Friend Friday: All Hallows Eve

This weeks Friend Friday is hosted by Katy of Modly Chic and it's all about Halloween.

1. Do you have plans for Halloween? What will you dress up as this year? 

I don't have any concrete plans for Halloween yet, but I'm making a costume. I'm going to be the TARDIS from Doctor Who but in a 50's era style. I've been working on it for the past two weeks and I hope to have it finished this weekend.

2. Where do you go for costume and makeup inspiration? 

 I enjoy browsing through Cosplay.com and Photo galleries from the various conventions. There is a wealth of costume inspiration these sites. I also love Kelldar's site. She makes all her costumes and they are all amazing.

3. What was the best costume you've ever donned? 

When my dad was stationed in Spain, he sent over a flamenco dress. I couldn't find my photo album that had it, so I'll use this one instead.

Photo source

Yeah, I looked like this when I wore my dress. 

4. What's the most creative costume you've ever seen? 

I love this Steampunk version of the Scooby Gang from this year's Dragon Con.

Photo by kimncris

5. No holds barred if you could dress up as anything, what would it be? 

I would love to be Marie Antoinette and don a powdered wig and corset for a night.

Photos from ing.com

 This will also do.

Head over to Modly Chic to read what Halloween plans my fellow bloggers are conjuring up. If you still need some costume inspirations, check out this weeks Style Inspiration post. I'll be doing another one next Monday for those needing to put a costume together the last minute.

Visual Friend Friday: Decade Dressing

 

Cardigan: Old Navy

Dress: To The Max

Earrings:  Ruban Cassette won from Virginie's Cinema

Wedges: Payless

This weeks Visual Friend Friday is being hosted by Shelly of GS Lillian and it's about dressing in your favorite decades and I went with the 50's. I added the 50's influence with a fuller skirted dress and beaded cardigan (two staples of that decade), but still kept it modern with length. I also wore these pearl and gold button earrings from Ruban Cassette that I won from Virginie's Cinema's giveaway. Based out of Québec, designer Elisabeth Simard creates her earrings out of vintage buttons. I don't have that many button earrings, so these two are great additions to my earring collection.

I also got my haircut yesterday. Only took an inch and a half off, but not only does my hair feel 10x lighter, but I've finally gotten rid of the bad dye job I did two years ago when I tried to dye it a reddish-brown. Never a good idea to lighten you hair after you dyed it jet black two months earlier. 

What's your favorite decade(s)? Head over to GS Lillian to see what decades my fellow bloggers love.

Friend Friday: Fall Trends

This weeks Friend Friday is all about our top five trends for fall. For spring trends I created Polyvore boards, so this time around I wanted to a vlog. I have to say being the first time I did one, it was more time consuming that I thought. There were a lot of outtakes, but hopefully if this one is successful, I'll do another one. First time for everything. 


So here are my top 5 trends and I hope you enjoy it. 




What trends are you looking forward to this fall? Don't forget to check out ModlyChic to read what trends are on other bloggers minds.

*I also found a way to make a Doctor Who reference. Yeah I'm a nerd.

Friend Friday: Pursuing Dreams

 This has been the first summer since between my Junior and Senior year of high school that I've had the summer off. Of course it wasn't something I planned and I've spent the last 4 months looking for a job with no avail. My dad was telling me that I should try to be my own boss while still looking for employment. Which had me thinking, I do have a dream job, but it was something I kept mainly to myself. So when I saw this weeks Fashion/Friend Beauty Friday topic, it was something that I can relate to right now in my life.

We all have dreams, goals, aspirations. Putting them down on paper is often the first step to realizing those dreams. So for Fashion/Beauty Friend Friday we are looking at the dreams that we have – the ones we keep buried inside and daydream about when life throws a curve.

Source: d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net via Stephanie on Pinterest

1. Fess up - if you could do anything professionally what would it be? 

 I want to be my own boss and own a business selling vintage clothing and crafts that I make.

2. What draws you to this? 

I was always fascinated by vintage clothing since high school. I like finding out where they came from and how they were made. I've also been doing crafts since I was younger and would give my crafts as Christmas gifts to family and friends.

3. When did you first start dreaming about this ideal? 

I started thinking about it 8-10 years ago. I would even got to thrift stores and gather things for my future shop. But then other things in my life happened and I've put it on the back burner until recently. 

4. What's holding you back from going all in? 

Of course when starting your own business, finding the seed money will be an issue. Another thing is that I'm afraid to fail. It's the worst feeling when you can't achieve your dreams. However, like I mentioned above with everything that has happened in the last 4 months, being jobless and having to start over again with looking for employment, it's my version of rock bottom. It makes me realize shouldn't be afraid of wanting to pursue my dreams. The people that I admire followed theirs after having setbacks and have become very successful.

5. Sometimes the first step is the hardest... what's one step you can take now on the way to realizing your dream? 

By coming up with a business plan, something I haven't done yet and also having tighter time management skills. Right now I'm doing all this from home so there are many distractions that will deter me from being productive. I need to have a set time when I'm going to work and adhere to it.

Thanks again to Katy for this thought provoking topic. 
Check out ModlyChic to read my fellow bloggers dreams and aspirations. 

Friend Friday: Fancy Nails

Usually when I do my nails, I'll put whatever color I'm liking at the moment. I might even add a coat of glitter polish. But lately I've seen a lot of nail art that's not only very wearable for everyday, but easy enough for anyone to try out.

This week Kendra of Thrifty and Shameless is hosting this weeks Friend Friday which is all about nail art. 

So I decided to try something different with my nails. With some help from The Glitter Guide, I did some ombre nails.

Source: theglitterguide.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

They didn't come out too bad although I will make some changes the next time I do this. Specially to go and buy french manicure strips instead of using address label stickers. They left a residue that took a while to get off without messing up the manicure any further. For the base I used China Glaze China Rouge and for the tips I used Zoya Sarah and China Glaze Fairy Dust.

Here's some other cool nail art I would like to try out in the future.

Cherry Blossoms

Source: fuckyeahprettynails.tumblr.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Newsprint

Source: passionnailart.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Of course I had to add these two designs...

Source: nailsbyveryemily.tumblr.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Source: nailasaurus.blogspot.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

What kind of nail art are you itching to try out?

Visual Friend Friday: Where I Blog

This weeks Friend Friday topic comes from Suze of Miss Vinyl Ahoy and it's a visual one. 

I always wonder where bloggers go to write their posts. Do they sit at a desk, go to their favorite coffee shop, or sit comfortably in bed? What area makes them the most productive when it comes to writing for their blog or work in general. So I thought this was a good topic to show where I (attempt to) get things done. 

For me it's my desk. When I first got my laptop my sisters computer that I would use was occupying the desk so I would blog in bed. I did that for 4 months before I finally moved the other computer and I have been comfortably blogging here ever since. So here's some pictures of my workspace. I even cleaned it today!

It still looks a little cluttered, but at least I have enough space for my laptop. Plus now I have another area to work on my crafts and perhaps some sewing too!

Head over here to see where other bloggers get their work done.

Friend Friday: My Outfit Formula

It's that time again for this weeks Friend Friday questions.

This weeks questions come from a post Vahni from Grit and Glamour had several weeks ago in which she outlined her personal uniform or outfit formula as she dubbed it.

1. What’s your go-to outfit formula?

Ever since my first outfit post, my three go to formulas are: 

• A dress with a cardigan
• A skirt a nice top and cardigan 
• Skinny jeans with a nice top and a cardigan.

My first ever outfit post picture!

 
 2. How did you come about this formula?

It didn't take me that long to come up with these formulas. It took a while before I realized that I was going for the same outfit combinations. 

3. Do you have different formulas for different occasions in your life? 

I will swap different pieces in my outfits. Say if I want something really casual but I still want to wear a dress, I'll swap the cardigan for a denim jacket. The same goes for making a outfit more formal by adding a blazer.

4. Has it morphed over the years?

When I was growing up I was always following the trends and would wear things that were awesome because the cool kids were wearing it and I wanted to be part of their group. I was really into Disney in middle school and I asked for an Aladdin backpack because I saw other wearing it. Well while the others pulled it off, I just looked like a big old dork. I also went through a baggy flannel shirt and jeans phase where I would wear my dad old flannels. It just made me look bulky.  It wasn't until a few years ago when I finally started dressing for myself. I stopped going into stores only because I thought I wanted that lifestyle and wear what I feel comfortable in. I might test out different trends, but I try not to dive head first into them.

5. Which other blogger’s outfit formula would you like to swipe?

I really like Rhiannon with her simple but stylish ensembles. She looks like she could have stepped out of an A.P.C ad. On the other side of the spectrum, Keiko and Beth make combinations with their looks.  

Head over to Modly Chic to check out what other bloggers have to say about their outfit formulas. 

Friend Friday: Summer Recipe - Halo Halo

Today for Friend Friday, we're heading in the kitchen as bloggers will be sharing their favorite summer recipes. 

I love to bake, but during the summer months I'll usually give the oven a rest because who really needs the extra heat from the oven when it's already 100+ degrees outside. So I kept racking my brain on what I wanted to post when the light bulb came on. I have already posted one of my favorite Filipino recipes, so why not post my favorite Filipino cool treat Halo-halo.

Source

When it comes to desserts/sweets involving ice, you usually think of snow cones, Icees, and shaved ice. But in the Philippines we have our own icy treat called Halo-halo. Halo comes from the Tagalog word mix and its basic components are shaved ice and evaporated milk. From there you can add sweetened preserved fruits and beans like jack-fruit, macapuno (shaved coconut), garbanzos, kidney beans, palm fruit and gulaman (gelatin). To top if off you can add cut up flan, ube (purple yam) ice cream and pingping (crushed young rice). All these ingredients you can find at your local Asian market of in the Asian aisle at the grocery store, although the former will have a larger selection and be a little bit less expensive.

Source

This is a great alternative to ice cream and it's also an interactive treat since everyone can choose what goes in their Halo-halo. If you don't have a shaved ice machine, you can use a heavy duty blender.

Source

If you do decide to make your own halo-halo, I would love to see your pictures of this yummy creation. Just send me an e-mail and I will post it on the blog.
To check out more summer recipes from fellow bloggers click here.

Friend Friday: Summer Trends

Some things I'm looking forward to this summer...

• Trips to the beach
• Warm weather
• County fairs
• Hearing the ice cream truck
• Longer days
• Summer movies
• Comic-con
• Watching So You Think You Can Dance (Anyone watching this season? All the contestants are so freaking talented.)

Another thing I like about summer, getting to try out some new trends. This also happens to be this weeks Friend Friday topic. 

Without further ado...here are my picks for this summer:

Summer Trends: Coral by Somedaysmarter featuring oversized handbags

Coral is such a vibrant and playful color that pairs so well with neutral colors. I'm currently on the hunt for the perfect coral nail polish.

Summer Trends: Braids by Somedaysmarter featuring beach hair accessories

So braids isn't exactly a new trend, but it's such a great way to change up your hair without resorting to cutting it. This is also a great way to get soft beachy waves sans curling iron, which along with my blow dryer, I'm not going to use as much this summer.

Summer Trends: Lace by Somedaysmarter featuring a lace clutch

I love how in the past few seasons lace has been in all different price points. I also feel that adding lace makes an outfit a little more fancier.

Summer Trends: Wood Heels by Somedaysmarter featuring wooden heels

Perfect for the maxi-dresses and midi skirts this season. The studier heel also makes those long summer walks more bearable.

Summer Trends: Vintage Inspired Swimwear by Somedaysmarter featuring a retro swimwear

I am not the string bikini girl at all. I like to be more covered up, so I'm excited that there vintage styles like these out in the market. Proof that you can still look glamorous even in a one-piece. Plus, isn't the swim cap adorable?

What are your favorite summer trends? Also, head over to ModlyChic to see what trends my fellow FBFF bloggers will be trying out this summer.

Friend Friday: I Whip My Hair Back and Forth

 Today's Friend Friday question is all about our hair routines. Check out Modly Chic to find out how bloggers maintain their shiny manes.

1. How often do you get your hair cut?
I get my hair cut about every three to four months.

What my hair currently looks like. I had bangs a month prior, but now I'm growing them out.


2. Do you go to the same stylist each time, try someone new, go to the 
cheap hair cutting chains or live it up in a salon?
As of now I go to one stylist Katherine because she knows how to cut my hair. I won’t go to any other stylists in the salon.  I’ve been going to her for the past three years and I had to go through a lot of stylists to find her. I remember going to cheaper chains when I was growing up and I still have a bad hair cutting experience from one of them. The stylist was cutting my hair then midway through she had to help another stylist. I didn’t notice until I got home that one side was lopsided. Instead of telling my mom and going back to the stylist to fix it, I tried doing it myself and made it worse.

3. Do you color your hair? How often? What’s your natural color?
I used to color my hair at least once a year and usually it was either a burgundy or black. The last time I dyed my hair was two years ago and I’m still trying to grow the color out. My natural hair color is black but during the summer it would fade which made me want to dye it black. I got tired with how messy dying hair can be so I stopped. But with all the new dye products, such as the foam dye, I might dye my hair again. 


4. The one thing you always do to keep your hair looking great is:
I always condition my hair and when I’m taking a shower I take a wide tooth comb to help spread the conditioner. I also use argon oil when my hair is damp and that helps keep my ends looking nice. Another thing I do is wash my hair every other day. I’m also when I don’t have to go anywhere right away, I’ll air dry my hair. 

5. What hair trend do you love and wish you could rock?
I really wish I could rock a pixie cut but I just don’t have the face shape for it. Plus to be honest, I like having longer hair. Call it a security blanket, but it’s what I like.

Friend Friday: Drive Me Crazy

We all enjoy reading blogs, but sometimes there are some things that we wish blogs would or wouldn't do. Which brings us to this weeks Friend Friday question: Blog pet peeves.

This was inspired by a post by Beautifully 
Invisible from a couple weeks ago entitled ‘The 10 things that drive 
me crazy about your blog.’ But before you read it, list the 5 things 
that drive you crazy about blogs you visit.

• Too many pictures of the same outfit - Twenty pictures of one outfit is excessive especially if half of them are detail shots. I think five pictures is tops.

• Music that starts playing right away- I don't mind if there is a music playlist on a blog. But please don't have it automatically play when I go to your homepage. This will make me immediately close the browser.

•  A cluttered layout- When it comes to a blog layout, less is more. I want the focus to be on your writing and your pictures, not the bell and whistles that are on the side columns.

•  Not proofreading/spelling mistakes- It only takes a few minutes to make sure there are no spelling errors. I usually read my post aloud to catch mistake before I publish it. But if you still find spelling/grammar mistake on my blog, let me know and I'll fix it.

•  Not being able to comment- I like commenting on blogs whether it's giving feedback or sharing a story. So it's disappointing to find the comment box nowhere to be found.I promise I won't just say "nice outfit!" and then leave my blog url in the comment. I have reformed from those horrible ways.

Check out what other bloggers have to say about this topic over at Modly Chic.

Friend Friday: Outside Influences

It's a day late but better late than never. 

This weeks Friend Friday question:

A couple weeks ago we talked about our 
inspiration when it comes to blogging and so many people said that 
other fashion bloggers are a huge inspiration. But there are many 
other factors that influence us.

Check out what other bloggers have to say here.

What magazines do you subscribe to? 
                                                                                       

   Lucky, Elle, Harpers Bazar, In Style, and Entertainment Weekly.


Do you watch any fashion TV shows?                                                      

Growing up I used to watch Style with Elsa Klensch on CNN. Although I didn’t really understand it at the time, it was the first show that introduced me to the world of fashion. Then when I was a teenager, I always looked forward to House of Style on MTV. Would say Yes to the Dress be considered a fashion show. If so, I’ll have marathon watching sessions with the help of instant Netflix.  I also watch What Not to Wear and Project Runway.

Beyond blogs, what websites do you frequent for fashion 
inspiration?

I'll go to style.com to check out the new design collections and instyle.com or fabsugar.com for celebrity inspirations

Advertisements play a huge role in forming public opinion about a 
product or brand… what ads do you like and why?

I like the Marc Jacobs ads because they are a little quirky and I like Juergen Teller's photography.

Source

Source

Source

Do you own any fashion books?

I have a few fashion books that range from vintage fashion to designer biographies. I enjoy fashion and it's always fun to learn about the history behind it.

Friend Friday: A Women's Right to Shoes

You see how picky I am about my shoes and they only go on my feet.

- Cher from Clueless

I've spent $40,000 on shoes and I have no place to live?

I will literally be the old woman who lived in her shoes.

-Carrie from Sex and the City

So I haven't spent $40,000 on shoes and I don't think I ever will, well maybe if I win the lottery.

But I have bought my fair share of shoes. They can help make or break an outfit and it takes a while to find the perfect pair.  But when you find the shoe that's a perfect fit, it will always stay that way.

Which brings us to this weeks Friend Friday questions. It's all about the things we'd be willing to pay $$$ on our feet.

Also check out what other bloggers have to say about shoes. 

1.What is your go-to pair of shoes?
I have to say my flats. Since where I used to work had a harder floor surface, flats worked the best for moving about. But I also have a pair of black wedges that I got from Payless that I wear all the time. They were low enough that I can wear them without my feet aching at the end of the day.


2. What goes into your shoe buying decisions? 

• Shape of the shoe- Lean more towards round or almond shaped.
• Heel height- Usually 3 inches or below. But if it’s higher than that, then it needs to have a thick heel and a platform. No heels that can double as a nail.
• Comfort- Can’t have an super high arch unless there is a lot of padding.
• Color- I try to get shoes in colors I know that I will wear a lot.
• Price- The ideal price point is $75 and under.


3. The majority of the shoes in your closet are what color?
I would have to say black. Which is surprising since I don't really own a lot of black clothing but black shoes comprises a majority of my closet. 



4. When it comes to designer shoes what are your favorite brands and why?
Louboutin’s are on the top of my list. Who doesn’t like the red soles? I also really like Mui Mui shoes. They look so fun and whimsical. For more down to earth prices, I really like Steve Madden, BC, Converse and Aldo.

5. If price wasn’t an issue, you’d own which shoe?
It would definitely be a pair of Christian Louboutin’s. I would have one in a more wearable style and another where I would just wear for special occasions. But I would put them on display just so I can admire them everyday.

Sparkly!

(source)

Friend Friday: Inspirations

This weeks Friend Friday questions:

Inspiration - To further mark one year of FBFF we are going 
to answer the same set of questions asked this time last year as I 
think they are still pertinent today and usually ever changing.

Which celebrity (celebrities) do you look to for fashion 
inspiration?

Of course there’s Zooey Deschanel and I’ll leave it at that so I don’t further bother you with my girl crush on her.

I also really like Rachel Bilson, Eva Mendez, Diane Kruger, and Kirsten Dunst. They all have great personal style.

When it comes to your own personal style, what inspires you?

I'm inspired by classic movies, fashion editorials, you name it. I also have a TON of magazine clippings that I need to downsize. But also in the past 6 months, I've been really inspired by other style bloggers. I like seeing how they would style items from places that I shop like Target or the Gap.

How do you hope to inspire your readers? 

That you can have great style without having to try too hard and having fun at the same time. That ou don't always have to follow trends and be set in one style. Try new things and if it works out, awesome. But if not, it's not the end of your blog. I once received a Tweet from one of my readers that I inspiring them to wear more dresses/skirts in the spring/summer. I really appreciated that and it made my day.

Outside the realm of fashion who/what inspires you? 

Those who create things for themselves to be successful at and not waiting for someone to hand it to them. I do get comfortable and complacent with where I'm at in my life and I need to read about those who stepped out of their comfort zone and got things done.

One of those that inspire me is actress Felicia Day. I had no clue who she was until two years ago when I went to go see Dr. Horrible's SingAlong Blog with my then boyfriend. He then introduced me to this web-series she did called The Guild and the story behind it really cool.

She is awesome

 I'm probably going to butcher it, but here's a basic run through of the story. She had an idea about a show of World of Warcraft style gamers and was pitching it to TV producers. But none were interested and instead of giving up, Felicia along with her producer/friend Kim Evey, decided to produce it themselves as a web-series. The first season was entirely funded by them and eventually they ran out of money. However their fan base was so loyal that viewers would start sending money via PayPal and they were able to finish filming the rest of the first season. The second season they got sponsored by Microsoft and The Guild has been gaining fans ever since. They have just started filming season 5 and when I went to their panel at Comic-Con last year, it was amazing to see how many people where there to see them. It's reminds me that I shouldn't be afraid of pursing my passions because as crazy and stressed out it can be, following your dreams is also really rewarding. To bring it closer to home, our very own Katy recently published her book, Aurora Undefined. That makes me realize if she can get her book published, I can stop procrastinating and finally finish setting up my Etsy store. 

And since Idol is ending… Which songs inspire you?

I'm always inspired but this song from my favorite band ever...

Check out what inspires my fellow bloggers over at Modly Chic!

Friend Friday: Graditude

I've only been participating in FBFF for the past three months, but I'm happy to help celebrate their one-year anniversary. This is such an awesome group to be a part of, so for this weeks questions are all about gratitude. 

This is the official one-year anniversary of 
FBFF! (I’m already moved just thinking of its approach.) So I wanted 
to do something about gratitude. We each have so many people in our 
lives and in the blogging community who have helped us along the way. 
It’s time to shine the spotlight on them and give credit where credit 
is due. 

Check out Modly Chic to see fellow FBFF answers.

•  When it comes to be personally – I owe a lot of who I am to...

My family and friends for they have been there for me. To help me through bad times, give me life lessons, and celebrate the good times. But a special shout out goes to my sister. She’s a lot gutsier than me, and I admire her for that. There have been rough patches. But no matter what goes on in our lives, I know that she’s there for me and I’m there for her. Can’t wait to visit her next month.

• When it comes to the art of blogging, I’m grateful to these people 
for helping me through some rough spots... 

I would like to give a big group hug to those that have given me encouragement when I felt like I wasn’t gaining followers as quickly as other bloggers or when I was in a blogging rut. Thanks keeping my blogging spirits up when I needed it.  

• One blogging challenge I’m grateful happened because it made me 
stronger was…

Participating in the 30x30. I was really proud of myself that I was able to complete it. It also helped me realized that I can work more with what I have in my closet. The added bonus is that I discovered so many new bloggers that I would have otherwise never know about. The 30x30 was the domino that started it all. Without that, I wouldn’t know about FBFF, Everybody Everywhere, etc., etc.

• To my readers, I’d like to say… 

Thanks so much for the readership! In the past year I have started coming out of my blogging shell and really reaching out and connecting with other bloggers. Whether it’s through e-mail, twitter, meet-ups, or an occasional game of Words with Friends, you bloggers have been the best. For that I thank you and leave you with this.

To figure out why the heck Rob Lowe is dancing like no one is watching, (but they really are) check out the latest episode of Parks and Recreation.

Friend Friday: Spring Trends

As I was thinking about my top 5 spring trends, I realized that I already listed 3 of them on my guest post for SS Vintage. You can check the first 3 here. 

But in the meantime, here are two more spring trends that I can't wait to wear.

Wooden Heels

Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony Mary Jane Platform Clogs

Water Taxi Heel

Swedish Hasbeens

Maxi Dresses

 Forever 21 Summer Vacation Dress

ModCloth Viola Dress

LC Lauren Conrad for Khols 

(I bought the pink version of this dress and I can't wait to wear it for Everybody, Everywhere.)

Check out ModlyChic to see what spring trends bloggers 
can't wait to rock.

Friend Friday: Rules of Engagement

I can't believe it's already April. The months are surely flying by. Plus it's Friday which only means another edition of Friend Friday. 

This weeks question courtesy of Katy: 

Rules of Engagement  - A number of bloggers have reached out
to me recently about how to deal with Tweets, emails, DMs etc… from people who seem to be only pushing their own blog. It got me thinking – for a new blogger the rules of engagement with others in the blogging world is uncharted territory. We learn a lot about how to do it from trial and error. 

1. Guest posts are a good way to gain new exposure. What do you think is the appropriate way to go about securing a guest spot? 

I think the best way is gain a rapport with a blogger you enjoy reading. Connect first through social media like Twitter, Facebook, e-mail and go from there. I was able to write my first guest post because the blogger I was following posted a tweet looking for Guest Bloggers. 

2. Leaving comments is essential to growing your blog. But how can you leave a comment without coming across as ‘Follow Me. Follow Me!’? 

I used to be one of those commenters during my early blogging days but have since learned from it. One of the things you can do is actually read the content. I've read on other blogs where commenters will post a comment and it doesn't pertain to the bloggers post or ask a question that has already been answered.  I won't comment as much on the outfit anymore, but what the blogger was writing about.

3. We’ve all gotten a mass email at one time or another asking for blog exposure, a link exchange, etc… But the mass emails don’t work. How do you make your email stand out from the crowd? 

I don't send mass emails to other bloggers. I much rather cultivate blogger relationships with those I regularly read.

4. In interacting with other bloggers where do you draw the line
between seeking support and begging for exposure?
I don't want to be a pushover blogger. I want them to be genuinely interested my blog because  they enjoy my content and not because of how popular it is. If I start getting bloggers like that, I would seriously question their motives. Sounds kinda harsh, but you need to keep your blogging integrity intact.

5. What’s one rule of engagement error you made and how have you remedied that? 

I think the one I made was following someone after they posted a comment. I would think, "they wrote a comment and if they see I follow them, then they'll follow me." It does not work that way and now I have a Reader where I only read 80% of the posted content. 

You can check out what fellow bloggers have to say about this here.

(Belated) Friend Friday: Five Blogging Lessons

Top: Matthew Williamson for H&M

Old Navy Cardigan, Skirt and Flats

Forever 21 Bow Necklace

American Eagle Outfitters Rhinestone Necklace

Today my outfit tried to outwit the weather, but it failed. After a couple of great weeks of warm weather it was cold today and I wished I put some tights on. I shouldn't complain because I did stay inside (was at work) for most of the day. 

Since I didn't post yesterday, my Friend Friday is a day late.

But better late than never, right?

5 Things I Have Learned About Blogging

1. Blog What Interests You - Makes it a little bit easier writing posts when it's something you really like. If you start writing only to gain followers/sponsors, you'll not only loose your voice, but interest in blog writing. 
2. Join the Community- I've been blogging for three years, but didn't really get involved in the blogging community until last year. I have corresponded with some awesome bloggers and discovered new blogs by participating in the 30x30 or EBEW. I've also been better at posting comments on other blogs and using Twitter to chat with other bloggers. It's because of Twitter that I got the chance to do my first guest blog post.
3. Followers Aren't Everything- This really got me down when I first started blogging. I had very small readership and was envious of other bloggers that had a ton of followers. I brought myself back down to reality realizing that if I just be myself and post for the fun of it, the ones that like reading what I have to say will stick around.
4. Don't Be A Blogging Hermit - Sometimes I have to remind myself that I don't always have to stay home where there are adventures to be made. This is something I really should do. What I would write about if I just stayed home all day? The tree in the front yard grew two inches today. I think not.
5. Be Careful What You Write About- Last year, I dipped my foot in the personal info arena and I wrote some things regarding a relationship I was in. Granted I didn't use names and it was more of a thought process at the time. But they read it and I got called out on it. I don't regret writing it because it's what I genuinely felt at that moment. But really think about what you are posting if you do have family, friends, significant others read your blog and it's about them. Once you post it and someone sees it, you can't really take it back.

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