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Beth Sandland

4 Tips & Tricks Every Instagrammer Needs to Know to Up Their Game

08/06/2017 · BLOGGING TIPS, LIFESTYLE

 

There's a bit of a love-hate relationship with Instagram at the moment within the blogging community. That sneaky little algorithm that we all despise so much is making it harder and harder for 'grammers, especially the smaller ones, to get their content out there. Nevertheless, we all continue to perserver and accounts are becoming glossier by the day – think white washed themes, professionally shot OOTD's and beautifully styled editorial content.

I try not to get too bogged down with worrying about the nitty gritty of the 'gram. Trying to stick to a strict theme is not only restrictive but also repressing of your creativity, however if you're a bit of a perfectionist like me then there is a temptation to agonise over ensuring those little squares all slot together like a very sexy game of Jenga. There are a few apps (or tricks!) I use to make life easier for myself, making more time for naps and Gilmore Girls.

 

4 Tips & Tricks for Upping Your 'Gram Game

 

1.  PLAN AHEAD

Planning ahead means that you'll never run out of content to post and you can allow your inner crazed perfectionist to roam free and get that grid looking flawless – a bit like an Instagram Monica. I use the app 'Mosaico' to move my pictures around and work out what I like where, as well as make life a bit easier for future-me (and I am ALL about making life easier for future me) so that I never have that weird 'but what do I post?' panic.

A word of warning: don't lose sleep over making everything look absolutely brand-spanking perfect, some of the best accounts are creative, fun and have that lovely sense of spontaneity. By all means plan ahead, but don't feel you can't upload that cheeky selfie you just snapped or go back to the 'insta' roots and literally post a snap of your coffee before you've even finished sipping it's milky foam. Mad, I know.


 

2. THE ULTIMATE HASHTAG HACK

Okay, not an app, but this little trick saves me SO much time. In the iPhone keyboard settings (I'm afraid I'm not sure for other models) you can use the text replacement function to create shortcuts for different themes of hashtag. Think about the kind of categories of images you usually post and then carefully pick a handful of hashtags – for example I've got a go-to set for travel, lifestyle, fashion and London. I then add on a few that are relevant to the image or location and that's it – job done! Just be careful that you're not spamming irrelevant categories or over-using the same tags!

Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement

 

3. POST AT KEY ENGAGEMENT TIMES

Gone are the days of carelessly chucking a quick selfie up at 3:22pm. Checking when your followers are most likely to be in engaged can be really important when you feel like you're struggling with your reach. Like with everything, try not to overthink it too much, but having an idea of when might work best for your account can be really helpful. Usually I just rely on the Instagram insights and my own common sense – I think about when I'm usually online (all day, lol) and when people are most likely to be having a little scroll, such as first thing in the morning or on the train home from work. However, if you don't have a business account then there are some apps that will track your analytics for you! I downloaded Prime, which tells you to the minute (dramatic!) when you should post each day and compared it to Insta insights and hey! It's pretty accurate.

 

4. MAKE YOUR STORIES POPPING

If you've got that lovely little 'swipe up' function then Insta stories can be a fabulous traffic source for your blog, and even if you don't, making your stories as visually engaging as the rest of your feed can really help to make you look and feel extra swanky. Everyone's favourite graphic design app for dummies, Canva, even has a 'story' template which is the perfect size and allows you to use a photo
and overlay it with pretty typography.

Posted In: BLOGGING TIPS, LIFESTYLE · Tagged: blogging tips, instagram, instagram tips, photography

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Comments

  1. Nina says

    08/06/2017 at 14:34

    Omg this is the most useful post I’ve read in ages!!! Thanks for sharing this tips babe! I’m definitely downloading Mosaico and Prime! Xxx

    Reply
    • Beth Sandland says

      08/06/2017 at 15:25

      Ah I’m SO pleased it’s helpful Nina! I wasn’t sure if everyone already knew these things but honestly it makes Instagram SO much faster/easier for me xx

      Reply
  2. Kirsty says

    08/06/2017 at 14:37

    This is so useful! The second one especially I didn’t know you could do that!
    Kirsty x
    Kirstyeelizabeth.com

    Reply
    • Beth Sandland says

      08/06/2017 at 15:25

      Yay I’m so pleased! Using text replacement has speeded my life up 😂

      Reply
  3. Kammi says

    08/06/2017 at 14:51

    You hero! What a brilliant read. Hashtagging takes me an inordinate amount of time.. currently they’re all in a note file. I’ll for sure be shortcutting them! Thank you for sharing 💕 enjoy your travels this week! Xx

    Reply
    • Beth Sandland says

      08/06/2017 at 15:27

      That’s what I used to do, too! I had different notes for different topics and then I tried to copy and paste them and oh my goodness it was all such a mess. I’m SO glad you found it helpful! Xx

      Reply
  4. Laura says

    08/06/2017 at 15:35

    Planning ahead is SO important! Great post, thank you for sharing your tips with us!
    Lauraconteur ♥

    Reply
    • Beth Sandland says

      08/07/2017 at 08:06

      Thanks Laura! Glad you enjoyed it! X

      Reply
  5. Catalina says

    08/06/2017 at 16:37

    Totally going to try the apps/tricks you suggested! Thanks for sharing! Xo

    Reply
    • Beth Sandland says

      08/07/2017 at 08:06

      Yay! So pleased it was helpful xx

      Reply
  6. Catherine says

    08/06/2017 at 20:33

    Babe this post is so helpful – more please!! Downloading all these apps now haha x
    http://www.cocoamay.co.uk

    Reply
    • Beth Sandland says

      08/07/2017 at 08:06

      Oh my gosh yay! Okay definitely going to work on more hack posts! Thanks for the feedback lovely xx

      Reply
  7. Lauren says

    08/06/2017 at 20:42

    Such a useful post babe! Loved all the little tips!

    Lauren xx

    Reply
    • Beth Sandland says

      08/07/2017 at 08:07

      Yay I’m so pleased! X

      Reply
  8. Emma says

    08/06/2017 at 21:14

    Such a useful post! Thanks babe x

    Reply
    • Beth Sandland says

      08/07/2017 at 08:07

      You’re welcome! So glad you liked it x

      Reply
  9. Nicole says

    08/06/2017 at 23:42

    OMG that text replacement hack is so amazing! That’ll be SO helpful! 🙌🏼 Thanks for all the tips 💖

    Reply
    • Beth Sandland says

      08/07/2017 at 08:07

      Yay! Honestly it saves SO. MUCH. TIME! xx

      Reply
  10. Jennifer Callahan says

    08/07/2017 at 03:35

    You are a genius! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Beth Sandland says

      08/07/2017 at 08:07

      You’re very welcome! Thanks for your lovely comment x

      Reply
  11. katie says

    08/07/2017 at 07:10

    legit one of the most useful posts i’ve read in a long time! that hashtag trick is SO good, i’ve never thought about using a text replacement thing before…such a crackin’ idea.

    i’m going to download and give prime a go this week too and see if that makes any changes of the good kind in terms of engagement.

    katie xx lacoconoire.com

    Reply
    • Beth Sandland says

      08/07/2017 at 08:08

      Thanks Katie! I’m so pleased you found it helpful 😍 x

      Reply
  12. Shaun says

    08/08/2017 at 14:57

    Ohh I’ve been doing the old copy & paste hashtag sets from notes. The text replacement is a game changer!

    Reply
    • Beth Sandland says

      08/09/2017 at 16:14

      That’s what I was doing! Enjoy haha

      Reply
  13. Yasmin says

    08/11/2017 at 10:27

    Amazing tips, thanks for sharing! Especially the Instagram story one!

    The Sweet Seven Five

    Reply
    • Beth Sandland says

      08/12/2017 at 12:00

      You’re welcome! Enjoy! x

      Reply
  14. Francesca says

    08/12/2017 at 03:29

    LOVE this! I’ve been putting so much energy into my stories so this was really reassuring 🙌🏼❤️

    Reply
    • Beth Sandland says

      08/12/2017 at 12:03

      Yay! I think stories can be great for driving traffic and showing a different side to your Instagram 🙌🏼

      Reply
  15. Beth says

    08/12/2017 at 09:38

    Such a good post, just downloaded prime! I have hashtags in my notes and just copy and paste those into my comments when posting a photo! I really want to start using my stories too but never feel like I do anything interesting enough! xx
    http://www.pagesfrombeth.co.uk/

    Reply
    • Beth Sandland says

      08/12/2017 at 12:03

      I’m sure that’s not true! Some of my fave IG stories are people just chatting about their day and doing normal things – it’s relatable. Xx

      Reply
  16. Sophia says

    08/13/2017 at 03:17

    I discovered Canva about a year ago and I have been using it for everything and anything. Thank you for this lovely post. As much as I have all this algoritm stuff but this post is helping me out xx
    http://www.sophianeve.com

    Reply
    • Beth Sandland says

      08/13/2017 at 18:49

      You’re so welcome! Thanks for reading! I love Canva – I use it for so much for my blog! x

      Reply
  17. Kylie says

    08/16/2017 at 09:11

    Brilliant post! Great advice about the keyboard feature for Iphones, I always find after I’ve posted on Insta I’ve forgotten a Hashtag! Plus this way saves soooo much time!

    Thanks!
    Kylie | http://www.firstforeverything.co.uk

    Reply
    • Beth Sandland says

      08/17/2017 at 14:08

      It’s a total life saver!! x

      Reply
  18. Lauren says

    08/16/2017 at 20:09

    This is such a helpful post! I really struggle with keeping followers on insta – seems like there’s a revolving door where one comes in and two leave. Planning ahead is definitely a great idea

    theemeralddove21.blogspot.co.uk

    Reply
    • Beth Sandland says

      08/17/2017 at 14:09

      So glad you enjoyed it. I think a lot of people are finding IG tough at the mo. As long as you love your content that’s the main thing x

      Reply
  19. Lucy says

    08/19/2017 at 19:22

    Great post, thanks for sharing these tips! Number 2 is going to save me so much time haha

    Reply
    • Beth Sandland says

      08/21/2017 at 09:54

      Number 2 is my favourite too!

      Reply
  20. Emily says

    08/20/2017 at 20:26

    I’ve just recently started my blog – so I’m a very small fish in what feels like a huge huge sea and getting to grips with it all, ty for the super useful post 💓
    EVHXO EDIT

    Reply
    • Beth Sandland says

      08/21/2017 at 09:54

      Good luck Emily! Thanks for reading x

      Reply
  21. Mummalummas01 says

    08/23/2017 at 09:32

    This was really helpful – Thank you. Im new to this and now feel a bit more set up on how I can increase my traffic. x

    Reply
  22. Kaiya says

    08/23/2017 at 15:26

    This is such a helpful post, thank you! I was skeptical because almost every post on Instagram tips seems to be the same: 1. Use VSCO, 2. Find A+ lighting, 3. Follow everyone and comment on everything — all good tips, but I don’t need 82 posts telling me the same thing. So, your post is seriously great. I’m squealing over tip #2; I never thought to use the text replacement option! World changing. Thanks so much for sharing! xx

    Reply
    • Beth Sandland says

      08/24/2017 at 07:47

      Thanks so much! Such a lovely comment! I’m really glad it was useful and that the tips are a bit different. The text replacement is my favourite too x

      Reply
  23. Shannon says

    08/24/2017 at 07:01

    I’m definitely checking out Mosaico, and the keyboard shortcut hack for hashtags is GENIUS. I hate having to copy paste or write it out every single time! Thank you for these, seriously.

    – Shannon | http://www.goingwithhappy.com

    Reply
  24. Eni says

    08/25/2017 at 20:31

    This guide was so simple yet so helpful thanks so much!! I’m definitely gonna try and up my insta game with this 👌🏾

    Reply
    • Beth Sandland says

      08/29/2017 at 09:24

      So glad you found it useful!

      Reply
  25. Rosa says

    10/02/2017 at 11:51

    Such a great post – I really need to work on my stories.

    http://ohduckydarling.com

    Reply
  26. Glaiza Binayas says

    10/02/2017 at 15:12

    Hi Beth! This post is really helpful! 😍 Thank you so much for sharing with us.

    http://www.glimmerofhappiness.wordpress.com

    Reply
  27. Kat says

    10/06/2017 at 05:48

    This will make my life so much easier! 🙂

    Reply
  28. Sandra says

    10/12/2017 at 15:10

    That hashtag trick is THE BOMB!!
    xx Sandra | Cake + Whisky

    Reply
  29. Manon says

    11/17/2017 at 19:40

    So useful! I was just wondering how I could know the best posting time on instagram. Now I know. Thanks xx

    Reply
  30. Jade Mercedes Fraser says

    11/19/2017 at 11:18

    This is soooo useful, especially the tip about Canva, hadn’t come across that one before. Thank you so much for sharing! Jade x

    My ‘Luxe for Less’ Blog: Jade With Envy | My YouTube Channel

    Reply
  31. cecilia says

    01/20/2018 at 08:44

    I am really new to Instagram Beth, and my feed is far from perfect. I tend to post what I like, without feeling the need to have everything swanky, although I do have a theme. It would be too stressful for me to try and get everything in order. The planning ahead came naturally to me. Unfortunately prime is only available on Apple, did you say that prime is better than Insta insights, was Insta insights accurate?

    Reply

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I am a multi-award winning blogger, photographer and writer from London. I’ve travelled to over 38 countries, lived out of a backpack for a year and love to scuba dive! This site is a destination for all things travel, lifestyle and my successful online book club.

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Tuesday shelfie! About as exciting a caption as we Tuesday shelfie! About as exciting a caption as we’re gonna manage today, on what feels like day 72 of January. If you’re feeling a little spruce up there are 35 neutral homeware pieces for under £30 in a new blog post - link in bio! 🤍
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Everything tagged! Paint is Farrow & Ball Setting Plaster. Shelves are Funky Chunky Furniture. And that’s my lovely dried wedding bouquet 🥰
Nursery pending 👶🏼🌈🎨 I’ve hated this Nursery pending 👶🏼🌈🎨 I’ve hated this room for the last year. After our first loss it completely taunted me and I couldn’t bring myself to do anything with it other than use it as a giant Monica cupboard. It’s been called so many things - ‘the middle room’, ‘the spare room’, it even stayed as ‘Emily’s room’ for a long time after our lodger moved out - but now we finally call it the baby’s room 🥰🤍 #week28 #thirdtrimester #nurserydecoration #pregnancyafterloss
Week 27: extra hormonal, everything is stretching, Week 27: extra hormonal, everything is stretching, bub is the size of a cauliflower in this bizarre compare babies to fruit & veg game...👶🏼🥦🌈
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😭 Hormonal wreck: I haven’t really had mood swings at all throughout pregnancy but oh my goodness have the hormones got me good this week. There have been tears. And hysterical sobbing. Sorry husband.
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🏀 Basketball belly: the stretch is real! My uterus is now firmly up under my ribs and I swear I can feel them slowly pulling apart. I cried when I sneezed - “it’s like someone STABBED me” (see point 1). Everything feels very round and my old belly piercing scar is not thrilled about life...
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👈🏼 Still an innie: ....just. It’s more like a saucer where it was once a cereal bowl.
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🦒 All the cute things: we’ve decided on a neutral safari themed nursery. Says the person who hates themes.
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💸 “But they’re so small...😭”: I’m officially on a tiny clothes shopping ban. I’ve rinsed eBay and some lovely small brands (and the Zara sale) and I get an eye roll every time I smuggle a new parcel into the nursery.
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🥴 Tasting everything 6 times over: Hi reflux.
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📖 Reading: Your Baby, Your Birth by Hollie de Cruz is next on my bedside table.
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#27weekspregnant #pregnancyafterloss #rainbowbaby #secondtrimester 
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Two things in life that you just can’t have too Two things in life that you just can’t have too much of: books and tea. My survival tools! ☕️📖💫
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Here are 3 titles I’ve read recently (and rated 5/5 - I’m a harsh critic) that are perfect if you need a pick me up or some escapism...
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1. The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley: an old man leaves a notebook in a cafe for a stranger to find telling his ‘truth’ and challenging them to do the same. The catalyst for a web of unusual friendships and genuine, warm characters...
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2. Educated by Tara Westover: a memoir that reads a little like a fiction depicting Tara’s life growing up in a strict Mormon family in Idaho with a survivalist father who is battling undiagnosed mental illness. They don’t believe in formal education or medicine and any form of governance is the work of the Illuminati. Covers some heavy themes (tw: abuse) and is extremely interesting and engaging.
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3. Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams: sometimes laugh out loud funny, sometimes poignantly sad, Queenie is a vivacious twenty-something growing up as a black woman in an ever gentrifying south London. A crap boyfriend, covert racism and a battle with anxiety paint a backdrop whilst she navigates daily life. It’s excellent!
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Hit save for later or tag someone who needs some reading inspo 📚 What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
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Join/follow: @bethsbookclub_ 🥰
Love a good wedding-stalk? In it for the pics? Wha Love a good wedding-stalk? In it for the pics? What to know *exactly* what a teeny tiny BIG day of just 4 guests might actually look like? Link in bio 👰🏻💓
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Photos:  @victoriasomersethowphotography 
Hair: @whiteman.soho 
Make up: Keeley Wilson MUA
Flowers: @emmahewlettfloraldesign 
Dress: ASOS
Plant mom 🌿✌🏼 ⠀ Monty the monstera is go Plant mom 🌿✌🏼
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Monty the monstera is going to start eating dentists soon. My top tips for a super healthy swiss cheese plant -
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🌱 A lovely bright spot away from direct sun (not a problem in winter) and radiators.
🌱 Intuitive watering: stick your finger in and water when the top 2” of the soil are dry, rather than to a set schedule. The amount needed depends on your plant (I use around 700ml approx every 10 days) but make sure you’ve got good drainage!
🌱 Every now and again I like to put it in the garden when it’s raining (in the spring/summer) or under the shower. Rain is best if possible as hard tap water can cause mineral build up on the soil.
🌱 Moss pole! Train it to grow upwards with a strong pole and ties.
🌱 Wipe dust off the leaves (shower also does this) and use a spritz bottle regularly.
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If it’s looking sad it’s probably an issue with water or light! #urbanjungle #monsteramonday
26 weeks: mini diary 🤍 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 26 weeks: mini diary 🤍
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With less than 2 weeks until the final trimester I thought I’d try and document weekly, as much for me to look back on. This photo is already a week old and I seem to be growing by the day!
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What’s the crack this week?...
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😴 Sleepy AF: A new wave of exhaustion has hit. It makes sense - babies generally double their weight between 24-28 wks. I’ve started going to bed earlier/falling asleep at 9pm in front of Bridgerton.
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🤧 Pelvic floor: Sneezing brings ALL the fear!
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🐙 Movement: I saw my belly move from the outside like a scene from Alien for the first time. At bed time it feels like a small octopus is doing the Macarena in my uterus. It’s still the most magical feeling in the world.
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👶🏼 Prep: The pram arrived this week! We ordered it in a brilliant Silver Cross sale. I was feeling a bit flat about the loss of that ‘pram shopping with my bump’ experience due to lockdown but putting it together made me happy - it’s so beautiful! And so surreal - we own a pram!
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📖 Reading: The Positive Birth Book by @milli.hill. It puts across all options in a clear, non-judgey, humorous way and has made me think of things I’d never heard of. It’s also the first time I’ve understood what a birth plan might physically look/read like.
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🧘🏼‍♀️ Hypnobirthing: I’ve started to feel more nervous about the birth (not the actual act or the pain, rather fears I won’t share as don’t want to project) but we’re starting hypnobirthing online next week which I’m looking forward to!
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👯‍♀️ Following: @birth_ed, @takingcarababies, @mixing.up.motherhood are accounts that are bringing joy/invaluable info.
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#26weeks #rainbowbaby🌈 #secondtrimester #pregnancyafterloss
I loved being a pregnant bride. Often a baby is a I loved being a pregnant bride. Often a baby is a reason to delay or speed up a wedding (lots assumed that was the case for us, but it wasn’t!) and is generally seen as perhaps spoiling things a little. It’s totally fine if you do feel that way, but for us it made it extra magical. It felt totally right to have our little bub between us as we exchanged vows and I was happy to embrace the bump in my dress. I still chose exactly the look and fit I wanted and wore the sparkly heels and in a way, I found trying dresses on much lower pressure as I wasn’t worrying about my figure. Perhaps the biggest difference was staying sober and the fact that we had a tiny wedding with a fancy lunch rather than a party probably made this a lot easier. I raised a toast with our four guests but beyond that, I didn’t have any inclination to drink anyway. Bonus - a great nights sleep and no hangover! 🥂👰🏻
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Photographer: @victoriasomersethowphotography
Dress: ASOS
Box fresh kicks ready to explore [from the bedroom Box fresh kicks ready to explore [from the bedroom to the kitchen, to the loo...aaand repeat]...at least they’ll stay clean 🥴☕️
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Type into browser: https://rstyle.me/cz-n/ewjdwzcbq2x (junior size 🤑 if under a UK 5.5)
AD: Pregnancy has given me a lot of time to reflec AD: Pregnancy has given me a lot of time to reflect on my relationship with alcohol over the last year. 🍸 I flitted between giving it up when pregnant or for fertility purposes, then using it as an emotional crutch in loss which made me more anxious and restless. This time - now 6 months pregnant - I haven’t had a drink since August and have been really pleasantly surprised by how little I’ve missed it, even over the festive season. I’m not into vilifying booze; I enjoy a couple of drinks and even the feeling of lowered inhibitions and being tipsy. But I know that even post-pregnancy and the other-side of the hazy newborn/breastfeeding days, I’ll try and maintain a far more positive relationship with alcohol which for me, looks like indulging lightly and occasionally.
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Having access to brilliant alcohol-free alternatives makes this significantly easier. My favourite gin distillers, Salcombe Gin, are behind the @NewLondonLight; a 0% spirit that doesn’t compromise on taste. So whether you’re pregnant, doing Dry January or simply attempting to live lighter, you can still enjoy a Sunday evening tipple. How do you feel about the alcohol free movement?
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Get 20% off with code ‘NLL20Beth’ 🍊 #NewLondonLight #LiveLightNLL #NLL
Top 5 Books I read in 2020 ☕️ ~
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Where the Crawdads Sing, Delia Owens: totally captivating, unusual and enchanting. I literally devoured this one!
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Queenie, Candice Carty-Williams: as well as being laugh out loud funny, Queenie is also an education. A must read on what it’s like to be a young black woman growing up in London. Also tackles mental health really well!
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The Flatshare, Beth O’Leary: I recommend this to anyone who just really needs a hug from a genuinely enjoyable book. It’s warm and lovely but offers depth well beyond your usual chick lit too.
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Homegoing, Yaa Gyasi: this novel is such a triumph! Spanning over 300 years from pre-colonial Ghana to present day USA, each chapter follows a new character in the lineage of two sisters. One sold to slavery, the other married to an English coloniser. It’s sweepingly powerful and incredibly well written. I could’ve read an entire book on each character!
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A Man Called Ove, Fredrik Backman: Ove was the very first book I read in 2020 and it stuck with me throughout the year. At its most basic, it’s the story of a cantankerous old man. Delve a little deeper and it’s funny, heartbreaking and incredibly heartwarming. I just love Ove!
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Hit the ‘save’ button to come back to this list when you’re in need of a good read! What were your books of the year? 📚
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PS. If more reading, less scrolling is one of your 2021 goals too then don’t forget you can come and join us at @bethsbookclub_ 😎
2 0 2 1: the year of you 🕊🤍
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Happy new year saucepots! We had an ultra rock n’ roll night (read our books in bed then watched the midnight fireworks - that was a nice surprise! - on a phone before falling promptly to sleep...) and today is all about a long walk, a longer bath, books and tea. And obviously starting a new diary because isn’t fresh stationary the best thing about a new year?!
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Are you setting New Years’ resolutions? I prefer a bit of reflection and mindset shifting. This year it’s all about setting firm positive boundaries, protecting my energy and saying no to things/people that don’t serve that. I like the new year, not for the ‘new me’ noise but rather as a chance to let go and embrace a fresh beginning again. ⚡️☕️
As far as NYE outfits go, I’m not mad about this As far as NYE outfits go, I’m not mad about this one...🐻🥂 I hope you’re all well and excited to bid farewell to 2020. I know the clock striking midnight doesn’t fundamentally change anything but I’m hopeful that we can look forward with more optimism. I always find the turn of the year really emotionally complex. I’m not even going to attempt to unpack this last one other than to rejoice that even amongst the lowest of lows there have been highs. My beloved Nan won’t see the new year, which is hard to contemplate. I also married my best friend. This time last year I was miserable on the sofa, a day after surgery for our first miscarriage and wishing I could press pause on life. Tonight I’m still on the sofa, but full and at peace rather than empty and grieving, looking forward. For us, 2021 will see the birth of our little cub so it’s one that I’m welcoming with open arms. So much can change in a year and I hope you can seek comfort in that. However you’re feeling tonight, I’ll raise my alco-free bubbles to you because you did it: you made it through one of the toughest years in history. Brighter days are coming ☀️💓
24 weeks on the 24th December. 🌈🤍
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This day exactly a year ago we felt like the world had been pulled out from under our feet after learning that our first baby wasn’t destined to grow and come home with us. I grieved that loss deeply but I never regretted it because of all that it brought us too: weeks of joy, the realisation that we were ready for a family, a greater understanding of motherhood and of life - that it simply isn’t something you can plan. And now, new life.
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Now I sit here, 6 months pregnant with a child wriggling inside me that I can’t fathom being without. It’s so very complex because without the losses we experienced, this baby that we already love wildly and unconditionally simply wouldn’t exist. I don’t believe that ‘everything happens for a reason’ is any consolation but I do think our losses are a vital part of our story as much as this healthy pregnancy is, so in a confusing, incoherent way, I’m thankful for them.
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24 weeks is a huge milestone because in terms of gestation it’s known as the ‘viability’ mark. Our baby is officially a registrable human being and a ‘miscarriage’ is no longer a medical possibility. This is a day I’ve been really looking forward to! Thank you for continuing to hope with us, and know that we’re holding on to it extra tight for anyone struggling for whatever reason.
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Keep cooking away in there little one, growing you is the greatest joy. 🌱🤍
(Ad) GIVEAWAY! WIN A LUXURY SPA BREAK FOR TWO 😍 (Ad) GIVEAWAY! WIN A LUXURY SPA BREAK FOR TWO 😍🧖🏼‍♀️
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Start 2021 with something special to look forward to. Who couldn’t use some pampering and R&R after the year we’ve had?! The Spa at Carden is a brand new £10 million ultra luxe indoor and outdoor spa nestled in the award-winning Carden Park Hotel’s extensive grounds, just outside of Chester.
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THE PRIZE: a lucky winner will win a one night spa break for two including a spa day, a 50 minute treatment each, a double or twin room and a full English or continental breakfast! Valid for all of 2021 subject to availability.
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TO ENTER:
• Follow me @bethsandland and @thespaatcarden 
• Tag a friend below!
• Unlimited entries (tag in separate comments)
• Share to stories for a bonus entry!
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INFO: Closes 22/12/20. Winner announced 23rd December by  me on *THIS ACCOUNT* - please do not engage with any fake/scam accounts claiming to know the winner! This giveaway is in no way affiliated with or endorsed by Instagram. This post is unpaid but marked as ‘ad’ due to the commercial nature of giveaways.
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GOOD LUCK 🥰🎄
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(AD) I had a very productive day of Elf duties as (AD) I had a very productive day of Elf duties as we finished off the Christmas shopping to add to the bits we’ve ordered online! Now to pour a Faileys (faux Baileys...) and get wrapping up with Home Alone on in the background...
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If you haven’t finished your shopping yet then checkout @mandmdirect - the home of designer brands with up to 75% off! I did some of my Christmas shopping there and picked this cosy outfit up for myself too. The jumper dress was £8.99, the coat less than half price at £29.99 and the hat £5.99 (all non maternity)! You can also find Uggs on there with some huge savings...See my stories for some brilliant gift ideas for tricky recipients, with delivery guaranteed in time for Christmas 🎅🏼🎄
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Have you finished your shopping yet? Do you enjoy it or find it a chore? I love thinking about what to get each person, but it can definitely get overwhelming!
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