Father's Day with Snapfish & A Giveaway!

On the eve of my wedding day, I couldn't be happier to be writing this post about my Dad. Although Father's Day is a few weeks away, I couldn't wait to give my Dad his gifts this year. In my household, family is everything. Us Greeks take family time very seriously and we are all very connected and intertwined in each other's lives. Personalized gifts go a long way, so of course I knew I wanted to make something fun, and personal for my Dad to have as a keepsake. 

I've gone through all kinds of emotions this week. From happiness, to tears in mere minutes and my Dad has seen me through it all. When I think about the type of family I want to create, my own personal family is what sticks out in my mind. I love the idea of bigger families who stay close and do everything together- and that will remain a constant in my life in the future. 

My Dad has always shown us that family is everything. For that, I will be forever grateful. He has worked hard, accomplished so many things, and has never given up his sense of culture. I think that I love most about my Dad is how he has sacrificed everything, to be the best husband and father. Whether that meant working 20 hour days, or taking risks to become successful, he has truly done it all. I can't think of another man who inspires me the way my Dad does. Not only does he inspire me, but he also believes in everything I do. He pushes me to follow my dreams, and not be afraid to fail. He motivates me to work harder, and be a better person.

So on the eve of my wedding, I can simply say this. It will be an honor to have the father/daughter dance, but I truly cannot wait to have my Dad walking me down the aisle towards my future husband, welcoming our new lives together.

So what do you get a man who has everything? You show him how much you love him by making him gifts that are personalized and special. I can't wait to show my Dad his gifts this Father's Day. Snapfish helped me make the best gifts for my Dad, and there are so many options of personalized gifts to choose from.

To win a $50 Snapfish product code enter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

• Leave a Blog Post Comment: Share one of your favorite dad moments.
• Follow @SnapfishUS on Instagram
• Tweet about the giveaway: Father’s Day fun on the blog! Enter for a chance to win one of thirty-five $50 @Snapfish codes! #SnapfishDads #giveaway
• Follow @SnapfishUS on Twitter
• Visit Snapfish on Facebook

Dates to enter: Monday, May 23 at 9pm PT - Friday, June 10 at 9pm PT
Winners will be randomly selected and notified by Clever Girls and/or Snapfish by Friday, June 17 

Terms & Conditions: The official Terms & Conditions are included in the widget; here is the high-level eligibility criteria: Age 18+ , US resident only, Only one winner per household.

 I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Schwinn Ambassador Series : Spring Flowers

With Spring in full bloom, there is no better time for me to announce that I am a Schwinn Ambassador for 2016! I am so thrilled and honored to be a part of such a great team, and I can't wait to post all of the fun adventures I will be having on my new bikes. I was so excited to receive this Meridian 3 wheel bike in person because I have ALWAYS wanted one. I love the basket in the back, and I love the dark red color of the bike. It's so perfect and beautiful for Spring, not to mention it rides like a dream.

I love being able to throw some things in the back, and ride wherever I need to go. This will come in handy, especially when picking up groceries from our local Farmer's Market, or running to my Mom's house to pick up anything I run out of while cooking (this happens often).

As you all know, I have been a huge Schwinn fan for a long time now, and I even made the cover of Momentum Magazine last year, with my favorite blue and white cruiser. I can't wait to show you guys what we have in store for the next year- it's a very exciting collaboration, and I really can't wait to travel throughout NJ with my favorite bikes by my side. 

I remember a few years ago when I started blogging how important it was for me to get a bicycle that I knew would last, and that was made well. I have adored vintage Schwinn bikes (with the banana seats) for as long as I can remember, and the brand itself always stands out in my mind as one of the best bicycle brands there is. It's crazy to think that I now get to work with one of my favorite companies. It feels too good to be true, but it also feels like the perfect fit. I hope you guys follow along on my journey with Schwinn as we adventure into the next few seasons together, and if you're from the state of New Jersey, please let me know if you have any suggestions for future locations!

 Dress / Flower Crown / Meridian Trike / Booties / Chloe Bag

/ Mustard Sweater /  Bag Holding Flowers (reversible)

Picking the perfect glasses for the perfect look

Hey guys! As most of you know (if you've been following for a while) my glasses are a huge part of my everyday look, and style. Since they're such a big part of my style, I have a few different pairs that I alternate often, and I feel as though they all bring out my outfits in a different way. I think glasses can bring out different parts of people's personalities, but also can make outfits feel that much more special. I have a few different pairs that I rotate daily, but my favorite pair is of course, the cat eye frame.

As you can tell, glasses are my thing. My frames range in all sizes and colors, and I love them all. I feel like every single pair tells a story, and not only are they great conversation starters, but they are also a confidence booster for the person wearing them. I think it's important to pick frames that suit your face, and you can try some on at any optical shop near you. 

If you're unsure of what looks best, ask your family members to weigh in and help you decide. I am very open to trying new glasses, and new styles so nothing is out of the question for me, personally. I use my glasses as a way to showcase my personal style (and for vision needs of course). I think what I love most about my glasses is that they all tell a different story, and they all make me feel great. Today I am teaming up with VSP to talk about the Frame Your Fashion Facebook photo sweepstakes!

You can view all the info here, and watch the video so you can enter to win. The awesome part of this sweepstakes is that they help you pick out glasses that are perfect for you. Just share a selfie and your style, and you could win one of our weekly “Frame Your Fashion” eyewear style consults and designer sunglasses. One grand prize winner, selected from the 10 weekly winners, will also receive one year of VSP Direct vision insurance and a $250 gift card. Enter weekly between March 21 and May 25, 2016. Easy peasy!

Which pair is your favorite??

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Working Out & Dove Dry Spray

Hey guys, so excited to be partnering with Dove again today to talk about their Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant . For someone who is constantly running from the gym to work, to home, I need to feel fresh all day long. Once I leave in the morning, I pretty much don't make it back home until it's dark out, so I need to make sure I am good to go from place to place. Working out has always been a huge priority to me, so I usually try and make it to the gym 4-5 days a week, at minimum.

I tried Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant before I left for work, and then wanted to see how I felt while running to the gym after work. I was pleasantly surprised that I felt fresh and comfortable all day- even after sweating and putting in work at the gym! I love that the spray is clear, and doesn't come off on your skin. I love that there is no visible residue to be seen, that's a huge plus.

My favorite part of this product, is how quick it is to use, and how amazing the scent is! Even the original scent is so light and airy, perfect for a busy woman who is always on the go.

Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant is the latest beauty trend you don’t want to be the last to try!  It goes on instantly dry with no visible residue while providing 48 hours of odor and wetness protection and Dove ¼ moisturizers for softer, smoother underarms. Go to Dove.com/trydry to learn more. #TryDry

 

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #instantlytrending #DovePartner #TryDry http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

My #CoffeeRoutine

Hey guys! Happy Monday! Nothing says Monday like a nice cup of coffee, am I right? The days lately have been so packed from start to finish, that coffee seems to be the only thing that is keeping me going. Since I am always running around, coffee has become my go-to drink whenever I need a pick-me-up, or whenever I want to get things done efficiently. 

Planning a wedding is a lot of work, and although there are great parts of planning, there are so many things that people don't tell you about that can be stressful, or extremely time consuming. Although everything is coming along nicely, I am very stressed throughout the planning process. When I do have time to sit and organize my thoughts, or plan my next move, I always enjoy relaxing with a cup of coffee by my side. 

My perfect cup of coffee includes a french vanilla flavor, along with a hint of cream, and a touch of Truvia Natural Sweetener. While I am on the run my coffee is always iced, but when I am enjoying it in the comfort of my home, nothing is better than a warm cup of joe. 

I think the most important part of my coffee drinking routine is that it's a time when I can sit and relax, and have a moment to myself that doesn't feel rushed or forced. It's my time to enjoy with no pressure.  

I bought all of my goodies to make the perfect cup of coffee, from Shoprite. It's always my go-to place to do all of my grocery shopping, and it's so convenient that I can purchase my favorite coffee from there too! (Psst: If you buy 2 participating coffee products and 1 participating creamer and get a free box of Truvia Natural Sweetener 40ct now thru 3/12, while supplies last.)

  
This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® , The J.M.Smucker Company, White Wave, and Truvia Natural Sweetener, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #CoffeeRoutine http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

The Healthy Triple Decker With Oscar Meyer Selects!

Hi everybody! It's been a while since I have shared one of my favorite healthy recipes, so I am happy to be teaming up with Oscar Meyer Selects Natural to bring you a recipe that puts a spin on the classic turkey club triple decker sandwich.

The triple decker is always my go-to when we go to any diners in the area, so being able to make it in my own home- is extremely important to me. It's also important that I use healthy food options that fit into my balanced diet. Oscar Mayer Selects Natural is made with no artificial ingredients, and is minimally processed. Selects Natural has no artificial preservatives (the back side of each package lists the ingredients used to preserve quality), no artificial flavors, no artificial colors, no gluten and no by-products.

Choosing quality ingredients is important for me because I like to keep everything in my diet, healthy and nutritious. Since we are making a healthier version of this sandwich, I have subbed out some ingredients that will make this sandwich not only tasty, but also good for you. 

Turkey is one of my favorite lean protein options, and it's extremely low in fat, which I love.I think people assume that cold cuts are all bad, and that's not the case. Oscar Mayer Selects Natural is the perfect choice for anyone looking for quality cold cuts that have no artificial ingredients and delicious taste. I sometimes eat turkey as a snack with a little bit of hummus, it's perfect and filling for any time of the day. 

For this particular recipe,

What you'll need:

-3 Slices of Pumpernickel Bread

-Oscar Mayer Selects Natural Slow Roasted Turkey Breast 

(about 2 slices per slice of bread)

-3 Slices of Turkey Bacon

-2 Tablespoons Light Mayo

-Kale Leaves 

-Salt & Pepper to taste 

First you'll want to toast your bread slices. While the bread is toasting you'll want to cook up your turkey bacon, to your desired crispiness. I like mine extra crispy, so I over cooked it for this recipe. The crunchier- the better!

Next add mayo to your bread, and layer your bottom slice with turkey, kale, and turkey bacon. You will do the same for all three layers, and when you're ready, slice them into perfect triangles, and you are ready to go. It's a very simple recipe- with a very sophisticated flavor.

You can learn more about Selects Natural and all the Oscar Mayer products on OscarMayer.com, Facebook at Facebook.com/OscarMayer, Twitter at @OscarMayer and on Tumblr at OscarMayer.Tumblr.com.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Dove Hair : My Hair Story

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Dove Hair, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #MyHairStory #DovePartner  http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

I think most people who have known me for a long time, would say that I have some pretty fun hair. Although I don't really experiment with anything crazy anymore, I did at one point take a few more chances when it came to hair color, length, and style. From a short blonde inverted bob, to a shade of purple-ish black in college, I am sure I will look back one day and ask myself what I was doing. Actually, I am already wondering that.

Although I may not be in the same frame of mind I was 10 or 8 years ago, I always remember making choices that made me feel good. I always wanted my hair to be a reflection of me, and I never really care what anyone else thought, and I still don't. Even now, at 29, I make choices for my hair based on what makes me feel beautiful and confident. 

It's now 2016, and my hair is a huge part of who I am. I love the confidence it brings me, and how great I feel when I am taking care of myself and my beautiful long locks. Using the right products has always been extremely important to me- not matter what color or style my hair may be. When it comes to picking my products, I always rely on a brand that I know won't let me down. Dove hair has been around for a long time, and the name is trusted and used by women all over the world. When I heard that NEW Dove Hair Regenerative Nourishment Collection was hitting stores, I knew I had to try it. I am in love with the softness and vibrant look my hair has right now. I owe it all to Dove Hair. 

As a woman who has been dying her hair for over 10+ years, keeping my hair healthy is extremely important to me. This line from Dove Hair helps eliminate signs of damage, helps your hair feel healthier over all, but is also infused with Red Algae + Keratin NutriComplex. The formula repairs the internal structure of damaged hair, reconstructing and strengthening it. The serum in oil helps repair split ends and instantly provides shine and softness to your hair. 

Next time you are at Target, grab the new Dove Hair Regenerative Nourishment Shampoo, Conditioner and Serum in Oil.  Your hair will thank you!

 

Bride To Be Beauty Routine

Hey everyone! Happy Friday! As you all know, my wedding is in less than six months, so the official countdown is on! Since I want to look and feel my best on this special day, I have a full on beauty/health routine in the works that will help me feel more confident once the day approaches. Since there are so many photos being taken that day I am very conscious of what I am putting into my body, and how that affects my skin. Here are some things I am doing to prep for my big day. 

Whitening my pearly whites: Having a sparkling smile is something that has always been very important to me. Growing up I had a lot of problems with my teeth, from braces to retainers, and everything in between, I have seen it all! So many things affect the brightness of our teeth, and one of those things is the food and drinks we consume. Even though I love coffee, I know it sometimes has a tendency of darkening teeth.   Having a bright, shining smile is probably the most important thing on my wedding beauty routine list. That's where Crest 3D Flexfit Whitestrips come in. In only 2 weeks, Crest 3D White Supreme Flexfit Whitestrips can whiten teeth as well as a $500 laser treatment. As you can see in the photo below, it gave my teeth that extra brightness that they needed. I use my strips at home while I am relaxing, or doing laundry, and it takes no time at all. I love that I can be in the comfort of my own home while using these strips. (Fyi: I used mine for two weeks, for approximately an hour each time)

Below you can see a before photo (on the bottom) and the top is the after. My teeth are always white, but I really wanted that extra push, and as you can see below, it gave me that shine that I needed! 

Healthy Diet / Workout Routine : This is very important to me because not only am I health conscious regularly, but I also want my skin to look bright and clear. I am staying away from anything processed, high in sodium, and anything with a lot of sugar. My focus is on green vegetables, fruits, and a whole lot of water! This also goes hand in hand with working out regularly. Since the holidays were insane, I am back to a normal schedule at the gym, and I could not be happier. My goal isn't to lose tons of weight or become a twig; I just want to be healthy, and in shape. 

Makeup & Hair Trials: Anyone who knows me personally, knows that my makeup is pretty standard day-to-day. I hardly ever step out of my comfort zone, I rarely wear lipstick, and I keep it all pretty minimal besides my signature cat eye. I already got a makeup and hair trial at Depasquale The Spa, and I loved it, but I still want to continue to test out some looks and see what I want to do. I am very indecisive when it comes to makeup, and really I just want to look like a better version of myself-nothing crazy, nothing caked on, just me, with a little glam. As far as hair goes, I also have no idea what to do with my hair. I've started a secret pinterest board that has some ideas in it, but strangely enough, I have no idea what to do! I'm hoping that the trials will help me figure out what I want when the day comes, but until then I am just testing different things out and seeing what I like! 

 Hope you guys have a great weekend, and if you're a bride to be, I would love to hear your routine!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Influencer Marketing For Dummies

Since the evolution of the internet, most people stray away from reading actual books, and sadly, I think this is a travesty. I love reading, especially when it's a book that sparks my interest and keeps me wanting to read more, or learn more. 

I am so excited to share my review of Influencer Marketing For Dummies with you guys. Upon receiving the book I immediately started reading, because as a blogger, I want to constantly be in the know for anything up and coming, and for ways to master my craft. 

One of my favorite parts of the book, was Chapter 4 : The New Rules of Engagement. This chapter touches upon compensation, creating contracts, and also the going rates for influencers. I think that as a blogger, it's always important to stay up to date on things involving monetary decisions. As a freelancer, every blogger (unless under management) manages their own time, events, posts, and campaigns. I really loved reading about going rates for each social platform, as well as expectations per platform and different factors that can affect each post.

Another favorite of mine was Chapter 11: Video Influencers. I really have wanted to jump into YouTube for quite some time now, and finally have taken the steps to do so. I am really interested in marketing through video and the book really goes into detail about building a brand, and why it's so important to stay consistent and how to commission sponsored video content. I also really loved Chapter 19: Ten Reasons Influencer Marketing Campaigns Fail. I love how honest this part of the book was, and it's interesting to see why some campaigns fail over others. What I took away from this section is that it's extremely important to stay authentic, and stay true to the brand you're representing. 

Overall, the book really hit home for me. It helped me feel motivated, but also helped me redirect where I want my brand and blog to go in the upcoming year. I also think it's really important to maintain professional relationships with the brands that I work with, so it was a really nice way to freshen up on all of the knowledge that you need to know as an online influencer. I think I gained a lot more knowledge about social media platforms, and I feel very confident knowing that there are different ways to approach brands with ideas and campaigns that can truly be successful.

If you'd like to win a copy of this book, I am giving one away on my Facebook page! Simply like my page, and check out the post about the book, and leave a comment- nice and simple! I will be picking a winner by EOD January 12th, 2016. Only one winner, and winner must be age 18+ and a resident of the US.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.