FIVE year blogiversary

Yes, you read that right. Today marks 5 years since I took the plunge and launched my blog. I was so afraid for so many reasons. So many “what if’s” running through my mind. When I finally decided to kick fear to the curb it took months to perfect my website. I built it from the ground up, all on my own (now I have a web designer) working on it everyday and always changing something. Once my site was ready to go, it took yet another few months to actually launch because FEAR (insert crying face). After so many pep talks I finally launched on June 30, 2014 and never looked back. The amount of love and support that I’ve received throughout the years and continue to receive.. motivate and encourage me to continue on this journey. I’ve met such amazing human beings, some of which have become friends. I’ve also had the pleasure of working with amazing brands that believe in me (little ol' me) and I'm so grateful to them.

As easy as it may seem, I’ll be the first to say how hard it’s been. It’s not as pretty as it looks on Instagram. So much goes on behind that one pretty photo you see. I’m a one person team juggling multiple hats. A writer, editor, author, photographer, illustrator, content creator, creative director, PR personal, you name it. All things that I’ve taught myself as the years went on. It’s even more difficult when also juggling a full time 9-6 job. A lot of sleepless nights and hard work. BUT I’ve managed to have a full time job, blog/ instagram part time AND have a personal life. It’s definitely doable, but I wouldn’t have been able to do it without all of you. So THANK YOU for believing in me when at times I probably didn’t believe in myself. I’ve grown so much through this journey and the tears have been worth it. 

Tomorrow, July 1st I start a brand new journey as I’ve landed fashion corporate job. I am over the moon excited. My new schedule will have me out by 3:30/4pm which is huge advantage, giving me more opportunity to focus on my blog and continuing to make my dreams a reality. I’ll be sharing more at a later time. 

I’m ending this post with my heart so full. I’m so grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had and can’t wait see what’s yet to come. Thank you a million times. Cheers to another 5 years! 

Balancing a full time job and blogging + IG

Let’s dive right in. For those of you that may not know I’m a part time blogger, but also have a full time job. My grind does not stop after my 9-6. Overtime is always in full effect. Which means late night sleeps, early mornings, creating content after work, during my work breaks, + booking my weekends and sometimes over booking *insert crying emoji here* IT DOES NOT  STOP! 

WHEN I FIND TIME TO SHOOT:

Any beauty + lifestyle shots are normally taken after work because these are typically taken indoor. Because I’m off at 6pm you can imagine how late these shoots start + end. How I get it done after an exhausting day? Well, deadlines don’t stop so I just put my poker face on and GET IT DONE! #teamnosleep

Outdoor content is taken either on Saturdays or Sundays as these are my days off. My sister takes my photos and we normally start at 7am on weekends and end around 11am (at most 6 looks). We shoot really early to beat the traffic of people and to be able to enjoy the rest of the weekend. 

HOW I KEEP ORGANIZED: 

I’ve created a pivot table using Excel to keep track of every sponsored post that I need to create content for + deadlines. I also write everything down in a planner as a back up. Pre-planning all my outfits, packing and having them in my car the night before shoot day is KEY. I’ve also created a highlight on Instagram under “TAKEOVER” which was my people chica takeover and I shared a few tips on there :)

ADDITIONAL TIPS: 

If you don’t have a photographer or someone to take your photos, ask to meet up with your fave blogger(s). When my sister isn’t snapping my photos, it’s most likely blogger babe SEGAGENESIS. It’s so easy to shoot with her + because she’s a blogger she understands the struggle and it’s easier to ignore all the crazy stares. View our recent collaboration here. 

Time management places a huge part, but in all honesty it means sacrificing a lot of sleep + free time. When you have a passion you make it work at all cost. You just have to make time and find what works for you. Everything is trial and error and I’m learning as I go. 

Outfit details:

Top | Femmeluxe

Jeans | Cotton On

Coat | Forever21

Shoes | Forever21

Xo,

May

Reflecting on 2018

What a year it’s been, for sure!

Like all others there’s always ups and downs, but this years challenging obstacles truly changed and made me see my life in a different perspective. With those hardships came GROWTH and realization that those obstacles didn’t happen to me rather for me. Those break throughs ultimately made me stronger and led me to a path filled with more purpose. 

Finding your way

Birthday Glam

Self-Care Tips

Recently I’ve found myself caught up with a million things to do. I haven’t had much time for myself, which has left me feeling burned out. As crazy as our schedules get we have to remember that it’s so important to invest time and energy to take time for ourselves. Whether that be a few minutes, an hour or a full day. These are a few things that work for me when I’m in need of some self care. 

UNPLUG 

Disconnect from the world, turn your phone off for a few hours or day. Being on your phone can be draining. This is major for me, as a blogger I’m on my phone/emails 24/7 and unplugging feels like I’m not working even if it’s just for a few hours.  

PAMPERING 

Self care also means nourishing your body. Whether that be getting a massage, taking a long bath, face mask. Also, sometimes doing nothing is the best for your body to recharge. 

MEDITATION

Practice breathing exercises for about 5 minutes in a quite place. This will rest your mind and keep you calm. I’ve also found that hiking helps to keep your mind restless and fuel your body with energy. Mental health is important. 

REFLECTION

Wake up everyday and reflect on three things you liked and didn’t like from the previous day to improve your journey on that new day. 

Self care doesn’t have to be lavish. It’s as simple as giving yourself a break and forgiving yourself when you can’t meet a deadline. 

Remember everyday is a new opportunity to make change and do something great. Don’t forget to care for yourself. Self care isn’t selfish. 

Xo,

May

3-Step Skincare Routine

 

Today I’m sharing my 3 step morning skin routine. I don’t always have time in the mornings so I’ve narrowed it down to what truly has worked for me and makes me feel refreshed and has given my face/ skin a natural glow.

Four ways to make packing easier