Candiceiiice

💻💻IS BLOGGING DEAD? 💻💻 ... While being home and explaining my new career to my friends and family, I have gotten a lot of, "people still read blogs?!" ... Simple answer: yes! ... It is obvious to see the rising popularity of consuming travel guides and information in the form of videos and vlogs. However, this doesn't deem blogging irrelevant, just merely means we have to think of blogging in a different way. ... I have many reasons why I think businesses and anyone with a personal brand should consider owning a blog. Since I typically write travel-based content, these are my top 5 reasons why travelers should blog: ... 📕To share your story and personal experiences - everyone is so different and what might be a dream destination for me could be the last place someone else would want to visit, and I like learning about that! ... 👯‍♀️It's a great place to build and communicate with your audience - again, it's about taking a part of you and sharing it with your followers and having a platform where they can respond with more than just a few quick sentences. ... 📱Give more information than an IG post - I don't even know if I have enough characters for everything I want to say here! Blog posts can be as long as you need. ... 👌Create authority - show your audience that you know what you are talking about and they will start to trust you. ... 💸Cha-ching! - if you work hard, there is a potential for passive income that you can make from your blog! ... So what do you think? Do you agree with me or do you think blogging is dead? There is no right or wrong answer, just let me know in the comments! 😘😘

👠👠THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME👠👠 ... Fun fact: The Wizard of Oz is one of my favourite movies. As I child, I always dreamed of leaving my home to travel to distant lands. ... In a way, my life has has become quite similar to Dorothy's! 🌌I get to travel and explore magical, faraway lands 👯‍♀️I get to meet new people and lifelong friends along the way 🐒I have even gotten harassed by monkeys (I'm telling you, the monkeys in Asia are not playing around!) ... Ultimately, I too have taken my home; the Great White North; for granted and got to explore some new places like Pyramid Lake near Jasper on my trip home. ... Something that I never thought possible was that I would get just as much joy sharing my own adventures and experiences. This is why I write. ... Everyone is travelling down their own yellow brick road; with your mind, heart, and a tiny bit of courage; we all have stories that are just as magical as the one about Oz. ... Consider me a friend on that road. I can help you write your story, format your story, or even audit the tales you have already told to improve your story. ... 🌟 I cannot wait to share more details on my new packaging in the next week or two that will help both new and veteran travelling raconteurs alike.🌟 ... Are there any stories you can relate to? Share with me in the comments! 📖📖

✨✨MY WORDS FOR THE YEAR: DREAM BIGGER✨✨ ... Hello 2020! OK, so if I'm being honest, I'm never been a huge fan of New Year resolutions. I always felt like if I wanted to change something in my life, I didn't need to wait until the end of a 365-day term to do it. ... With that being said, the ladies in LLB has shown me the power of affirmations, goal making, and having an inspirational word (or words) to drive you to your goals for the year. ... My goal this year is to not be afraid to DREAM BIGGER. ... I don't know about you but sometimes I have a hard time feeling like I deserve all the wonderful things I have in my life that I don't want to ask for more. This year, allow yourself to dream bigger! ✨Invest in yourself ✨Know your value ✨Ask for the sale ✨Learn a skill that expands your services ✨Realise that you are worthy and deserve everything you have worked for! ... Speaking of inspirational words; one of the first things I'm going to be doing this year is launching my website that promotes my Content Writing business! I have been teasing it long enough and it is almost ready! If you are a busy traveller looking for help to share your stories, send me a DM and let's talk now! ... Share your words for the year in the comments and let's lift each other up this year!

📦WHAT AM I BRINGING HOME WITH ME?📦 ... When I left for Asia a little over two years ago, I had a 45L backpack, summer clothing, and zero clue on what I was even going to do with my life. ... Now I am returning home for a few months and I am bringing this much larger suitcase with me along with a few other things that I found in my travels: 🔹Some affordable winter clothes 🔹A slew of cute notebooks and pens 🔹The ability to speak a new language 🔹Much more self-love and confidence 🔹A better understanding about my mental health and how it works for me vs. against me 🔹Bigger dreams and goals 🔹A brand-spanking-new career that I never even dreamed was possible ... Speaking of new career! I am so close to launching my new website with a full suite of packages suitable for the novice blogger up to the experienced! Make sure to sign up via the link in my bio so that you know the second it goes live! 😍 😍 ... Some final thoughts: I realise that this path is not for everyone and travel is not for everyone. And that is ok! But if you have ever been even the slightest bit curious about what discovering other parts of the world are, I cannot recommend enough to just go. ... Have you ever come home with more than you expected to after a long trip?

🆘HOW DO I GET OUT OF A WRITING SLUMP?🆘 ... With so many changes in my life lately and feeling like I am on the verge of losing control of all the wonderful things happening around me, it has put me in a bit of a writing slump. ... As a content writer, I still have to figure out a way to deliver quality work to my clients despite feeling like everything that comes through my fingertips to the keyboard is poopy. ... 🙋‍♀️Does this sound familiar? Have you ever felt this way? ... These are my 3 main tips to help you still create smashing content even when you are in a writing slump: ✔️ 1. Brain dump There are likely too many thoughts going through your mind right now. Take the time to sit down and brain dump; write down anything and everything that comes to your mind. How are you feeling? Have you been stressed about something? Are you excited about upcoming travels? Write it down. ✔️ 2. Batch work - something I will often do when I am in a slump is batch smaller articles together. What I mean is, take projects that you have to write with the same voice (ie. articles for the same client) and work on two at a time. Once I have run out of gusto for one, I can switch to the other and the fresh topic helps me feel inspired again. ✔️ 3. Begin writing - you can edit later! This is kind of scary so stick with me! If writing is something you are truly passionate about doing, then trust that it will come to you. Even if you are feeling like an amateur, just begin writing to help wake up your brain and get the creative juices flowing. You never know when your little train of thought will take you to a goldmine, you just gotta get the engine started, ... As a bonus tip, I'll add something that I have adapted from my good friend @laurenosselton_creative (who just launched her copywriting website which you should check out) and that is: 🙏 Honor your energy - if you need to take extra breaks, take them! You might take more time to get the assignments done than normal, but as long as you communicate and can get them done, you got this! ... What was your favourite tip that you are going to try out next time you are in a writing slump?

✨WHERE IS YOUR MAGICAL PLACE IN THE WORLD?✨ ... Japan is 💯 that place for me. It is not only about the culture or how incredibly beautiful the sites in this country are, it is about the experiences that I've had here. ... I have so many noteable memories in Japan alone: 🔸2009 - the first time I ever travelled outside of North America 🔸2012 - a place of comfort after the end of a long term relationship 🔸2017 - the beginning of my whole journey in Asia and the first time I stayed in a hostel and met other backpackers 🔸2019 - a safe place where I have been developing my business and in turn, learning a lot more about myself ... Today I did something way out of my comfort zone and I'm not just talking about visiting a public onsen for the first time. ... I finally talked about being a content writer (check out my stories) and a little bit about my upcoming website launch. Sign up for any website announcements with the link in my bio or you can slip into my DMs with any questions. ... I want to know where your magical place in the world is! Where are you constantly inspired and drawn to? Let me know in the comments 😍😍

📸WHAT'S IN YOUR BAG? 📸 ... As my time in Japan is quickly coming to an end, I have been taking the opportunities to explore the smaller towns within the Kansai Region. ... Everyone has those things that they cannot leave home without. For me those things are: 🌟My tripod - Even if I don't think I'll need it, I bring it anyways because inspiration can pop up anywhere! 🌟My camera - Whether that is my phone or little disposables like these. Proof that you don't need to be a professional to love doing something! 🌟A cosy sweater - I cannot tell you guys how much I missed sweater weather from living in SEA for the last two years. 🌟A good outfit - I always like to dress to impress... myself. 🌟My favourite pen and a notebook - My name is Candice and I'm addicted to notebooks. I love the feeling of my pen scratching against the smooth surface of the paper while I scribble my thoughts, anxieties, and inspirations on the page. ... As a content writer I take note of everything because it is important to me to be able to capture those moments that seperate your travel blog from the next.🌟🌟 If you are a new or veteran travelling creative needing help sharing your stories, send me a DM.🌟🌟 ... I always get super reflective during my last week in a destination, don't you? Tell me in the comments what's in your bag! 😍 😍

🍁WHAT INSPIRES YOU? 🍁 ... I'm not talking creatively, I wanna know what keeps you moving and inspired in LIFE? Have you gone out and done that recently? ... As many of you know by now; I have been in @amandakolbye Laptop Lifestyle Bootcamp course in order to become more confident in launching my own business. We only have about two weeks left and honestly, I have been feeling the pressure to launch. (of course this is coming from nobody but myself) ... From having zero social media plans to struggling with my copy for my website and trying to balance my current clients work, I realised that I'm not ready. ... Not only that, I've started doubting myself. Started feeling like an imposter. Started losing the whole reason why I chose to travel down this path. And honestly, wondering if someone like me can even manage this whole online business, travel extraordinaire, dream-scape of a lifestyle. The answer to the last part is: FUCK YES, I can!! ... The problem was that I was so focused on work. I was either doing client jobs or working on logistics for my new business. All of this is great but LIFE needs balance and I was losing inspiration. ... So what do I do to fill up my inspiration meter? 🍁I opened up to my biz besties about how I've been feeling; not only did they offer the warmest support but also thoughtful and honest advice. 🍁I went out for a long walk to take photos (which is something I love doing) and soak in the spectacular natural sites around Kyoto. 🍁Lastly, I pushed myself a little to keeping my reminding myself that I can do this! ... Comment down below, I really want to know what YOU do that keeps you inspired. . You are worthy. You deserve success. And you can do it!! 💕

✨Don't be afraid to find your tribe✨ . International female entrepreneurs day just passed and among seeing some badass women celebrate their own milestones, I saw so many others celebrate their fellow boss babes! … I had found some great cafe work friends when I lived in Da Nang, so when I initially came to Japan, I felt pretty lonely. …  Two weeks after I got to Japan, Laptop Lifestyle Bootcamp began and I was introduced to 11 other incredible women. That first day, I was so nervous. I had no idea what to expect from the other woman that joined, what would they be like? I even doubted my own decision to enroll; thinking I had no business being in a program like this and that I should just go home and get a degree, abandoning my freelance life. …  For the last couple of months I have been working so hard on my confidence and mindset, my website, and my skills. I haven't been doing it alone and truly don't think I would have been able to without the support from: ✨My friend and coach @amandakolbye ; there are not enough words to express my gratitude!! (seriously, get on her waitlist for #LLB2020 ) ✨the 11 incredible LLB ladies; my heart is filled with so much love and admiration for all of you and I'm so freaking proud you! ✨@katinando ; my coworking cafe friend from Da Nang and someone that I can't go longer than a week without talking to! ✨my incredible and patient clients; working for you all is an absolute dream. Thank you for trusting me! ✨and last but never least my best friend Natalie (@goblinsmasher) …  Oof, that got mushy! I tagged my tribe, tag yours down below and lets get to know each other!

🛸HEY CANDICE MARIE, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?🛸 ... Although I may not have been abducted by aliens, I HAVE been hiding. ... Real talk: I have always been open about my mental health here and in my blog. This year in particular has been really up and down for me. As soon as I start feeling better, my world crashes down on me and I retreat back into my thoughts and inevitably, away from my friends and family, Instagram and sometimes, my responsibilities. ... This. Stops. Now. I'm exhausted of being exhausted by my mental health, and would rather be exhausted by doing cool things instead!!! ... So if you have read this far, give me a 🙌 in the comments while I tell you a few of the rad changes that are coming. 🙌 New and improved IG handle (ok, thats already been done and it feels so good) 🙌 Shiney, professional business focused website 🙌 Some new content! (more than just some pretty photos) 🙌 A new commitment from me to show up and stop hiding, even when things seem like too much. Because I know I can do this! ... Ps. The photo might not match the caption, but at the same time it does so much! I don't want to miss sharing some of my favourite experiences in the world due to my mental health, I didn't come this far for nothing!

After living in Bangkok for almost a year and a half, I finally went to the Grand Palace. I 💯 think it is so worth it to go at least once and I'm glad I waited to go when my best friend was in Thailand. ... If you can get over the crowds, the mix of buildings and temples is quite the site to see. I particulary loved the vibrant colours and I always seem to be attracted to yellow. I understand now why it is the top attraction in Bangkok. ... I fell in love with Bangkok and learned a lot about myself while I lived there. The way I thought about things and approached new situations really changed and I feel like I grew a ton as a person. Ending my time in Bangkok with a visit the the glorious Grand Palace seemed poetic. ... Have you been to the Grand Palace? I want to know why you thought of it 👇 . .. ... .. . #thailand #bkkexpat #travelthailand #watphrakaew #grandpalace #travelogue​ #travsololife #bloggersofinstagram #anxiousblogger #solofemaletraveller #traveloutsideyourcomfortzone #amateurphotographer #huaweiphotographers #wekeepmoments #travelcommunity #ichoosetowander #traveladdicted #voyageboundwithnat #voyagebound

When I moved to Thailand, I honestly had no intention of staying there longer than a few months. Moreseo, I certainly never thought I would recognise Bangkok as my home. ... I would have never thought that those intended 3 months would turn into 6, and then a year and a half. And lastly, I never thought my heart would yearn for Thailand so greatly and maybe one of the reasons that adjusting to Vietnam was so difficult for me. ... You may or may not know, but right now I am in one of my favourite countries in the world. Tomorrow I will move into my home for the next few months. I am incredibly in love with Osaka, but I am holding on to Thailand with all my might. ... Is this normal? Have you been/lived in a place that impacted your being so much? Or am I alone in this? Let me know 👇 . .. ... .. . #thailand #bkkexpat #travelthailand #erawanmuseum #travelogue​ #travsololife #bloggersofinstagram #anxiousblogger #solofemaletraveller #traveloutsideyourcomfortzone #amateurphotographer #huaweiphotographers #wekeepmoments #travelcommunity #ichoosetowander #traveladdicted #voyageboundwithnat #voyagebound

Take time to make your soul happy. ... I have a severe back log of photos because, I know, my posting has been inconsistent. If you have been here for a while, you may be aware of my constant mental health struggles. If you haven't, I blog about it sometimes so follow that link in my bio! 😉 What you may not know is that I curate my feed (because I enjoy doing) but I refuse to post when I'm feeling really down. ... For me, it feels wrong to share all these amazing photos and wonderful things when internally, I'm struggling so badly. Struggling to keep afloat. To be happy. To get out of bed. I've been able to do and experience so many things despite my depression, but the reality is that it hasn't miraculously disappeared. ... I try to be as genuine as possible on here (you know, for someone who likes to plan their feed months in advance) and I can't add sincere substance to my posts when I'm feeling empty inside. ... So I guess now I wanna say, I appreciate those who read my captions (no matter how long they are) and enjoy my content (no matter how frequently or infrequently I post) and I am feeling a lot better. I have a few more Thailand photos to share and then I will talk about my time in Vietnam and my fall into a deep depression there, which has led me to Osaka, Japan! . .. ... .. . #thailand #bkkexpat #travelthailand #erawanmuseum #travelogue​ #travsololife #bloggersofinstagram #anxiousblogger #mentalhealth #depressionawareness #solofemaletraveller #traveloutsideyourcomfortzone #amateurphotographer #huaweiphotographers #wekeepmoments #travelcommunity #ichoosetowander #traveladdicted #voyageboundwithnat #voyagebound

I don't think I could put together enough words to describe how incredibly intricate and exquisite the inside of Erawan Museum is. The details that are laid within the middle floor (aka the Earth) are impeccably designed and I spent most of my time just staring at all the statues. ... Erawan was built to represent the Hindu universe and this middle section exhibits Khun Lek's interpretation of Earth and humanity. I found it alluring and full of life while at the same time delicate, meant to be cherished. ... It's safe to say I did a lot of reflecting while roaming around this museum. . .. ... .. . #thailand #bkkexpat #travelthailand #erawanmuseum #travelogue​ #travsololife #bloggersofinstagram #anxiousblogger #solofemaletraveller #traveldreamseekers #traveloutsideyourcomfortzone #amateurphotographer #huaweiphotographers #wekeepmoments #travelcommunity #ichoosetowander #traveladdicted #voyageboundwithnat #voyagebound

I'm really excited to share this next place with you. The Erawan Muesum is recognised by its massive three-headed elephant structure that contains pottery and ancient relics, as well as a shrine in the head of the building. ... We found our way here after a dreary day and a failed attempt at visiting Ancient Siam. We almost went home but decided to check it out Erawan. There was almost no people and it offered such a calming and chill atmosphere. . .. ... .. . #thailand #bkkexpat #travelthailand #erawanmuseum #travelogue​ #travsololife #bloggersofinstagram #anxiousblogger #solofemaletraveller #traveloutsideyourcomfortzone #amateurphotographer #huaweiphotographers #wekeepmoments #travelcommunity #ichoosetowander #traveladdicted #voyageboundwithnat #voyagebound