May 5, 2011

5 Things You Might Not Know About Musings of a Muse

I sometimes get an e-mail or two asking about what goes on behind the scenes at Musings of a Muse. Those are always really great e-mails. Recently, a reader, Meg, contacted me asking me what was going on with my site (I’ve been having a few hiccups and lag which I hope you haven’t experienced too much of) and what my provider was so she could yell at them for me.

Haha…thanks Meg!

I thought I’d compiled a list of 5 Things You Might Not Know About Musings of a Muse.

Check ’em, if you’re curious that is!

Money

For some reason, reader’s are under the impression that everything you see on Musings is free. The site, the products I’m blogging about, and everything else seems to be free of charge and no money is involved in the process of bringing you the content I do daily.

Uh-oh, you’d be wrong if you believed that.

I won’t go into any great details but here’s a few things I pay for.

Server
Alot of sites are free such as Blogspot, etc…but I run a self hosted WordPress blog for about two years now which costs $179-$200 per month (depends on usage but has since been decreased since I moved to a dedicated server which I may or may not be moving from again soon).

Products
About 90% of what you see reviewed here is purchased with my own money. Add it all up, you’ll have a nice sum amount that I’m dishing out on products to review!

Harsh the Tech Guy

He’s the guy you don’t hear much about. Basically I piss and moan to him about everything that doesn’t work on Musings that I do want to work but can’t seem to get to work by myself for whatever reason. And he pats my head, tells me don’t worry babe, and proceeds to fix the issue. His rates are stupid reasonable but sometimes a few issues will pile up and the bill gets bigger and bigger and bigger….

Haters, Nay Sayers, and The Grammar Police

If someone has a fairly large blog and enough readers I think haters pretty much come with the territory. I have people who hate me just because…they know nothing about me outside of this blog but they dislike and hate me regardless. It’s interesting to have someone who dislikes you just because.

My fingers type ALOT faster than my brain plus I’m in a busy working environment as I update the site so I have the trusty Grammar Police who basically e-mail me or comment to tell what I am or am not saying wrong in a snarky fashion. Sorry, I make mistakes…

How did it start?

Beauty blogging…how ever did it start for me….I dabbled an ickle on Live Journal but the real start was on My Space inspired by a little old British man named Peter . Peter’s my x-boyfriend’s father and had this freaky little blog on MySpace a few years ago and a harem of older women that followed him. Needless to say it was rather funny watching Peter on MySpace. He kinda inspired me at the time to start blogging beauty…I dunno why…his dedication to writing short stories and funny blurbs about his daily life and musings are what led me to start babbling about beauty….granted Peter and I write topics that are vastly different but for some reason his hard work and his passion for keeping that little blog updated really inspired me.

For Freeze!

There are some amazing PR peeps out there that give alot of love to Musings. One comes to mind that I am proud to call friend. PR..what’s that? I know I started off in beauty blogging having no idea what PR was about or how it worked…

There are agencies and specific people dedicated to handling the Public Relations behind many brands. These PR folks work hard at getting info out to magazines and bloggers so that we can bring it to you.

Alot of the time PR strikes a chord of “OMG FREE STUFF!” in the hearts of readers. It’s not really like that. I buy most of what I blog on here and everything is not for free. Bloggers will tell you that PR has evolved and has paid way more attention to the bloggers written word but personally I don’t see that. Some days I can barely finagle stock images out of a person representing a certain brand never mind get samples from them. So no, it’s not all about the free stuff or the swag when it comes to PR. It’s alot about building up relationships and getting PR to even pay attention to you and the value of your site which sometimes, I admit, is tiring.

That’s so Off Topic!

You know it’s not always about beauty around her. On occasion you’ll find that Doctor Who Episode Reviews, general geeky babble, and K-Drama posts that are far too long will pop up around these parts. When I like or love something I tend to babble about it, ALOT…and in most cases it sure is a joy that I can babble about it to like minded folks who are as passionate about the topic I’m discussing as I am…

So yup, off topic discussions pop up around here and if you’re lucky you might have been involved in one a time or two with me!

So that’s maybe 5 Things You Might Not Know About Musings of a Muse…..it’s a just for fun post….

If you want to learn more about me I highly suggest reading 250 Things About Me.

If you have any questions about the site or blogging do shout them out, I’m happy to answer them!

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Bridget

    Thanks for all you do!!! I read your blog everyday, you are a great writer and the best!!! I don’t read any other blogs but yours just because you are so on top of everything and are always right about all the products. Only down fall about this blog is my wallet size, you have made me such a beauty junkie and I have to have everything you talk about. Don’t listen to the haters, we all love your work and appreciate all that you do!!!!!! : )

    • the Muse

      aw bridget thank YOU! xoxoxoxoxo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! haha sorry ;-D I’m the downfall of my own wallet girl! HUGS!

  • Pati

    Well, I’m with the ones that love you… just because! 🙂

    • the Muse

      you know what pati it’s way nicer to be loved just because ;-D than to be hated just because!

      I love you back 😀 MWAH!

  • Tammie

    I totally know what you mean about fingers moving faster than your brain–my mouth does that sometimes too!!

  • Marina

    Haters gonna hate 😉
    Well, I’m personally very glad you started up this blog. I get my makeup and geek fix 😀 You’re my most trusted source for honest reviews!

    • the Muse

      absolutely marina ;-D aw shucks thanks chickee! by the way miss ya around here!

  • Larie

    don’t mean to be cliche, but you know, haters gonna hate, right? ignore ’em 😉 the rest of us think you’re a dear.

    • the Muse

      oh gosh yes larie ;-D I simply have no time for it either. I’m a little old to be involved in the politics of hating, etc….bit too old for that, this isn’t high school ;-D ha!

  • winni

    You don’t get enough recognition as far as I’m concerned. Before I buy a higher-end makeup item I ALWAYS check your blog for an entertaining and honest review and Temptalia for in-depth analysis and value. I just wish you’d stop making me jones for all that awesome Asian makeup that I can’t possibly get my hands on. Although I read somewhere that some company (that distributes in USA) was coming out with a BB cream but I don’t remember who they were, and it’s isn’t Dr Jart.
    What you do is like a full time job, thanks for your hard work.

    • the Muse

      aw thanks winni! ;-D xoxoxoxo! no kid….I haven’t heard yet but I do know Smashbox and Clinique have one in the works and of course mac ;-D! aw thank YOU! for your visits and the time you spend with me it means more than you’ll ever know!

  • Cj

    DEATH TO THE HATERS!! Lol, I really can’t see why someone wouldn’t like you, Your amazing! I love this blog, between looking up reviews and checking for new posts, I come here at least 20 times a day lol. I would be so lost without you.

    Btw after reading your ‘250 things about me’ I have concluded that we are long lost twins 😛

    • the Muse

      lol cj I figure at the very least they have something to talk about…who wants to live a life without great conversation to enjoy? I HEART YOU boy ;-D HUGS! and I’d lost without you brightening up my comment box!!!!!!!!!!!!! ha I knew it ;-D Come to New York…we’ll live fabulously ever after in makeup bliss ;-D!

  • Jessica

    I’m so glad you continue to do this! I’m hoping you’ll be doing this bling for a long long time! I’d never be able to find another hangout to replace the atmosphere here!

        • the Muse

          hugs thanks girl! I heart talking to you everyday ;D!

          • Jessica

            The other day, I had to meet up with co-workers for this awards thing and my boss said, where’s Jessica? Is she “on the Internet website with the Muse?” lol

          • the Muse

            LOL Jessica LOL! that really cracked me up…fabulous hahahahaha!

  • Miss PK

    It’s so great that you shared this, I think others forget that there are real people, some awesome like the Muse, who share what they love, like, hate, let’s not talk about this again etc with the rest of us.. Thanks so much for creating this site!

    • the Muse

      aw thanks miss pk! I’m glad you enjoyed the post. I love sharing it with you all, I consider you my extended family…and you’re all just as passionate as I am which is what makes it even more fun! THANK you for visiting it!

  • Regina

    I think you’re FANTASTIC and I practically LIVE on your site. I must visit it 50+ times a day and I have email alerts sent to my phone each morning 🙂

  • KimmyDarling

    You’re awesome possum, and the more I know about you, the more I love and appreciate your blog. I am blown away on a daily basis by how much content you put out– if one didn’t know better, they’d think it was your full-time job!

    You’re the best, and your blog one of my top priority reads every time I check my reader. Furthermore, if I want a trusted review, I look here first, to see if you’ve blogged about it already. Lucky for me, most of the time, you have!

    You RAWK!

    Love,
    KimmyD

    • the Muse

      aw kimmy you’re lovely! thank you so much….! xoxoxox you made my day girl!

  • Phyrra

    I <3 reading your blog and you're a huge inspiration 🙂

  • Tina

    I love this post. Sometimes we need to “see” the person behind these reviews.

    As for the hateful/snarky comments, I’m 100% positive that they are just jealous of your Liplicious collection. I know I am.

    • the Muse

      tina I was drinking from a bottle of water when I read that….needless to say my monitor is now fully washed

      LOL!!!!!!!!! def! I mean who wouldn’t be jealous of that?! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

  • Reme

    Thanks for the info Muse, it’s truly amazing how much work you put into this wonderful blog. A big THANK YOU from Dublin! xo

  • DivaShop

    I love your blog, it’s one of the few I check out regularly. No hating here! *Hugs*

  • cindy

    i had always like your post 🙂 keep blogging babe 🙂

  • Mallory

    I know exactly what you mean about grammar! I get some emails about it too but honestly it’s a personal blog not some professional website or something.

    I love you, Muse. You’ve opened my eyes to a lot of Asian beauty products that I would have overlooked if I was to see them next to Urban Decay or something.

    • the Muse

      mallory does it boggle your mind that people actually have the time to sit around and e-mail to correct you? totally floors me when folks do that LOL….I don’t consider this a pro blog in any way, shape, or form and there aren’t excuses for mistakes or errors on my part but unfortunately, I live a very busy lifestyle and I’ve made mistakes before and I’ll make them again ;-D I can’t help it. Comes with the territory of multitasking through my day :D! If I did this full time I’d prob have more time to sit and edit through every single post I did but I can’t really help the time to do that. It does really make me laugh that folks actually have the time to police my blog and email me to tell me I spelled something wrong or said it incorrectly…

      cut me some slack dude.

      aw sweet so happy you’re exploring Asian makeup! It’s fun and fabulous!

      • Maggie

        I actually have learned to like the Grammar Police. Someone once told me that receiving honest and helpful (albeit sometimes harsh) criticism is akin to someone “putting money in your pocket.” In the end, they are being helpful–even if they’re not courteous. =)

        In any case, I do love your blog and I truly appreciate you dong this.

        • the Muse

          maggie glad you enjoy the site ;-D sadly, I’m not so inclined to like the grammar police ;-D

  • Sara

    Sweet! You’re one of my faves, Muse. It’s not often that I’ll actually read all the words a blogger has typed up (terrible, I know, but who’s got time for all that b.s. when there are snappy photos?), but I read your’s! I love the tidbits of geekery thrown in, as we like the same stuff for the most part and I don’t get it anywhere else (time spent online is just check mah mails, a few interests, and beaty blogs). Your writing style and personality ooze through the screen just make a gal feel welcome. 🙂

    Thanks for blogging!!

    • the Muse

      aw thanks sara ;-D! I love that you read my babbling ;-D <3! Aw man thanks Sara I love when people get me and enjoy the same things I do, it makes for interesting convo throughout the day in the comment box! xoxox!

  • Rosemary

    Seriously, of all of the make-up review sites, yours is the best.

    I note when you actually get product for free and go to their site…or to Sephora…with the intention of finding something to buy.

    I am sorry that you have to buy anthing at all, because your reviews warrant a bucket-load – no, a TRUCK-load – of free product so the we mere mortals can get a good idea about what is coming out, and what we need to buy.

    Thanks for everything!

    • the Muse

      aw jeepers thanks rosemary! ;-D haha thanks!!!!! I WISH! bring the truckload in, I’ll share it with you guys haha. thank YOU!

  • Savannah

    Muse, you may have haters but I LOVE YOUR BLOG! I’m glad you always did this post, I always wondered if you had to pay for all the products you review! You always help me decided whether or not I want to purchase a product! Love your blog and your babblings! Lots of love!

    xxx

    • the Muse

      aw thanks savannah. any time in doubt you can the very bottom of each post and it’ll say if I purchased or got a sample hun! ;-D <3! thank YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!

  • Paris B

    And now, we all know you a little bit more 🙂 I don’t know how you ever keep up but keep up the great work all the same *hugs*

    • the Muse

      aw thanks sue I amazing myself, I need more hours in the day LOL hugs!

  • Cait

    argh haters are so stupid. i ADORE this blog….I probably check it 4-5 times a day. people are so ungrateful. ohh by the way…i was in sephora today and saw that Boscia has a BB cream now in the U.S.! I don’t know if you knew this or not, but I thought I’d let you know! I didn’t buy it yet, but I tested it a little and it seemed nice.

    • the Muse

      aw thanks cait ;-D! OH no really?! I didn’t see that! ;-D thanks for the heads up!

  • Cara

    Muse, you have been such a great resource for EVERYTHING! Keep up the great posts 🙂

  • Vanessa

    You know, because of your “Doctor Who Episode Reviews”, I really am watching it on a regular basis now (though it started from the Eleventh Doctor for me… just catching up to the Tenth, and hopefully the Ninth Doctor episodes).

    • the Muse

      and than go back to experience the joys of 4th Vanessa ;D!!! <3 you're getting into Who!!!!!!!!

  • Gloria

    Girl, you are one of the hardest working INDEPENDENT beauty blogger!!! There are no ads on your blog and your reviews are uncompromising and honest. I think I’ve said that to you on Twitter already.

    I guess my question would be: why don’t you capitalize on the blog to offset some of the costs?

    • the Muse

      hi gloria aw thanks hun xoxox! I have three ads running hun…didn’t you see them? ;-D They def help pay some bills but not all sadly ;-D monetizing a blog isn’t as easy as it seems sadly :-/

      • Gloria

        Ohhhh I forgot I have this javascript stopper running on my browser.. =P I’m such a dork!

  • Soo

    Hey Muse,
    I was just wondering if when you get emails you answer them in your Mail Calls or if you email back.. lol, maybe that’s a silly question >_>

    • the Muse

      I TRY SOOOOOOOOOO hard to answer them back Soo. But my inbox is really messy and I’m behind on both emails and comments…so sometimes monthssssssss can go by before I actually reply. I wish I had more time in the day to sit down and reply to each one but if I did I’d prob have no time for the blog haha. If you emailed me and I haven’t replied back please by all means do so again or comment here and I’ll def do my best to reply. I get literally 100’s a day so it’s def hard keeping up!

  • kharanya

    Hi Muse,

    I may not comment a whole lot, but I absolutely look forward to visiting your blog everyday. Don’t let negative people ever bring you down, my grandmother always told me, “Some people exist solely to make other people miserable”.

    So, I’ll just echo most of the other folks on here, we adore you and your engaging writing style. At the risk of being shushed, Fuck the grammar police! They obviously have nothing better to do with their time.

    *hugs*

    • the Muse

      kharanya whatcha talkin’ about girl you always comment ;-D I love chatting with you. Gosh no. I really could care less but I do find it amusing people hate on complete strangers to them ;-D ha…agreed HUGS! ;-D

  • Therese

    Your blog is one of the few I read religiously every day! And while I sometimes get a little nuts at the lovely pictures of things we can’t get in the UK, it’s a fab read and I know if I want really good pictures and swatches of practically anything, I can get it here. Keep up the good work!! = )

    • the Muse

      aw thanks therese ;-D believe me I know how you feel, I always have yearnings for beauty abroad and getting them sometimes prove difficult so I can relate :-/

  • laura r

    Such a good idea! I love learning about how things are made, including beauty blogs! 🙂 Pay no heed to haters. You work hard to keep this baby healthy and happy and I hope it gives you satisfaction.

    Happy Friday!

    • the Muse

      aw thanks laura, I def don’t ;-D it does indeed, all the great feedback really keeps me positive and happy about the site! Happy almost Weekend ;-D!

  • JCz

    Oh sweet Jesus on roller skates Muse!! After reading this post, I followed the link to read 250 things about the Muse, and nearly spit out my tea reading the following re: getting rid of Victoria to get to Becks:
    “Nothing crazy, I’d just starve her the rest of the way…”
    That is comedic genius. I love it. I love you. Keep doing what you’re doing – from the replies here, it looks like you brighten the days of an awful lot of people **smooooch* !!!

    • the Muse

      HAHAHAHA JC! isn’t it true? She has very little ways to go before we can steal him away!!!!!!!! I lOVE YOU back ;-D HUGS!

  • Maria

    Thanks for all you do Muse! I came to your blog because I love make-up, but now you’ve converted me into a K-drama lover so I for one am very happy that you like to share your loves with us! I don’t mind the babbling…makes me feel like I’m talking to one of my friends! ^__^

    ps. Thanks for the link to the PK extra youtube episodes. I finished all of them in like one sitting! So cuuuuute!

    • the Muse

      Maria I LOVE that you’re now a kdrama lover SO freaking brilliant ;-D <3! I love babbling with you back and we are friends ;-D you don't have to feel it, just know it ;-D! YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY omg! I wanted more ;-D The manga author passed away…sniff I would have liked to see a baby episode!

      • Maria

        The author passed away?!? Ouch…didn’t know that. I would have LOVED a baby episode. *sighs* I’ve been trying to catch up with all my work (in and out of school) so I haven’t wanted to start any new Kdramas (i’ve discovered once I start I can’t really stop) but I have a HUGE list of new ones to watch so I’ll keep you updated as soon as I start! ^_^

        • the Muse

          sigh yeah 🙁 You should def read the manga they are fun! ha…I know, it’s really hard to make room for kdramas in a daily busy life as you just want to sit there for 20 hours straight and watch it through hahaha!

  • Denise

    I’m also part of those who love you just because!

    I love reading your blogs, and you’re always right if it’s ok or not. and i’m very much a keen follower to it! 🙂 I always drop by when i can to your blog to browse on your newest posts.

    i have one question, how do you fit all those make-up in your room? it’s been a mystery to me.

    • the Muse

      aw thanks denise. ha…it’s a secret SHHHH! ;D lol! I actually have a few storage posts up ;-D Under “storage” category ;-D! this might explain how I stash stuff :D!

  • Daphne Khoo

    I’m a fan.

    Period.

    Your site is on my fav tab and it has become my habit of visiting it on a daily basis. Don’t u ever quit doing what you do best!

  • Ruth

    Muse, like a lot of the others that read your blog, I vist it frequently throughout the day to see what you’ve posted about reciently. since i’m on a “no buy” right now, I’m living vicarously through you! I really never gave it too much thought of how you get the items that you review but more along the lines of “where do you keep it all?!?” I saw your new storage bin but there’s got to be more than that. I love that you talk about other things that interest you since some of them interest me too. I’m just getting into Doctor Who and am loving it!There’s always going to be someone who looks to nitpick at others since they have nothing better to do with themselves. It’s easy to say “don’t let em get ya down” but try. you’re an amazing person, which is obvious by your posting and responses to comments. thank you for all your hard work.

    • the Muse

      ruth I amaze myself sometimes in terms of storage LOL ;-D I’m so glad to hear your into DW ;-D something else for us to discuss yay! ;-D aw thank you so much! I def don’t let ANYTHING get me down ;-D and keep on chugging girl but comments like yours are what keeps me energetic about this site xoxo!

  • Lindsay

    Muse, how could anyone hate you?! I was totally surprised to read that!
    If I’m ever in New York and just so happen to see the Muse I would probably run over and ask for your autograph! I think the site is AWESOME and you are sweetheart with a wicked sense of humor!

    • the Muse

      hey lindsay aw LOL! ha..an autograph oh gosh no ;-D but I will treat you for a nice cuppa if I see you running up to me ;-D hehehe! I think a certain level of dislike and hate comes the operation of a larger blog. Anyone who sells you different on that point is probably being dishonest ;-D b/c at some point in our blog lives we’ve all gotten flamed ;-D I guess it’s a matter how people see things different and view them however childish hate and dislike for strangers..well it is kinda of funny to me ;-D Aw thanks! I really dig that people get my sense of humor, I’m a bit dry so it’s nice when people actually laugh at my stupidity ;D! and get it!

  • alexa

    I really like that write back the comments ppl posted. Sometimes I’m interested in where to buy, lasting power, etc of product and you answer the question.

    • the Muse

      ah I’m glad it’s helpful alexa ;-D feel free to comment if I miss anything that you have a question about ;D!

  • Stavroula Plag

    That was really interesting to read! I love backstage articles hehe 🙂 And don’t pay attention to the haters, they do nothing in their lives but hate, how sad! x

    • the Muse

      aw I def don’t Stav….I wish I had the time to sit around and hate random peeps ;-D ha…what a life ;-D! aw glad you enjoyed it!

  • Janice

    You do a great job with this blog! This is my go-to for news on new beauty products and reviews I know I can count on. Keep up the good work!

  • Telle

    Hey Muse!
    Lotsa Canadian love and appreciation as well!! 🙂
    The blog with my coffee and chocolate is how I start everyday (its my compensation for having to get up! LOL! so *not* a morning person!)

    hearts to you! 🙂

    • the Muse

      aw thanks telle ;-D! HUGS! I’m SO NOT a morning person either girl! BIG HUGS!

  • Wendy A :)

    It’s an amazing blog especially because we know that you get freebies but your honesty and witty writting is pretty priceless.

    I mean I’m just a girl in Mexico that’s got my butt stuck to my desk chair but your words always make me chuckle and where else would I get my korean makeup fix.
    Hugs and love.

    • the Muse

      aw wendy thanks girl ;-D! xoxoxo! I’m so glad my really bad humor is “gotten” by others hehe ;D!

  • tini

    People hate the Muse?!?!?! D: You’re by far my favorite blogger! your review and watches are always spot on but you write your articles with such personality. Of all the beauty blogs out there, yours is def the most fun to read and you’re just the sweetest lil thing ever!

    keep on truckin girl 😀

    • the Muse

      aw thanks tini! ;-D your comment totally made my day ;-D HUGS!

  • Ruthless

    Muse, I love ya but that was more 5 complaints you had rather than getting any information about “The Muse” like what size are your feet? Have you ever been to Disney world? Are you a fervent Baptist?

    I understand you probably get some heat from readers about the stuff you talked about. And I know I’ve tried to help you with your grammar (I’ve seen, or I saw but not I seen!) but that’s because I enjoy your blog so much that I don’t want other people being snarky.

    Keep on doing what you do, and have fun!

    • the Muse

      hey ruth hmm not sure I complained…more like generalized what happens around here. sorry if it sounded like a rant/complaint. I’m a 7 1/2, I’ve been to Disney World and Disneyland numerous times although I like Disneyland more because it’s so easy to navigate and everything is in one location and I’ve been to Disney Paris once. I was born a catholic but I consider myself a bit of an atheist and a bit of agonistic that was addressed in 250 things about me ;-D But this post actually isn’t about “the Muse” it’s about Musings of a Muse the website ;-D!

      I don’t think I need help with grammar so much as to make more time for it 🙂 I do know the difference between seen, saw, your and you’rek, it’s and its but it’s more about being a sloppy speller and also rushing around multitasking plus my hands they do a typing alot faster than my brain wants to think!

      if I make any grammatical errors in this post I have an excuse, the iphone keyboard suckzzzage!

  • jonny

    p.s…. pssst… shhh..

    Peter is Crazy!!!!

    Crazy I tells ya!!

    miss you baby

    xxx