NYC: Staycation Guide

January 22, 2015

Our chilly east-coast weather gave me a serious case of cabin fever. Instead of going berserk here are a few places that kept me out of hibernation and thankful for these sweet spots.

1. Gagosian Gallery

The Takashi Murakami exhibition may be over, but that shouldn't stop you from exploring the talented roster of artists this gallery puts on display. The gallery is international so check to see if there's an exhibition happening near you here.

Get more info here.

2. Eggshop

Quite possibly the best Bloody Marys and eggs I've had in the LES. Whenever there's room in my budget or it's just one of those days - I make it a point to come here, eat good food, and unwind. OH, and the desserts just kill me every time.

Get more info here.

3. Mile High Run Club

Can I just say this is the first time I have ever gotten excited to run during winter - because (YAY!) it's indoors. This place just gets me and my needs. There's lots of locker space, the showers are impeccably clean, and each class is led by a coach who wants to see you do your best. If you're looking to switch your routine or give running a go, I highly recommend this spot to get you out of any hibernation funk.

Get more info here.

4. The Bao

St. Marks and delicious eats, just never went hand-in-hand for me. Beer specials and late night pizza slices sound more probable, but then I went to The Bao for dinner - AND - LET - ME - TELL - YOU. The soup dumplings from this place rocked my world like no other. After devouring all of their soup dumplings, I did a little research and discovered this place has quite the rep (they had a great writeup in the NY Times and other places). The soup dumplings were the perfect thing to warm up on a chilly night.

Get more info here.

Blogging Basics 101: Build Out Your Content

January 21, 2015

With a new year comes a new chance to start fresh in all aspects, including my blog. This year, I plan on being more proactive when it comes to blogging. Just how I build out content for my clients a few months prior, I'd like to start doing the same on the blog - it makes planning and writing a million times easier. It's also the fun and creative side that attracts me most to blogging.

When I say "build out content" what I really mean is brainstorm themes and ideas that make for great content.

Doing this ahead of time will help prevent staring at a blank screen as you rack your brain on things to write about - also known as writer's block. A few tools that make this process easier for me is a calendar (the google calendar works great) and somewhere to jot down ideas (a small notebook that can fit anywhere).

We all have great ideas, the hard part is capturing them. Think of your little notebook as an idea bank where some of your greatest thoughts can no longer be forgotten. If little notepads aren't your thing, don't worry - anything that's easily accessible can be used instead. As long as your creative ideas or thoughts are somewhere you can easily reference, you're in the clear. I tend to have mine handy on long subway rides for those spur of the moment "Eurekas". This idea bank will help build out your content for the following month, week, or what have you. Looking for a cute notepad to spur inspiration, try this.

For clients, I tend to build out content a month in advance. We can do that for our blogs too, but if a month is too much - try for a week. When prepping for the month ahead brainstorm ideas, themes, or DIYs that would be great for certain holidays or events. For instance, next month (February) I'll make sure to include a post related to NYFW. Here's a great marketing + holiday calendar

I use it on the daily. Another great tool is using google.com/trends. For instance, want to write about turtlenecks? Search that in google.com/trends to see what's currently trending on turtlenecks and incorporate that into your blog to help boost seo.

Next is scheduling out the content. This is where your calendar comes into play, which we'll refer to as your content calendar. Start filling in those blank spots with themes or ideas you plan on writing about for that particular day or holiday. Having a hard time coming up with a theme for one of those days? Refer to your idea bank for a source of inspiration. For me in particular, I'll block out an hour and fill in my content calendar with a theme and maybe a few sentences to outline what the post's motive will be. For those of you that want a calendar more geared towards content creation, try using CoSchedule.

Still need help creating content, read this awesome infographic from CopyBlogger to help create compelling content. Now get out there and bring your ideas to life :).

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Got a question or another topic you'd like me to cover next month? Shoot me an email, I'd be more than happy to help. Want to read what I covered last month? You can find that right here.

Off Duty | Work Style

January 20, 2015

Good morning friends! I'm finally back from a much needed getaway and family fun with my pint-sized niece. Things I learned while away: 5 year olds cannot handle Space Mountain, Orlando gets insanely chilly at night, and I need to plan more getaways with my sister (we had so much fun together).

Heading back to the office (and oh-so refreshed) I figured what better time than now to bring out the big guns, i.e. this navy blazer.

It's true what they say about blazers being an essential closet power-player. They can change the feel of any outfit and are a great piece to wear on important meetings. It does take time to find the one, but when you do make sure you get it tailored - a fitted blazer is a signal that this lady is ready to WORK and MAKE MOVES up any career ladder.

Blazer: Theory (affordable version) Shirt: J. Crew Jeans: Vigoss Necklace: c/o Nashelle Earrings: The Sak Boots: Wanted (similar style) Purse: c/o Ora Delphine Foundation: Ready Set Gorgeous by Covergirl

This week is jam-packed with a few fashion affairs and date-nights with the S.O. so had to keep the look fashion-forward but office-friendly (aka off-duty while on duty). In order to do this I skipped the slacks and went straight for dark denim + a white bucket meant to grab anyone's attention. Accessories were minimal and kept to this hand-made piece from Nashelle and The Sak hoops (love my hoops). I find that keeping it all simple can make any look, effortless - don't cha think?

Like a spaz, I completely forgot to add on my favorite shade of red, but I do recommend Audrey from NARS Audacious line.

P.s. Doing a capsule wardrobe for 2015? Consider adding these great and versatile pieces (blazer, white shirt, dark denim) to your wardrobe.

Photos by Lydia Hudgens.

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