Packing For TXSC -- My Essentials

Packing is probably my least favorite activity. I'm sure you can all agree with me when I say it's pretty awful.  What's worse than actually packing you ask? UNPACKING! I planned to post this before I left for TXSC this past weekend but with the anxiety of flying coupled with my lack of time I didn't get a chance to. Here are some of my favorite things that I packed on my trip. Above you'll see a photo of all the goodies I acquired over the weekend, and some of the fun pins we got for attending different sessions throughout the camp. Also want to give a huge thank you to Marshalls for helping me pack the perfect items for my trip!

I tend to be one of those people who puts everything into little bags. Even if it doesn't need a bag, I find a way to put things into organized bunches. I found the leopard ticket & ID holder at Marshalls and it was perfect for me to keep myself organized while going through security and the checkpoints at the airport. These cute matching KC bags (also from Marshalls) carried my makeup and all of my toiletries. I try to pack as light as possible, but that usually goes awry.

Picking a smaller piece of luggage usually forces me to pack lightly. I definitely wasn't prepared for all of the rain that was happening in Texas, but my rain boots & umbrella were truly the best items I packed this year! Although I switched outfits as much as I could, my hats and light jackets because my best friends because A. Sweaty/Rainy Camp Hair ain't cute, and B. It was chilly!

It's also not a true camping experience without my Minnetonkas.  I wore these pretty much the whole trip! My only regret is not bringing enough warmer attire for Sunday. Sunday was so beautiful and warm, and of course that was my last full day in Texas! I have a lot more to talk about in the upcoming week, but I am going to leave you with this packing post for now! I had such a blast at camp, learned a lot about myself and where I want to take my blog in the next year. I am excited for the motivation it gave me, and I truly feel recharged to take my blog in a new direction!

This post is sponsored by Marshalls & Project Fab. 

Marshalls Giveaway Winners : Shopping Spree

Hey guys! I am finally posting the giveaway shopping spree that I split between two readers! Since this was a local challenge, I contacted Marshalls about splitting the gift card between two people so that way I could enjoy taking someone shopping in real life, while also sending a reader a gift card who can also enjoy a shopping trip (just not with me there). Olivia and Harriet were my winners and I had such a blast helping them pick out summer trends that fit their personal style, but also helping them branch out and try things they normally wouldn't. Here are some photos from our shopping trip, and I have also included some of Olivia's finds as well.

 

I really loved the experience of shopping with someone, and showing them different variations and outfits that can really bring out their best features.  Harriet was open to trying different things, but still wanted to stay true to her personal style. Her style is very classic, and chic. She usually loves neutral colors but when we went shopping she was open to trying on brighter items and things that she normally would not pick out for herself. Overall we stayed true to her classic style, but I think what changed the most was her willingness to embrace current trends.

 

I had Harriet try on a lot of things that she can wear in her everyday work/family life and I spruced those neutral outfits up with smaller accessories. I also picked out some beachwear/travel outfits for her summer vacations. She tried on different patterns and textures which gave us a variety of items to mix and match.

How cute is that white dress? Perfect for a summer party or event! I also love the reverse buttons on that blouse, paired with a striped maxi skirt, and you really can't go wrong.

It was fun working with two different types of style. Olivia's style is very eccentric, bright, and unique. She loves color, and always has a statement necklace matching every outfit she owns. When discussing with her what she wanted to purchase I suggested she get some items that stay true to her style, but also to try some things she is interested in, but never has before. I really love her picks and since our styles are similar , I really wish I could have gone shopping with her too, but maybe one day :)

I really love the patterns she picked out, and the embroidery in that flowing tank! How cute right? To see the rest of the outfits Olivia picked out, check out her blog post, here. 

Behind The Scenes At The Garnier Marvelous Oils Shoot!

If you follow me on Instagram , or Facebook, you'd know that I have been posting photos from the Garnier Marvelous Oils shoot that took place last week on Thursday. I found out last week that I was chosen to be the blogger in this video, and I was beyond excited. The week was filled with the anticipation of what the shoot would be like, what I would have to do and how everything would go. I couldn't have asked for a better group of people to work with, and I feel honored to be a part of something so amazing! I got to work alongside celebrity hairstylist Tommy Buckett during the shoot, and we hit it off immediately. 

When you meet people who have the same enthusiasm as you do, things flow pretty nicely, and everyone I got to meet that day was so pleasant and fun to be around. Not only did I have a blast at the shoot, but I feel like I walked away from it with a lot of new friends, and lasting connections.

These behind the scenes pictures were all taken by the wonderful lady who is known as Melinda Martinez. She not only was the makeup artist for the shoot, but she also was kind enough to take all these photos without even being asked, so Melinda, a HUGE thank you for taking these amazing shots throughout the day, and of course for making me feel beautiful!

Since this was my first real production, everything was new for me. I took everything in and felt like I learned so much throughout the day. It's crazy how much work goes into these commercials, and how much time everyone devotes to make sure that everything is perfect.

I had such a beautiful time, I can't thank everyone enough for this opportunity. I also can't wait to post the video, it's going to be MARVELOUS! Thank you to everyone involved, Garnier, Glam, Kamp Kennedy , Mel Mar Media, Publicis Kaplan Thaler, and of course my co-star Tommy Buckett. You are all awesome and I can't wait to work together again in the future!

Five Ways To Connect With Other Bloggers

So one of the most common question bloggers get is how to make connections, how to network, and more importantly, how to grow their readership. The funny thing is we all start at the same place. No one begins this journey with 6,000 followers or even 1,000 for that matter. The most important thing I have learned is to be open to new collaborations, and be friendly and outgoing! I decided to make a list of five ways that have personally helped me connect and become more involved in the blog world. Let me know if you have any personal tips of your own, I would love to hear them! 

Attending Conferences: This has been a huge one for me. I can't stress enough how much networking I have done at conferences like TXSC, and IFB. I had a great time at both, and really learned a lot which is the most important part of it. You make new friends, and then you have some newly found information which will hopefully bring you to the next step, if you use it properly. Just like you would learn more at any job, it's the same with blogging. The internet is ever changing and always improving, so you have to be able to keep up with what's going on! These don't have to be big expensive conferences either, a lot of bloggers host things locally, and stores also host blogger nights so look into it, and see what suits you best.

Collaborate With Other Bloggers: This is also so important! I have seen so many bloggers collaborate throughout the few years I have been doing it, and it's always a success. What's better than combining readerships and doing something you love? The great thing about collaborations is that you can bounce ideas off of each other, and possibly learn a thing or two in the process. Here's an example of a collaboration Much Love Illy and I did for Blowfish a few years ago. And here's another set of posts I worked on for a series called "In Bloom." You can really do anything you want, and working together is always fun.

Sponsoring/Reviews: A great way to be noticed is by sponsoring one of your favorite blogs. If you love this person's work, and you are a huge fan of what they do, then why not attract the same kind of readership for your own blog? It's pretty easy, and most bloggers love working with others, so it's a win- win. Again you can find someone who is affordable for you, and someone who you'd love to be promoted by. Bloggers also usually do reviews for products, so if you happen to sell something, they can review it, or wear it and thus increasing clicks over to your blog. Putting in some money isn't a bad thing, especially when you're very serious about your blog/company. There's a reason most companies started working with bloggers, it's because we're great at advertising products and promoting! If you make a few friends, you may even be able to swap buttons with them!

Guest Posts: Guest posts are a great way to get your name out there. A lot of bloggers take trips or vacations, and sometimes they need guest posts to fill up the posts during that time. One recent example I can think of is Tieka from selective potential, who is taking a week off in August and put a call out for anyone to submit their work. I think this is a great idea, and it's awesome to be able to share recipes/outfits/DIY projects with someone's readers. Most bloggers offer guest posts with their sponsorship as well, so if you get an AD spot, make sure you ask if you can provide a guest post for the month! 

Leaving Comments:  This is definitely my favorite one of the bunch. Commenting is so important, and most people just look right past it. It's a great way to bond with other people, and show them that you're taking the time to read what they're putting out there. It's also the perfect chance to get others to take a look at your blog. It's also a great way to keep readers, it's important to keep engaging and stay afloat of what's going on.

Hope you enjoyed my tips! xo Have a good weekend!