by JTwisdom | Dec 17, 2010 | FBFF, From the Heart |
Photograph by JT
It’s time to celebrate and enjoy family and friends. I can smell the aroma of the cranberry bread which is on top of the stove in the picture above all over the house. The macaroni and cheese is cooking in the oven. This is the time to try a new recipe I found in Cooking Light with fontina cheese. Oh! and lets not forget the dressing and cornish hens to make the day festive.
Sounds delicious!
Wait what’s a girl to wear for the holidays with all the family, friends and delicious food around.
Well I am definitely not going to wear a sweatshirt with a Christmas tree with automated lights smacked right on the front of my chest with a switch attached to the cuff like a gizmo from a 007 movie that causes the lights to go on and off. Did I actually have a shirt like that? I will never tell. Maybe one day.
Well lets get to the questions for this week.
1. Which holiday party are you looking forward to attending this year?
My family will be getting together this Sunday because that’s the time when most of us will be in town. I spend most Christmas holidays with friends or my husband’s family because my family is quite small. Both of my parents are deceased now however they both loved Christmas and decorating to set the occasion. The joy of Christmas has transferred over to me to also decorate and watch every year on DVD a Charlie Brown Christmas, Frosty The Snowman and Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.
2. What is your go-to holiday party outfit?
I must admit I am not a party animal. I do like to dress up though and I love to dance. Most of the family gatherings I will be going to are casual so I would look completely out of place in a formal or all over sequins. Not all but the majority of the attire of my family is mostly jeans, sweatshirts, sweaters, plaid shirt, tennis shoes and maybe a boot here or there. Now some of the younger family members (the young ladies) dress more on trend to what’s “in” now but that’s about it. And there is nothing wrong with that at all because sometimes-outdoor sports like football is being played or they just want to be more relaxed. As for me I am casual too but I always try to make the extra effort to look cool because I am not only representing myself but also my husband.
3. Do you go dressed in something that would be impractical to wear at any other time of the year? Depending on what you mean impractical.
Impractical: An outfit that would be considered to over the top for a particular event.
I wear sequins during the day-time so I will push the limits. I love getting dressed up so during the winter holiday season we had our Church anniversary in 2009 and we went all out. My husband wore a tuxedo and I wore a lace dress with grosgrain straps and I had gold heels with bows on the top. I felt pretty and it was such a nice event.
Photograph by JT
4. If you are going to a house-party what gift will you bring to the host/hostess?
www.philosophy.com
Philosophy Gingerbread Man Shower & Bath gel.
www.oliviacare.com
Olivia olive oil soap
Everyone doesn’t drink alcohol so this kind of gift is so universal. When I give gifts to friends and family like this I always get asked where did I get them from so they can buy it for themselves when they run out.
5. If you could buy only one trendy piece to update your holiday party wardrobe, what would you get this year?
According to Style.com gold is the trend for Fall 2010 Holiday.
My trend pic is this beautiful dress from Carolina Herrera. I can see myself dancing with my husband the night through.
Photograph credit: www.style.com Designer Carolina Herrera
I am sorry but it is so hard to pick just one. First off I am loving this Alexander McQueen dress. OMG! The shoes!
Style.com Designer Alexander McQueen
I really like the look of gold and deep hues on my complexion.
Some of my favs from www.style.com
Photo credit: Style.com Designer: Aquilano.Rimondi
Photo Credit: Style.com Designer Balmain
Photo Credit: Style.com Designer Blumarine
To get more tips on holiday trends click on the link below that will take you to FashionMagazine.com that will show some cool styles for holiday.
Enjoy!
http://www.fashionmagazine.com/videos/fashion/style-studio-holiday-dressing/
If you would like to see what other FBFF bloggers are saying please stop by Katy Rose blog,modlychic.
by JTwisdom | Dec 10, 2010 | FBFF |
KatyRose topic of questions this week is reader connectedness which I think should be the heart of each blog. If you would like to read what others have to say please stop by www.modlychic.blogspot.com.
Okay here goes…..
1. How important do you think reader connectedness is to the success of your blog?
I think it’s important to have reader connectedness; but I also think that it’s great to have good content because if you have good content readers will come. It’s give and take because you have to research your material to get a good story.
I often have friends telling me they are following my blog although not virtually following it by clicking on a follow me button or subscribing to one of my communities so I know that people are reading.
2. What do you do to draw readers in and create that writer-reader bond?
I really haven’t done market research on how I attract readers in. I officially started this blog because I love fashion, beauty and hair care and I thought that I could offer some good tips and offer hair care advice. Even a year later, I write because it’s fun and enjoyable, not to formulate a technique to get people to read my blog. This blog is about sharing information on fashion and beauty that can help someone.
3. What is one way you can improve this connection?
-I think I would like to spend more time reading other blogs and commenting more. I have commented on some blogs that have never commented back on mine and I don’t want to do that. I want to make sure that when people comment on my page I need to make the effort to comment back.
I said it in the above paragraph but I really would like to comment more.
On IFB there’s the comment challenge and I think that’s awesome because that’s a way we can build the blogging community and it’s a bit of self promotion as well. I will not leave simple post like “cute blog”. I want to make sure I leave a comment about the post I have read not just leaving a comment to get someone to look at my blog. I think that a comment is spam if it is not related to the post that you have on your blog that someone is responding to and I delete those comments. I have often made solid comments on blogs to not have that blogger to comment on mine, but that’s their prerogative.
I map out the chain and then it makes it easier to carry out this goal.
Fashion Blogger—>Research—->Write Content—->Publish—>Reader-Connection—–>Comment
This seems simple but I realize that I have to read between the lines to make the connection.
4. Is there a blogger you think does a great job creating that writer-reader bond? Why?
It’s hard to choose because I enjoy so many. I think KatyRose of www.modlychic.blogspot.com does a great job because even though everyone cannot comment on everyone’s blog since there are so many, bloggers come together to post on one topic every Friday and a group has been created with new bloggers joining everyday. Other Blog communities I love being a part of is Blogfrog, SITS, The Lady bloggers Society and Blog Catalog. Being personable like a warm cup of tea is oh so nice. Veshoevius of Taxonomy of my wardrobe and Grit and Glamour are blogs that I also think give that connection to their readers. I know that I have learned a lot from all these women.
5. What do you do to cultivate new readers? How do you get them to your site in the first place?
To cultivate new readers I comment on every comment I receive and I post fresh content at least 3 to 4 times a week so it keeps the blog current with new material. I do what I love to do and if a reader request for me to write or do a video on a particular topic I will make an effort to do it.
Sometimes I feel out of the loop because I work a full-time job so I can’t comment during the day and when evening comes the discussions have already been going on long before I am able to get on. Can’t let that stop me though.
To increase readership to my site:
- I respond to every comment unless I am at work and can’t give feedback until the evening.
- Joined communities like Blogfrog
- Having a window for readers to subscribe to my blog via email
- Subscribe via bloglovin
- Subscribe via blog catalog
- Recently created a Facebook page
- Included the Kind-Hearted Blogger to my blog
I must continue to show the world my tips on how to be fashionable!
Photograph by Jason
by JTwisdom | Dec 3, 2010 | FBFF |
Katy Rose was skimming through blogs and saw where a fellow blogger was closing her blog so she thought that discussing blogger burnout would be a good topic for this week. I give my response to the questions below. If you would like to read what other bloggers have to say please take a look at the links at www.modlychic.blogspot.com.
1. How many hours a week do you spend blogging? Has that number changed since you started blogging?
I spend about 10 hours a week on blogging. That number has increased since I started last summer. I still consider myself fairly new. My time has increased when I recently switched my blog to WordPress and I am also taking part in the 30 for 30 challenge.
2. There is always more you can do, write, read, comment on… how do you limit your time spent on these tasks?
First off, yes, there is always more that I can do; but priorities come first. My spirituality comes first; because if I do not have that connection with God, it all goes down hill from there. My relationship with my husband is also a vital part of my life because we need time for each other. Communication is so important and marriage, believe or not, is a lot of work, especially if you have a good one. You want to keep it that way and make it even better. I have seen in the news so many marriages failing after 30 and 40 years. So if you want a strong marriage, both the husband and wife have to work at it. My hubby and I talk, go out to dinner and have date nights, even if it’s just watching movies with a bowl of popcorn. I have to say this is so important.
3. Have you experienced Blogger burnout yet? How have you dealt with that?
No, I have not experienced burnout because I am too new. I have found myself saying “there is never enough time to finish what I think needs to get done.” So I would feel rushed or anxious because I have not uploaded my pictures or I have not had a chance to publish that post. But I have to cut myself some slack because I have a husband and two doggies, a full-time job, I am active in my church and I have other hobbies and activities that I enjoy taking part in. I cannot feel down-trodden because I have a lot going on in my life. I have to think and put things into perspective, I began to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It is great to get away and take a hike with my hubby along the Missouri or Mississippi River. And it is not necessarily a way to get away from blogging; but to get a break from the work week or to refresh my mind.
JT
4. This time of the year is always a lot busier than any other time.Will your blogging change as a result?
No, because I do not follow the holiday rush where I have to buy all these gifts for people and run myself into debt. It is not worth it. However, I will be spending some time with my family and some fun time with my hubby and doggies.
Photograph by JT
5. Could you foresee a moment in which you are not blogging anymore?How would you identify that it’s time to walk away?
Blogging is not my full-time job, however it does feel like a great venue to do what I enjoy talking about, you guessed it Fashion and beauty.
I will not say that at times I get frustrated or feel writers-block; but I have to persevere because I have learned so much.
Also, I have met a great group of people in the process.
by JTwisdom | Nov 26, 2010 | FBFF |
Tis the Season to look Fabulous!
For this Friend Friday we are swapping post and Bubbling with Elegance and Grace has the joy of swapping posting with Michelle Howard from Radiant Skin Care Blog for Ethnic Skin. She will be giving tips here on how to look fabulous for the holidays. My post will not be up until next week because she’s out of town on holiday. So make sure you check out her blog next week for my guest post.
by Michelle Howard
It’s the holiday season and time to get ready for all the social events that lie ahead. It time to put away the usual and take your appearance to new level.
The following holiday beauty tips will help you look stunning for a night out on the town. This assumes you’re already doing the necessaries of keeping your skin & body well cared for. Let’s assume you are because now’s the time to sweeten the package and have you looking fabulous with these holiday beauty tips.
– Accentuate Your features. Do you have sexy lips? Prep them with organic lip butter and dress them up with bold colors that draw attention. Just make sure they aren’t too far out of your zone. In other words, if you’ve got dark smooth skin, stay away from pink.
– Embrace shimmers and bronze – During the holidays, you’ll more than likely spend more time out at social events. No time for slacking. Here’s where bronzer and shimmery powders come to the rescue.
Give your skin that classy glow by applying a smooth bronzer that contains a little shimmer to it. A two in one product will also save you some cash that you can spend elsewhere during the holidays.
– Pimp Your Manicure It doesn’t matter if you’re used to going to the spa for weekly manicures or you’re a do it yourself gal. The holidays are the time to whip out all that glitters and sparkles with shine. Grab your sparkly polish of choice and just get it done.
Sporting polish in black, gold, pearl or wine swirled with gold or silver shimmering throughout, preps your hands for shaking, clinking glasses and of course being kissed!
Borghese carries some gorgeous shades. You can find them at your local Walgreens or online for less than $6.
– Bring Back Sassy to Your Do. Long hair is no longer the only talk of the town. Jazz up your hairdo with dazzling hair clips and pins. Rhinestones and glitter glam are just what the holiday season calls for.
These holiday beauty tips will make you look and feel glamorous. Put your best body forward and enjoy the season.
While you’re at it, remember that Jesus is the reason for the season. It’s fun to dress up and have a good time. Just don’t forget who blessed you to enjoy it.
About the Author: Michelle Howard is the founder of Blended Naturals, an ethnic beauty line. She’s also the Creator of the Absolute Beauty Recipe, a comprehensive collection of tips, checklists and other beauty resources for women of color who yearn to release their inner diva. Grab a free beauty guide when you sign up at http://freshradiantskin.com/subscribe
by JTwisdom | Nov 26, 2010 | FBFF |
Hope Everyone had a great holiday.
Today for Friend Friday we are doing something a little different we are swapping blogs. I have the pleasure of having MJ from FIERCE guest post on my blog Bubbling with Elegance and Grace. She will be giving some great advice for Beauty Newbies. I will be over at MJ’s FIERCE blog doing a vlog on”How to Enhance Your Wardrobe” so please stop by and check it out.
I first want to say that it’s so awesome that I get to guest post on Bubbling with Elegance and Grace! It’s cool to be here!
Beauty blogs are full of all kinds of product advice, techniques, and the latest beauty craze. For those of us who are pretty comfortable on the beauty scene is easy to get through. However, if you’re just starting out it can be downright overwhelming! I know this because it wasn’t that long ago since I didn’t wear makeup and finding someplace that can break down the basics for me was like hitting the lotto! So today I wanted to give you absolute basics when it comes to makeup and establishing your beauty routine.
Skin Care Regimen
Before any foundation or blush touches your face, you have to start out with clean skin. If cleansing and moisturizing your face at least once a day is part of your beauty routine, that’s awesome! If not, you need to, because getting a flawless look all depends on how well you take care of the skin underneath that makeup. You also want to make sure you have makeup remover. I find it easier to use a cleanser that also acts as a makeup remover (yeah, I’m lazy like that!)
My Skin Care Products (for Combo/Oily Skin): Clean and Clear Morning Burst Shine Control cleanser, Brighter by Nature moisturizer by Origins, and Neutrogena Foam Cleanser/Makeup Remover
Beauty Product Must-Haves
Now that you have the products you need to keep your face clean and moisturized before and after the makeup, we can move on to those key makeup items you should have your makeup bag
Foundation: Choosing a liquid, powder, or cream foundation all depends on your skin type (I go more into detail here). To find your color, test the foundation right where your face meets your neck. If it disappears, you have the right color! Don’t skimp on this product though. If you find a great foundation that may seem pricey – get it! It’s worth the investment.
Concealer: To hide those blemishes that your foundation missed. These also work great to brighten up your eyes, especially if you didn’t sleep much the night before
Mascara: It’s another eye brightener and will have your lashes looking fab in no time!
Lip color: Whether it’s a great lip stick or lip gloss. I suggest the first one you buy is a color that looks as natural as possible. Then you can work your way up to bolder colors.
Eyeshadow Palettes: These are great for beginners because the colors are already paired up for you and they come with nifty instructions on how to apply
My Beauty Essentials: Mary Kay Medium Coverage Foundation, Covergirl Concealer Stick, Sonic Boost Mascara from Avon, Mary Kay Nourishine Lip Gloss in Berry Sparkle, and Wet-n-Wild Color Icon Palettes
My beauty veterans chime in! What basic beauty advice can you give our beauty newbies?
-MJ from Fierce
Photo courtesy of: blog.jottodesk.com
by JTwisdom | Nov 19, 2010 | FBFF |
This week’s Friend Friday from Katy Rose deals with the rights of bloggers and what protection they have for their content. If you would like to read what others are saying on this topic, please go to Katy’s page at www.modlychic.blogspot.com.
1. What are the ‘unwritten rules’ about copying content that we bloggers should all abide by?
I really like some things about this link I found. It is so plain about the rules but more research will be needed to make sure this is accurate information. In college plagiarism is taking someone’s content and calling it your own. When it comes to blogging I don’t consider it any different.
The link, “12 Important U.S. Laws about Blogging,” states it so clearly of what you can and cannot do when blogging. After reading I will definitely incorporate some of the language in my copyright page in some context.
The link is below
http://www.blueorchidblog.com/2008/01/12-important-us-laws-about-blogging.html
2. They say imitation is the highest form of flattery. But when is a post imitation and when is it copying?
Examples
Imitation: When I post a cranberry bread recipe and a blogger sees it and says that they want to do their favorite lasagna recipe on their blog. They are getting inspired with an idea.
Inspiration
This is my first time I’m participating in Kendi Everyday 30 for 30 and I know I saw inspiration because I seen at least three bloggers wearing the same lace skirt from Target that Kendi had on in one of her outfit post. There’s nothing wrong with that it just shows the influence she has, it’s a really popular skirt or that a lot of people like that skirt.
To
inspire
is the
best
flattery.
Copying: When a blogger sees my blog when I do a review on ELF cosmetics so they copy my photos and content and post on their blog as if it was their own and do not credit me at all.
I know a fellow Youtuber who prevented her videos from being embedded because people would post her videos on their blogs with no credit to her. Now she asked if you would like to add her video to your blog or whatever that you email her first to let her know what you’re doing. She says that she does this because of all the time that’s taken while creating her videos. Also, it’s her right to decide how she would like her videos distributed and people should respect that.
3. Taking another blogger’s idea (perhaps for an outfit, or DIY tutorial) is pretty common in the blogging world. Do you think it is necessary to credit the original source?
What’s original? My husband and I were talking and he made me think when he said that someone may see that idea from someone else who got if from someone else. So what’s original?
I think it’s your call, it’s a common courtesy if you want to credit your inspiration. My hubby does have a point though.
4. How have you improved your blog by comparing it to other blogs? Have you made changes due to something you have seen others doing?
I look at design and color schemes. I love patterns and such but I noticed that when I looked at other blogs for inspiration, the look is clean and stylistic. I am me so I couldn’t completely make my blog simple. I had to add my twist to it to make it my own. Again there’s only one me so I cannot try to imitate because that wouldn’t make me my unique self. It took me a while to find my voice in this blog and it’s not trying to take a photo or write like someone else because I know that I have to be the best person for me. Now I love good advice and enjoy looking at what other bloggers do however I am true to myself because if my blog is a copy of what someone else would do why would they want to come to my blog?
It’s gotta be Me, Myself and I to make it unique.
5. Have you ever had one of your posts copied by another blogger or publication? How did you handle the situation?
I’ve blogged for about a year and a half so I haven’t had that happen to me. I have seen people be inspired by something that I have written or something I’ve posted, but no one has taken my material. If someone would take my material or photos what would my legal options be? First gander would be to face them and tell them that what they are doing is wrong. How would I go about doing this? Is this the wrong approach?
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