Today I’m over at Kimberly’s house, Fab finds Under 50 giving my take on the Traveling Scarf. Come on over and see how I did it.
See ya there or you are definitely square(ok, I didn’t meant that but it rhymed..just come ok)
Yes, I am fancy
Casual Fridays don’t really happen in government offices, at least not like in the regular world. So this is my take of dressing casual, still wearing a dress but I threw on my faux fur vest for texture and interest since I am wearing an all brown outfit. It is the most silky softest things ever…I’ve been petting it all day long, lol. Yes, my coworkers think I am over the top, another said of course that I am fancy huh but the truth is I just wanted to put the vest on and haven’t been anywhere outside of work, church or grocery shopping to do it. So I took matters into my own hands and devised a plan to show off the gorgeousness that is my vest. Pictures do not do it justice, it really is lovely but I guess you’ll just have to trust me on that right?
faux fur vest- Marshalls
cowl neck dress- TJ Maxx
tights- The Avenue
leopard pumps- Steve Madden via Marshalls
Friend Friday: Are We Connected?
Hey everyone! How did Friday sneak up on me so fast? The last time I looked it was Wednesday but since Friday has arrived, I am not complaining! Since you know the day, you know what time it is….it’s Friend Friday. I’ve been participating in this group for a minute now, so you know what comes next, read on. Today’s topic is reader connectedness.
image credit:picasaweb.google.com
1. How important do you think reader connectedness is to the success
of your blog?
Well it depends on the reasons why you blog, if you are doing it to have a written account just for you and you alone, then no it doesn’t. However if you are blogging to gain readers then it absolutely counts. If your readers don’t connect with you then they will not hang around to see what you do or say next.
2. What do you do to draw readers in and create that writer-reader
bond?
Truthfully I don’t have a clue, I try to be as authentic and transparent as I can, writing in my own voice, doing and saying what are my truths and hoping that someone can see something in me that connects with them. It is not something purposefully but I definitely want it. I love it when I can tell I am vibing with a reader, then I want to make friends with them, go on my eternal quest to meet everyone I have come in contact with on cyberspace that I like and who has not shown themselves to be a crazy stalker.
3. What is one way you could improve this connection?
I make sure I respond to comments that are left for me, I talk to them as if we are already friends, visit their blogs if they have one and overall just show enthusiasm for them taking the time to read what I have written.
4. Is there a blogger you think does a great job creating that writer-
reader bond? Why?
There are quite a few so I am not gonna go naming names then I am sure to leave somebody out that I didn’t mean to. But I have actually started forming a few friendship with certain bloggers who have reached out and grabbed me in such a way that I could not ignore. I say we were destined to be friends.
5. What do you do to cultivate new readers? How do you get them to
your site in the first place?
Facebook, Twitter, personal contacts….you name it! I don’t have a strategy as of yet…don’t know if I ever will, I enjoy the traffic I get, no matter how much of it I get. I am always excited when I get that little notification that someone has left me a comment or lately subscribed to my blog. It means that I have touched you in someway and to me that is way cool….
Katy Rose of Modly Chic does what she does by thinking up these fascinating questions about all kinds of interesting topics for us to dish about. Wanna get you opinions heard? Then contact her stat (I love saying that..it made me giggle.)
Sharing is Caring
Lynn and Karen over at ShoeClips.Biz so generously sent me a pair of my choice (I chose the ocelot) of their fabulous shoe clips. These babies have breathed new life into my lovely but plain black patent peep toe pumps.
It’s like having a new pair of shoes! I also clipped them on my flats to bring some pizzazz to an otherwise ho hum ballet flat.
I also grabbed a black clutch and got to clipping but I didn’t like the effect on that particular bag but just you wait, I’ve got big plans for those clips. I forsee a long and happy relationship from this day forward. But I am excited to tell you that Lynn and Karen didn’t just bless me they also were thinking about you too! They created a discount code just for me to share with you. When you place an order (and trust me you should), use the code “MINISTER” and get 10% off your order…how fabulous is that? See how much I heart you! I really do, you know.
Disclaimer: Yes, Shoeclips.Biz gifted me a pair of clips but I felt this was a wonderful product before I received them, in fact I told you about them right on this blog. So order with abandon knowing that your shoes will thank you for making them the talk of the holiday season!
Talkative Tuedsay: Yes, I am a Maxxonista and proud of it
This post is a request from a reader and my NP, Twitter, blog…oh hell, she is just my friend after all this buddy, Liber8ntheory who asked me to blog about how to shop at Marshalls and TJ Maxx. She hates shopping at stores such as these because she gets “intimidated” by the array of items. We cannot have her not shopping, as I explained to her that shopping is her God given right and duty as a female, lol, so let’s help her get to spending her hard earned dough shall we? Last week Corporette did an excellent post on the corporate headquarters of TJ Maxx here so I won’t elaborate on what has been said already but more showcase some of my great finds while browsing. While I don’t have anything earth shattering to say, I will list the things that help me when shopping at Marshalls or TJ Maxx to get the biggest bang for my buck.
Swiss giraffe print laptop bag Marshalls
parka jacket and hat (for my daughter, she is a budding fashionista)- TJ Maxx
1. Set aside enough time to browse the entire store thoroughly leaving no stone unturned.
I find that when I am rushed, I am unable to have a pleasant shopping experience and may not spot things that I would have otherwise found when I have time to devote to the hunt.
2. Enter the store with a wish list in your heart but a open mind.
There are always things I am seeking when I go shopping, even if there is something I need in particular, I come in without an agenda. These stores are not the kind of establishment where you can have a definite idea of what you want. You can say I need a dress but keep your thoughts vague as to what type of dress that may be. If I want a pair of shoes, I am open to whatever shoes I may find that suits my style and wishes, not my need. Case in point, I needed a pair of red peep toe platform pumps but on the day I went shopping there were none to be had, but Marshalls did not fail me. No, I did not leave with a pair of red shoes but I did leave with a pair of Steve Madden calf hair leopard print pumps on clearance for $29.99.
Steve Madden Leopard print- Marshalls
3. Shipments come in frequently which means that you need to stop by often.
I visit Marshalls/TJ Maxx weekly just to see what what I see and then adjust my purchases based on that.
4. The clearance section is your friend!
Although items are already discounted, the clearance rack is packed with goodies that are marked down to next to nothing. It may require a little work on your part to unearth the treasure but it is there if you take the time to look.
Well my dear Lib, I hope this post has answer a few of your questions as well as rid your fear of shopping at TJ Maxx…now when we gonna set a date to go shopping???
Friend Friday: Blogger Burnout, When is Enough, enough?
1. How many hours a week do you spend blogging? Has that number changed since you started blogging?
I really haven’t sat down and figured it out however on an average I do something on this blog daily that usually takes a minimum of 2 hours, so lets just say roughly I spend about 10 plus hours a week. I am only counting Monday through Friday, I rarely blog or even turn on the laptop on weekends. Now, I also have another blog, Designer Diva: I’m handcrafted by God and I’ve got the genes to prove it which talks about the life of my beautiful daughter, Tatiana who was born with Down syndrome. I haven’t updated her blog too much because she has been so typical 2 year old kid like, that I can’t keep up with her and all her shenanigans. That blog needs to gets it’s fair share of attention when I have time as well.
2. There is always more you can do, write, read, comment on… how do you limit your time spent on these tasks?
I don’t know, that can be a problem for me at times but when I realize that I have spent 2 hours on trying to come up with the perfect header for my blog (like I did yesterday, lol) without having done anything else, I back away from the blog and move on to something different. It becomes all consuming for me when I get on to something.
3. Have you experienced Blogger burnout yet? How have you dealt with that?
Truthfully yes, I love this blog but I have put unnecessary pressure on myself to post updates on a regular basis, so that I don’t lose the readers that I have. What was just fun in the beginning, feels burdensome at times. The burdening feeling though comes from me and me alone, the desire to stay “in the loop” so to speak has caused me to feel stressed, so when that happens I retreat and post nothing at all. Also I have been experiencing some difficult and challenging situations in my life of late, the effects of which have left me worn out with little desire to do much of anything, let alone blog. However I do push myself to forge on not only for my readers but for myself. I have found that if I give in to the feelings of defeat and depression, I am even moreso overwhelmed by feeling the loss of self and what pleases me. I feel like not only has the situation taken over my control but my entire life as well…..that I won’t allow.
4. This time of the year is always a lot busier than any other time.
Will your blogging change as a result?
I don’t think so, I concede that for most people the holidays are very busy family intensive times. However for me my schedule won’t change much from what is already going on. If I am blogging less it is not due to the holidays but the circumstances of my life right now.
5. Could you forsee a moment in which you are not blogging anymore?
How would you you identify that it’s time to walk away?
Yes, I can see it how things could change and I may not be blogging about fashion and style but I will always be chronicling the events of my life and ministry in some form. This is a charge that I have from God, it is a part of my ministry to document the events of my life so that someone’s life will be touched by mine and God will be glorified! I do not get very personal on this blog, although I am dying to.There is so much I have to say, I struggle with how much is too much. I know that I have a life that has been filled with experiences, good and not so good, that were not made just for me to learn from. I want to encourage and empower women with the knowledge that God has given me so that we can all function as healthy, whole, glorious creations with gifts and talents to share with the world. Whew…ok I am getting ready to get my preach on but you get what I am saying right? I don’t have a clue as to when I would walk away but I know I would feel that it is time to go in another direction.
Keeping it Stylish and Pretty
image credit, www.dreamstime.com
Good afternoon (I need a an adjective to describe all you lovely people who take the time to read my blog, all the good one have been taken) I was driving home from work last night and a question, no more like a feeling from within came bubbling up to the surface. As I pondered the thoughts swirling in my head I decided that I can’t be alone in feeling this way, there are probably lots of women who are struggling with the same thing. So my question to you is how do you maintain the chic? How do you day after day go through the motions of putting your best foot, hand and face forward to the world? I wear a lot of hats, a whole lot of them, I am a wife, mother, minister, daughter, sister, friend, employee, blogger, advocate, plus a few more…most of them I enjoy wearing on a daily basis however as much as I love my hats, they can be draining to the spirit at times. The many roles I play are attached to situations and circumstances that often bring joy and happiness but oftentimes they bring sadness, frustration and disappointment because of things beyong my control. During those times it is so hard to care about what matches with this or how I should wear that, when those times occur I can barely manage to get dressed much less be concerned about how I look or who may see me today.
Now I know that taking care of self is important regardless of what may be going on in one’s life however what do you to get the juices flowing in the right direction when the furthest thing from your mind is worrying about how ragged your cuticles are, your eyebrows need some serious attention (like mine do now, lol) and although people seek your counsel for fashion advice right now you ask your self why because the most fashionable thing you have worn is a bathrobe in days? I know I cannot be the only one who has expericenced this, I am not the only one who has a boat load of responsibility on her shoulders and needs encouragement from the sisterhood of stylish women who have weathered the storm fashionably??. Talk to me, let’s discuss how you get through…how you get your pretty on when you just ain’t feeling it.
Blue to you
It’s Cyber Monday! Yay, oh wait what am I getting all geeked up about? I have no money to shop but I still wish all those who do happy hunting! Back to work is never easy after a 4 day weekend but since I don’t live on my fabulous style and sparkling personality, work I must do. I slipped on my trusty grey and black herringbone pencil skirt with a chambray button down shirt, a blue leather bow tie belt to do a little waist defining, black tights and my much loved patent leather peep toe pumps. I also took the opportunity to show off my ShoeDazzle handbag. I love this bag, it is roomy and the material, while not leather, feels buttery soft to the touch. The lock actually works and comes with a tiny hidden key under a piece of fringe on the bag, the handle is a thick braid.
chambray shirt- Faded Glory by Walmart
herringbone skirt- Merona for Target
bowtie belt- Steve Madden via TJ Maxx
peep toe pumps- Guess via Marshalls
tote- ShoeDazzle
Kicking Back with Flair
Happy Holidays! I pray that your Thanksgiving was filled with the blessings of family, friends, food and fellowship! I spent the early part of the day at church… God’s mercy endures forever was the message of the day, the latter half of my day napping and preparing for work tomorrow, but I attempt to be comfortable as well as stylish even while relaxing at home. This caftan is easy breezy, pretty enough to wear if someone dropped by unexpectedly and I would entertain guests in this in a heartbeat (Thinking about a NJ blogger meet up at my house, anyone up for it?) I purchased this caftan over the summer for my trip to Jamaica this past September to be modestly covered since we would be sharing a suite with my in laws. It has since come in handy for just everyday use…love the Moroccan feel of it .
Caftan- AJ Wright
the little person whose feet you see is my grandson, Tristan who was chasing my daughter, Tatiana
Yesterday, I spent my evening creating a Christmas tablescape for my dining room table. One of my besties came by to lend her creative juices and together, I think we came up with something pretty, festive and simple.
Gonna switch out the green and maroon candle for metallic gold, but i wanted to see the finished effect with something in place.
Friend Friday: Sir, You Flatter me…maybe not
Blogger copying is on the chopping block today with the Friend Friday group… is it sincere flattery or something more sinister? Let’s dig in and discuss it.
1. What are the ‘unwritten rules’ about coping content that we
bloggers should all abide by?
Since I am a noob, I honestly don’t know but the Golden Rules works well here I’d say. Do unto others as you would have done unto you. If you don’t want some to copy and straight jack your content then don’t do it to others. There are always going to be folks who are just unethical who will do anything to have their “15 minutes of fame” (Afrobella is going through this right now, and I am damn mad for her) but for the most part people are just ignorant of the correct way things should be done.
2. They say imitation is the highest form of flattery. But when it a
post imitation and when is it copying?
A post becomes copying when word for word, idea for idea are taken and presented as if it is your own. That my dears is copying, it’s like sitting next to a kid at school and writing down her answers on your paper, then passing it in to the teacher as if you did the work yourself. Imitation is much more subtle, it can and usually does seek to honor the originator. It makes reference to the originator but showcases the thought through your eyes. It pays homage yet says this is the way I do it.
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?
No, not necesarily however it does depend on how much license they have taken with the original idea. Case in point, The seriously rocking Curvatude wrote a post a few days ago about the company, ShoeDazzle, she told of her experience with the company and what she purchased from them. I too am a customer of ShoeDazzle and her post inspired me to do my own take on it. But after thinking about it, I decided against it, after all what can I say that hasn’t been already said. It’s not rocket science, the premise is quite simple and was explained throughly. I guess I said all that to say, if I had gone ahead and written the post, under these circumstances, I would have felt compelled to give Curvatude her due as she sparked the original thought.
4. How have you improved your blog by comparing it to other bloggers? Have you made changes due to something you have seen others doing?
I am a new blogger, so there is major room for improvement, I am constantly tweaking my blog based on what I see out here in the Style Nation (as per Style Underdog that is what the fashion/style blogosphere is dubbed and I LOVE IT) but never outright copied anyone’s style. I think we can all learn something from each other to make our individual blogs the best they can be.
5. Have you ever had one of your posts copied by another blogger or
publication? How did you handle the situation?
Not to my knowledge, I pray it doesn’t but I have some great bloggers to draw experience from should something like that occur.
Katy Rose of Modly Chic is the originator of the Friend Friday blogger group. Drop her a line if you want to join in on the fun.
image credit:http://4simpsons.files.wordpress.com/2008/01/copycat.jpg
