SOCIAL MEDIA

Having a Dedicated Writing Workspace

Jan 31, 2016


I've been working on this site for almost three years now and it's finally starting to pick up. My readership is going up and companies are starting to take notice and area reaching out for collaborative opportunities. That's all really really cool but it does add a bit of pressure. I'm eager to write great content with more frequency and want to make sure everything flows really well. My photos have to be on point, the writing stellar and I need to get into the habit of writing constantly instead of going really hard for a few weeks and then disappearing for a month or so.

I realized that I'm the kind of person that doesn't thrive in chaos and I need tons of structure to get anything done. Be it having a pretty kitchen to cook in, an easy routine for the gym, or a great space for writing. Sitting on my bed is really comfy but I tend to have Netflix playing on my iPad as I write and then everything goes out the window. Did I also mention that I can be easily distracted sometimes?

I don't want to buy a desk for my apartment because I haven't found an affordable one that I can commit to but I do have an amazing balcony with the more perfect view that I've been using as my writing area here and there and I'm thinking of making it my permanent station. It used to be a very boring space and the weather in SoCal wasn't the best for the last couple of months so sitting out there wasn't at all inspiring. Now that the weather has warmed up and I've decorated it a bit it's become my little corner of serenity after a long day at work or thinking too hard about things that bother me. Sitting out there, in this beautiful area that I'm slowing filling up with pretty and peaceful things, not only gives me a great place to sit and do my affirmations but it also reminds me that I would love to write for a living and it inspires me to get to work!

When I'm out there with my laptop I use the iPad to pull up my editorial calendar, I have the notebook that I use to write down ideas while I'm at work on hand and I listen to non distracting music like Air or Zero 7. It's been working really well for me and I'm pretty sure every successful blogger has started off in a similar fashion in order to create good writing habits.

So what do you guys think? Do you have a special area dedicated to writing or are you able to do it anywhere with wifi and a place to sit down? Do tell!





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Top Five of 2015




Hey guys! Welcome to the new year! So far I'm digging 2016 and can't wait to see what it has in store for me! I'm so impatient that I wish I could take a sneak peak into July to assure myself that everything's going a-ok!

But let's go back to 2015 for a minute. I've spent the year getting to know new brands, new products and sticking some oldies but goodies so I decided to give you guys my best of 2015! This list is what got my face through 2015 and have made the cut for 2016.

1. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer- I have yet to find a product that will replace this. I've been using this tinted moisturizer for over 5 years and I have no reason to stop. It isn't heavy, evens out my skin tone, moisturizes and offers protection from the sun. The day this products stops being made is the day I stop showing my face in public


2. Chloé Eau de Parfum- I started using Chloé towards the end of 2014 but it wasn't until last year that i kicked it into high gear and made it what my ex called my signature scent. I stopped wearing it for a few months this summer because the smell gave me relationship PTSD but after reading how the smell of roses helps elevate the mood I brought it back as part of my aromatherapy. Then I got a killer box set for Christmas so I'm pretty sure this will also make the 2016 best of list.


3. Dr Bronners Lavender & Rose Castile Liquid Soap-  The great thing about Dr. Bronner's products is that they can be used for so many things. I started using it as a body wash but then kicked it up a notch by buying unscented laundry detergent in order to pout some of this into the wash water. I can't think of anything more heavenly that resting my head on a rose scented pillowcase or relaxing after a long hot shower using the lavender soap. Dr Bronner's is a new staple in my life and as long as they continue to make this universal product they've got a loyal customer in me.

4. Buxom Full-on Lip Polish- I'm not shy about my love of lip plumpers. Ever since Too Faced came out with their now awfully reformulated Lip Injection I've loved that tingly feeling that left my lips just a wee bit plump. I've tried so many other brands of plumpers and none have given me the results that Too Faced did but this one has come close. I love the refreshing tingling sensation and the color reflects light really well, giving me an amazing pout.


5.Sinful Colors Nail Enamel- I wasn't ever really big on nail polishes until I received this one over the summer. I initially thought the color I received (Dream On) would be a bit much for me but it ended up looking really great with my tanned skin. This brand of polishes are really shiny, dry fast, last super long and will make it look like you just got a professional gel manicure all the time. I need to go grab a bunch of these in rose gold and whatever other shade catches my eye.


I obviously used a lot more products that I was crazy over but these are the ones that made the top five. Now stay tuned because in a couple of days I'll share some of my 2106 must-have products that you need to get your hands on ASAP

If you weren't a Sephora VIB Rouge before you sure will by the first half of 2016 if you take my lead. Trust me your face, as always, will thank you!




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New Year, New Gear

Jan 26, 2016
New Year, New Gear



Every time the new year rolls around people make resolutions to get in shape, stay in shape or if they let themselves go, get back into shape. But we all know how the story goes: gym memberships are purchased in January, carbs are banished and all sorts of crazy diet plans are made. Now even though these plans go out the window by February it's always nice to start a new workout regiment with super cute clothes so here are some items that will make you look cute at the gym or track for as long as you go.


This weather that we're having is super weird. It's warm in NYC (for December) and chilly in SoCal so running in short sleeves it not an option. This cute jacked from Mountain Hardwear is just $58 and has pockets in the front, is made with material to keep you cry and my favorite thing ever: thumbholes, so you can make sure your hands always stay warm while running.



Every woman should own more than 5 sports bras so why not use the new year as a time to grab some. The $35 Nike Pro Classic Bra has a really cool design, offers great support so you're not bouncing all over the place and is also great for medium-impact sports.




When it comes to running, sweatpants are so out of the question. Not only are they not cute but they do nothing for warmth. Having tights that help regulate the body's temperature while running along with breathable mesh ventilation panels make these $70 North Face GTD Tights totally worth it.



Running shoes should be changed frequently and it's really important to buy ones that won't damage your feet while you're pounding the pavement. At Famous Footwear you can grab this awesome pair of indigo/pink kicks with gel cushioning system for $60.



I know so many people obsessed with their FITBIT and if I still lived in NYC I would too. I'm sure I'd log over 10K a day just going about my day. So for those that don't have to walk this is a great way to get off the couch or office chair and set a few goals. These range from cheap to super pricey for designer ones but the Flex Wireless one is a good price at $80.



 Running belts are super underrated because they're so close to the fanny pack but they're great for people who run in the sun because they avoid the needs for a jacket to hold their keys or phone as well as the horrid armband tan. FlipBelt's Small Running and Workout Belt comes in 9 different colors so at $30 any serious runner can get a few in their favorite colors.































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Five Steps to Keeping Winter Sickness At Bay

Jan 24, 2016

Thank you Chloraseptic® for sponsoring this post. Use Chloraseptic® throat spray and lozenges to stay ahead of cold & flu season!

You see these beautiful palm trees below? Don't they make you feel warm, refreshed and peaceful? Well, don't let them fool you. Here in Southern California the sky may be clear and the leaves still green but it gets chilly chilly chilly! So even though its beautiful outside we have to make sure to keep ourselves protected from getting sick.



I work in marketing and spend my entire days speaking to people over the phone and in person so it's important that people understand what I say without my voice cutting out so here are a few things that help me keep from getting a cold as well as what I use when it sneaks in!

1. Cover Up! I always carry a scarf in my purse, even when it's 100 degrees out, because my office is frigid. During the winter months I wear one that is thicker and always keeps my neck warm and protected from the wind. I also always make sure that my chest is covered by a sweater or by being creative with a long scarf.

2. Use Hand Sanitizer People say it's not good to overuse this because it can kill all the bacteria in your hands, etc etc, but I mainly try not to use too much of it because I don't like how it dries of my hands. When I find myself touching too many things that my coworkers or employees touch

3. Keep Hands Clean I know I can't wash my hands after every single thing that I touch but aside from washing them after using the restroom I also do so when I get into the office, before and after I eat and when I get home. I touch a lot of things on my way to/from work and I don't want to end up catching something if I have to rub my eyes or nose.  So wash your hands often with soap and water because it's the best way to prevent the spread of the common cold. Which leads me to the next thing on my list which is...

4. Leave the Face Alone I love wearing makeup and having my smooth look and feel smooth but I try to keep my hands away. As well as the hands of others. We can't wash our hands after touching every single thing so it's important to keep the germy hands away. I've gotten into the habit of only touching my face without washing my hands first

5. Be Prepared When I get sick it always starts with me waking up with a sore throat that only gets worse throughout the day. I like to make sure that I always have what I need in order to feel better be it a pain reliever, sleep aids or something to sooth my throat.  I like using lozenges when I'm on the go because my purse can't really handle more items but at home I've always used Chloraseptic spray. I like that it's never left a weird taste in my mouth and always started working super fast. With cold and the flu season comes runny noses and coughs that make throats raw and sore. Chloraseptic is the # 1 sore throat relief brand that provides fast-acting relief for sore throats and mouth pain to help you get through your day.

I'm a big crybaby and I tend to be overly dramatic when I get sick. Having a sore throat is not fun and it's something I try to take care of ASAP. Along with the sprays, Chloraseptic lozenges have a soothing liquid center that relieves pain and cools nasal passages. They're soothing, refreshing, and help take the pain away, leaving me focused and able to concentrate on the things I need to do since I am always on the go.

Aside from wearing thick scarves during the colder months I pretty much do all of the above year round because I always get at least one or two summer colds and sore throat episodes from being in super air conditioned places and traveling back and forth between LA and NYC. So make sure you've got everything you need to find relief during flu season and make sure Chloraseptic® is in your medicine cabinet so you are prepared to get the relief you need, when you need it. Check out their range of products and flavors that'll stop that sore throat in it's tracks here: http://clvr.li/1Nq4cl4


I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
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Randi Glazer's 12 Strategies for Surviving A Career...

Jan 7, 2016


As someone that is trying to find their footing with their career I try to read as many books as possible so Randi Glazer's 12 Strategies For Surviving a Career was a really great thing for me to pick up. When I first on the book and without for the chance review it I didn't realize that it was just about surviving a career in the insurance industry but once I started reading the book I did see that there are a lot of things that a relatable you matter what industry you're in, and then of course that were just pacifically for people in the insurance industry.

Being that I currently still have a full-time 9-to-5-ish type of job I like that Randy Glazer's book touched on a lot of things that were commonly over looked when it came to working in an office like dealing with complicated coworkers, working with people who you kind of feel are inefficient but are still your superiors and  just dealing with office politics and understanding how important it is to be perceptive, think ahead, and kind of know how to play the game.

My ultimate dream is to be a full-time blogger but it's not something that I know it's going to come easy. I really want to do it in an amazing way where I can possibly turn my blog into a full-fledged website so I like having something that I can refer to because like I said,while the book about having how to survive a career in the insurance industry, it really does talk a lot about dealing with working in any professional office setting and that's really important.

I received this book from Amazon I got the paper back in therapy Kindle and it's pretty short 42 page book that is easy to read and like I said it is pretty relatable in any kind of office and professional industry that you're interested in getting a little bit of insight about and you want to kind of think outside the box a little and now to stick to your exact profession for $5.99 it's really not a bad purchase and I did think that I got some good insight from it.

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Six Things Every Blogger Should Do


Photo credit: Got Credit


I've had My Fascination Street since early 2013 but it wasn't until the last year that I've really started turning it into something that I'm 100% happy with. Back when I started writing I had no idea what my options were in terms of templates, monetizing and the kind of content that was going to get me noticed. I picked up a few tips through trial and error and now I want to share them with the masses so here are six of the most important things that I think every blogger should focus on when they're starting out.

1. Get the Right Look

Presentation is everything! I have a really hard time taking a site seriously if the layout is off or the colors don't mix well. My Fascination Street has gone through about 5 templates in the 2.5 years that its been live and while I'm happy with how it looks, I'm always on the hunt for something that I, or my readers, might like better.

Being that my blog does center around girlie topics I found that like colors fit it best. Had I been writing about cars I'd go for something dark and if this was all about food or photography I would want to keep the colors to a super minimum so that the photos stand out.

2. Photos are Everything

Speaking of photos. these are everything. Okay, so maybe photos are a bit more important than the layout or maybe they're neck to neck. A great photo makes or breaks a post and that can determine how much time a reader wants to stay on your blog. It took a few months for me to really understand this. I was careless with the sizes of my photos, how much light they had--everything. And this is coming from someone with a minor in photography. Ouch! It's not to say that I've lost my touch, as you can see in my Flickr photostream, but when it came to my blog I was just so overwhelmed that I didn't think it was that important. I was very wrong and now I try my best to have a really nice hero photo to start off my posts.

If you can't take great photos because your camera/phone is low quality or you don't have the right items to create the image you're looking for you can always grab one from the web. Just makes sure that you're paying attention to the licensing that the photo has. Google has been really great with this. If you search for a photo on their site:

Yes, I did a Google image search for pizza

You can't just grab any image off Google just because you think it's relevant to your post. That's a no-no and the reason stock image companies exist. But Google, as well as Flickr, offer usage rights searches that can help you find the right photo to use legally. I normally don't find many good photos to use during my Google search because I'm super specific but I do have great luck with Flickr. When I find a image from there that I like, and can use, I just make sure to give the photographer credit, link their profile, and then let them know via a comment that I used their awesome photo for a post, like I did for my post here.

I linked the photographers profile as a caption to give credit

3. Find Great Hosting

 Buying a domain is self explanatory.  I know a lot of blogs still have .blogspot.com or .wordpress.com behind their name but having a standalone one gives a bit more street cred. Not only that but it's so cheap. If you register a domain name on it's own it's only like $10-$12 a year but you can go one step further and just get a hosting plan that includes getting your domain name registered for free. Getting hosting with Bluehost is really easy to do and can have you on your way to getting your blog off the ground ASAP.





4. Stick to a Niche

When I first started this blog I was all over the place. I wanted to cover everything under the sun and my navigation bar was endless. My friend Jennifer, who has given me amazing feedback with my blog, suggested that I tone it down and stick to things I can write about with more frequency and expertise. I took her advice and I like that I'm not stretching myself too thin and am able to focus on the topics that I love the most. It also lets me find my voice and will help when I want to write for other companies and need to showcase my amazing writing skills on certain topics.


5. Utilize Social Media

Share, share and share. But do it wisely. Timing, the platform and not over-saturating is key. I am still not at the point where I share all of my posts on my main Facebook account because I have a lot of friends that won't have any interest in it and I don't mind. What I did instead was create a Facebook page for this blog and invited the ones that would benefit from things that I write or would find the information useful. When it comes to Twitter, which I'm starting to use now a lot for my blog and my friend Jennifer wrote an awesome post about, I like to share content at least 2 times a day and make sure to mention companies that I'm writing about. This is a good way to let them know that you think their product or service is great and to get some favorites or retweets!

I like to use Instagram to post some photos that are relevant to a post and just tell my followers that the link to my blog is on my profile. This gets me a decent amount of views and I'm glad that just one sentence as part of the caption worked that way.

6. Have Pride in Your Work

This is the biggest step in the whole process. You have to love what you write and stand behind it 100%. If you don't then you won't want to share it and it will take forever to get off the ground. This really works in your favor because it means that you won't write filler posts and the passion that you put in (some of) your posts will be super obvious. I'm not the best writer in the world but I've gotten a lot better by pushing myself to have content that flows well, that shows my awesome personality and that makes people want to check out the rest of my blog.


So there you have it. Like I mentioned in my previous post about blogging, I'm finally at a good place with my blog and have a lot of great tips on what a person should and shouldn't do if they want to be on their way to success. I still have a ways to go if I want to be at the level of some amazing blogs like Pinch of Yum but I'm getting there and hopefully you can use some of my tips to get you on your way as well.
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