aeroplane essentials 

I have wanted to do one of these types of posts for ages, maybe even years, and decided a day in Brisbane would be the perfect opportunity. I absolutely fell in love with Brisbane the weather, the people just the whole place in general. I will do a more detailed post soon but for now I hope you enjoy a little glimpse into my day.

Home and away again

skirt: portmans // tshirt: zara // cardigan: cocolatte // socks: forever new // coat: myer // bag: Tressle

I am home again after a week at Broken Hill, I traveled over 2500km in 7 days, bananas! It was so good to spend time with my sister, mum and aunty we always have fun together. I cannot wait to share photos next week. But for now I am off to pack (again) because I am heading to Brisbane for work tomorrow. I don't even mind that it is for work because the weather will (hopefully I don't jinx it) be way better than freezing in Canberra. I also will get to meet my baby cousin who was born a few months ago. 

Travelling is definitely one of my biggest sources of inspiration and a double dose in two weeks means I am one happy lady, oh and the fact that Farmer wants a wife starts again tonight, that also makes me happy!

The details: Skincare

I have to admit I feel a little ripped off I was under the delusion that you reached your mid twenties and were finally gifted with perfect skin. Acne free, blemish free, oil free you name it you got it. Unfortunately I am realising that this is not the case and that I need to put a little more consistent effort into looking after my skin.

A lot of my skin problems seem to be hormone related but these are the products that I am finding helpful in keeping the rest of my problems under control...

Lush Ultra Blandm - This is my fave new skin care product, I use it every night to take off my make up and it leaves my skin really clean and soft.

Neutrogena Deep Clean - I have been using this cleanser for a couple of weeks hoping that it will clear out my pores. So far I am pretty happy with it but need a little longer to test it.

Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliator - I use this 2-3 times a week and love that it is not too harsh on my skin and doesn't dry out my skin like some exfoliators.

Clinique Clarifying Lotion- I use this toner twice a day and find it makes a difference to my nose and chin area. This bottle Has lasted me ages so is good value.

Lacura Face Moisturiser- to be honest I am not that fussy when it comes to moisturiser but I like this ones price $10 and its thick consistency.

Paw paw cream - I live by this, I use it as lip balm most the time but also dry skin or insect bites, I always have it thrown in my handbag.

What are your fave skin care products?

Yellow and blue

cardigan: cocolatte // dress: vintage // shoes: rubi // bag:tressle

Hello, I am currently in Broken Hill which is pretty much the 'Australian Outback'. My sister is doing a rural pharmacy prac for seven weeks so my mum, aunty and I thought it was a good oppurtunity to see this part of the country.

It was over 1000km drive to get here, 12 hours in the car I would happily take back. I have to say I have enjoyed watching lots of episodes of Breaking Bad. I also have lots of fun photos to share when I return!

I stockpiled some outfit photos to use while I am away as well as some other posts so hopefully I can still post regularly. This is one of my favourite outfits I live the yellow pop of colour and that the length is suitable for work. I usually pool it out when the winter days are getting tedious and I am longing for sunshine.

Little life updates

♥ yummy breakfast // nail polish // new rings // new shoes // trying a new bar// dinner party // new bedroom// selfie // blog planning // shopping // bootcamp // holiday love // fun winter coats ♥ 

I was meant to post this last night but unfortunately was suffering from a major headache so went straight to bed. Anyway here is a quick little update on things happening in my world, what is happening in yours?

Reading... 

Just about to start The Story of Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon

Watching... 

I have also just downloaded Breaking Bad after hearing so much about it! I have 24 hours in a car over the next six days as I am going to visit my sister in Broken Hill so needed something to watch.

Talking... 

to my mum as I home to pick her up for our big road trip.

Thinking... 

that I really need to get a lot of my shoes reheeled {random}

Buying... 
nothing at the moment but considering I am about to go away for a week I am sure I will find something.

Planning... 

our move overseas next year it is getting to the point where we need to organise visas and all that fun stuff!

Wearing...

my pj's and it's 10.30am whoops! Because of all the driving though I am going to throw on comfy clothes anyway.

Craving... 

a hamburger, so naughty.

Loving... 

getting to spend time with family over the next couple of days.

If you would like to follow me on instagram my username is timeaftertea.

a new dress {modcloth}

dress: modcloth // boots: target // cardigan: cocolatte // bracelet: diva

I spotted this dress on Modcloth ages ago and instantly loved it – the vintage/ feminine design was right up my alley. However I decided not to purchase it and it remained tucked away in my wishlist. That was until I got that fabulous email saying that it was 40% off! I snapped it up straight away knowing that it was going to be perfect for Spring. Of course I couldn't wait that long to wear it so paired it with black for a dinner party on Saturday night. Whilst this dress is sold out they have the same cut in different colours if you happen to like it.

I also went and saw The Campaign on the weekend which I was convinced I wouldn't like but it is actually hilarious! I recommend seeing it if you want a movie you can kind of just tune out to and have a giggle.

How was your weekend?

Out with the old in with the new {blog design}

My extremely limited html skills has meant that in the past I haven’t been able to have the design for this blog that I really wanted. I decided a few weeks ago to take the plunge and invest in getting a professional to design something for me that could more accurately reflect my blog and my personality. 

I am so happy and excited about this new blog design. I hired the lovely Kaelah from Little Chief Honeybee to do the design and she was an absolute pleasure to work with. I felt like she was more than happy to make silly little changes that I wanted and was always very professional. I would definitely recommend her if you are considering a redesign yourself.

I would also like to thank my friends Jasmine and Gracie and my sister who helped me with important decisions like colour theme and profile photos. Haha it sounds like I am accepting an academy award, but I am grateful as I am hopeless with all things design related.

Some pages are still under construction but hopefully I will have it all organised by next week.

I hope you enjoy this new space!

The line dancer

boots: target // skirt: h&m // shirt: love clothing // blazer: dotti // belt: forever new 

As soon as I put this outfit on I was reminded of the costumes that line dancers wear. I think it was a mix of the bright coloured blazer paired with the details on the collar, I wore it anyway. 

My memories of line dancing are short and sweet - my mum took it up for a few weeks when I was little and I can remember getting a soft drink while I would sit and watch them dance. Anyway I don’t know if many people line dance anymore (am more than happy to be told otherwise) so maybe this outfit will be as close to line dancing as I get anytime soon.

On another note I thought I would share three little things I have seen on the internet this week that made me smile, hopefully one of them makes you smile too!

♥ This cute little gorilla 

♥ This article by comedian Carrie Grant on the latest Carefree advertising

♥ This facebook page (it scares me how much I relate to some of these)

Why I...have a completely irrational fear of birds

Image from Alfred Hitchcock's 'The Birds' 

When some people hear that I am scared of birds they usually laugh and dismiss it. But I am honestly terrified, until you encounter one of my "episodes" I can imagine it sounds pretty absurd!  I can handle snakes and spiders but seagulls or pigeons and I can run faster than Usian Bolt in the 100m sprint.

I know why I am scared of birds, it all originates from my mum who is also scared of birds and I think seeing her scared made me think I should be scared too. Thanks mum! 

The first time Brendan and I went away for the weekend we were on the beach eating fish and chips, not believing I was really that scared Brendan threw a chip at the seagulls. The seagulls then flocked to us for more chips well boy did I run whilst doing a very attractive hiccupy cry. In my terror I forgot to drop the chips and the seagulls chased me, honestly it still sends shivers up my spine. And as for Brendan, he has never tested my fear again.

My other big break down was in St. Marks Square in Venice, the pigeons there have no fear, they fly so close to your head, it was more than I could handle. I burst into a blubbering mess and my poor best friend had to drag me into the safety of a store selling glass-blown figurines. Luckily that was the only part of Venice that I found was overly populated with pigeons. But will I ever return to the Square? Highly unlikely.

I am mainly scared of the birds getting stuck around my head and flapping their feathers around my face. Oh gosh thinking about it makes me feel a little ill. I know it is so silly I feel so silly writing some of this but a lot of our fears are irrational. So tell me, what irrational fear do you have? Do you know why you have it? 

I need a favour, how do you wear florals??

So I have a favour to ask... I was chatting to my friend Jasmine on twitter the other day and she had a really fun idea that builds on my last fashion challenge. I would love to compose a collage of people who read my blog rocking a certain fashion trend. It's a great way to see how we all style things differently to express who we are. 

So I would love if you could email me a photo of an outfit showing how you rock florals. I choose floral because i am really excited that it is nearly spring. It can be something you have already worn or an entirely new outfit, maybe you have great floral jeans or lovely flower earrings.  My email is timeaftertea (at) gmail (dot) com and if you can email me by the 25th August 2012 I will put the photos up the following week. Oh and include your blog address if you have one!! Thanks so much I am really excited to see how this goes. 

An inspired weekend

boots: target // dress: vintage // belt: forever new // stockings: equip // watch: fossil

On Sunday I went out for breakfast and met Vanisha and Louise who are also Canberra bloggers (I highly recommend that you check out their blogs). I have said it so many times  but interacting in the blogging community and getting to meet people who you connect with is one of my favourite things about blogging. Both of these girls really inspired me to push myself with this blog, to create regurlar, quality posts and to engage as much with other bloggers. 


I wore this outfit on Saturday to go shopping with Brendan. I absolutely love this dress, my vintage clothes are always my my most treasured. I love that this dress can be bold my accenting the red flowers or played down with navy stockings and a cardigan. Or maybe even no stockings in Spring?? Only five more weeks!