Y'all made it through the week and if that doesn't deserve a nice big glass {or bottle} of wine then I don't know what does.
Now -- I know soooooo many of you are sooooo confused about what I am doing with my life during quarantine {lol, as if I freakin know}. I have had people ask me about my job {I quit after three weeks}. I have had people ask about my "boyfriend" {I don't have one... I don't use labels}. I have had people ask about my social media. I have had people ask about my family {if you didn't know, my Nanie had COVID}. I have had A LOT of questions...
YOU PEOPLE ARE DAMN NOSEY!!
But you know what, I like living vicariously through other people too {which is why I think I have an addiction to vlogs} and I know that me disappearing from the blog-osphere {I made that word up but I kinda like it... should I trademark it?} for three months didn't help. SOOOOOOO I am here with a FULL ON life update.
That's right... We are going to talk about all things: sex, drugs, and rock n roll!!
Just kidding.
I just wanted to use that line BUTTTTT we are going to talk about literally EVERYTHING that has been going on in my life, from friends and family, to relationship status, to health and mental wellness, to employment, to future aspirations and all that good sh*t. SOOOOO get that big glass of wine ready that I mentioned above {and keep the bottle near you to continue topping that glass off} because you are about to get yourself sucked into one longggggggg assssssss posttttttttttt!!
FAMILY:
Family comes first... obviously. Ever since I was a little girl, I was always taught that family, faith, and morals come first and should always take priority over anything and to this day I stick to that {thanks mom and dad for teaching me that}.
Anyhoo, my immediate family {mama, dad, and brother} are doing great, thanks for asking. If you personally know me, you'd know that my dad typically travels and is out of the house 1/3 every month due to work {his headquarters is in Chicago}. Although he hasn't been traveling, he has been able to work from home, hold Zoom meetings, and all that good stuff BUTTTT I will tell you that he is officially home too much cause he's been making comments about how much I order from Amazon and how "we might as well just open a shipping center here." My mom's always been the stay at home kinda gal with her occasional shopping outings {she got lucky by marrying my dad}, lunches in Beverly Hills or Pasadena with friends, or dinners and drinks on the boat with her friend group. With everything being closed, and her being extra cautious, she just recently started going on the boat BUT when she's not out at the market or on the boat {which only a once a week thangggg}, you can find her in bed until after noon {she goes to bed at like 4am}, playing Pokemon, or gardening. We also are like 96% positive she got COVID at the beginning of pandemic but she's good now. As for my brother. Who freakin knows what he's been up to; he's been KILLIN IT during quarantine. He's gone surfing tons {until he got nailed by another surfer and sliced up his achilles tendon}, he's been to Aspen a couple times with his girlfriend, he's still been working {shoutout real estate and good clients}, he's been having wine and chess nights with his friends, etc.
NOW -- For grandparents, you know how they go. Unfortunately they are constantly aging and I think the pandemic has truly taken a toll on them. At the beginning, my nana had fallen down the stairs and actually broke her pelvis and couldn't walk BUTTTT she is a freakin bad ass and has fully recovered. As for my grandpa, he's very cautious of what's going on because both he and my nana have heart conditions where if they actually get corona, they will die. The cute thing about them though is they have their weeks down to a pat. They treat themselves to pancakes every Sunday, they designate one evening of every week to cocktails, they have ice cream sundays every Friday, they got to the Jonathan Beach Club {in Santa Monica} every Wednesday, etc. When I get old and find my forever love, I wanna be them. Now my poor nanie and papa are another story. My papa {again if you personally know me, you'd know} still has his cancer and his caretaker. He's been a trooper, as he's also experienced a couple strokes during the pandemic so he's been in and out of the hospital a few times these past few months. Nanie unfortunately caught COVID {we're still unsure how} and had a tough four weeks. She lost over 20 pounds, she had a fever a lot of the days, she felt very exhausted, and she spent most of her days in bed. Luckily, within the past couple of weeks, she's been starting to recover and bouncing back from it.
FRIENDS:
I truly wanna apologize to all my close friends in advance. I've always been the person who would MUCH rather FaceTime {or talk on the phone} than text... I literally have 83 unread messages at this very moment {8:49am on Friday}. I know I could be sooooo much better and check on friends, and that's something I need to work on {Cody and I were talking about this a couple of weeks ago}. I of course have my best friends that I text every day; however, I have other close friends that I want in my life forever {through better or worse, you know} and I need to start checking in on them. Checking in on people who you care about it extremely important.
NOW -- I know I have probably lost some friends {and I've learned a lot about some of my friend's priorities during this time} BUTTTTTT as crazy as it is, I have made A LOT of friends this pandemic. No, I'm not talking about going to a bar {shoutout Elephanté or Waterfront or Bungalow} and meeting these people... I've been so so so fortunate to meet some incredible people via social media. I no joke believe that some of my best friends I haven't even physically met, but I have had conversations with via DMs, voice memos, WhatsApp, and text {sometimes you gotta trust strangers with your personal information like phone number lol}.
Y'all know my general besties like Tatiana, Tori, Kaylie, Meggy, Sarah, Cody, etc. cause I've talked about all of them on previous blogs and // or vlogs and they're who I text practically every day BUTTTT lemme introduce you to a couple of my new friends.
✩ Tenisha: Lives in Spain but lived in the US for almost 10 years, loves to travel, we literally talk about anything and everything {doctors appointments, sex, travel, dogs, etc.}, works with children, and we have talked about planning a trip to either visit each other in the US // Spain or meet somewhere exciting {like Thailand} post-pandemic
✩ Haley: Lives in Dallas which makes me so upset that I didn't know her when I was living in Texas but we just vibe together like peanut butter and jelly {I don't even like either of those but idk what else to compare it to}. We talk about sugar daddies {no, we don't have them}, we talk about guys who slide in the DMs asking for feet photos and who are willing to send money for them, and we literally just talk about our future aspirations. I think we're the same person and she's actually planning a trip to come out here so we can go to Palm Springs or Laguna together to hang out, take photos, and eat {and drink} yummy stuff
✩ Madelyn: Lives in Dallas... Also another one I'm so bummed I didn't know when I lived in Texas because I swear she is the most beautiful person inside and out and is so faith driven it's an inspiration. Just this past week we were talking about her potentially flying out to stay with me {cause my parents won't let me on a plane but I would obvi drop anything to go back to TX right now}.
I kid you not, the internet can be a dark and scary place but it is also full of potential, amazing business opportunities, and some good damn friends. All my friends are {and have been since the beginning} healthy and I am truly so so so dang thankful for them because I think they are part of the reason I have been able to stay sane through COVID... Which kinda leads me to my next point...
MENTAL HEALTH:
This is one of THE MOST important things to pay attention and take recognition of during times like these. In so many cases, I know people are scared or embarrassed to speak about mental health; however, just know that you are NOT alone. I am very fortunate that I don't suffer from anything severe; but, I do personally know people who do and I am aware of how difficult it is and how tough times can be.
While I don't experience the severity of some things, this time has definitely taken a toll on me mentally and I know that I don't stand alone when I say that. In many cases I have felt trapped cause I have to ask my parents when and if I want to do something {their roof, their rules} and it's made me feel like I'm back in high school // middle school again. I'm very fortunate to have two loving parents but my mom {hell helicopter mom} and my dad {new to always being home} have been very cautious during this time. All I can say is thank goodness the beaches opened back up again because that's my lil way to escape the realities of what's going on.
I have also felt extraordinarily lonely at times... I have ALWAYS been the kinda person who is go, go, go. If I'm not at a workout class then I'm picking up some healthy groceries. If I'm not at the market then I'm at a coffee shop {with WiFi of course} working on emails, responding to partnership opportunities, reaching out to companies that I'm interested in working with, applying to jobs {cause I'm almost off my parent's healthcare... rip}, reading through contracts, etc. If I'm not at the coffee shop, I'm shooting content in different locations around Westlake and Malibu for the companies who have sent me things. If I'm not shooting content, I'm doing other things. With things closed and me not being on the go, I have felt more alone. I used to shoot photos with one of my good friends who moved to Newport. All my friends in Texas are in serious relationships, engaged, or married. I'm not with my lagree or workout family every day. I don't get the same amount {or kind with the dang face masks} of human interaction and I know it's just put me in a weird place.
I think with loneliness comes sadness and for me, when I'm sad {or stressed, or angry, or whatever} I usually eat which is NOT a good thing. A lot of the time there isn't necessarily a reason that I am sad so I've kinda just assumed it has to do with me being lonely or being stuck with no new opportunities.
Again, I know this is a very difficult time for everyone and if you EVER want someone to talk to or just to listen to you {I know venting could be so therapeutic}, please don't hesitate to reach out to me!! Find things that bring you joy in life and that make you catch yourself smiling... For me, some of my simple joys have been:
✩ reading at the beach
✩ driving down PCH
✩ organizing anything and everything {my closet, the pantry, the spice drawer, my bathroom}
✩ going on long walks and listening to podcasts
✩ binge watching a show with my mama {Heartland & Selling Sunset have been our most recent obsessions}
✩ extensive skincare routines
✩ etc.
Here are some of my purchases that have helped me stay sane during quarantine:
EMPLOYMENT:
Employment status: funemployed af {or I guess you could say sunemployed cause I've been spending countless hours at the beach soakin up the sun's rays}
Just to fill you guys in on EVERYTHING, lemme start from pre-COVID. Y'all know that I passed my California Real Estate State Exam near the end of 2019 so it wasn't until 2020 that I ACTUALLY began the interview process. Lemme be transparent with y'all... It wasn't {and hasn't been} easy.
When it comes to the application process, I am very much aware that applications go through a system before they actually meet the eyes of a recruiter or the employer so it's crucial to use certain buzzwords; however, I'm no wizard and I don't know what those buzzwords are. A lot of job interviews stem from who you know and who you can network with.
In the beginning of 2020, I went through the interview process with CBRE in El Segundo. I had five {or six} interviews... I kinda lost count and during my last interview we discussed the logistics: my plan to move out of my parent's house and {probably} to Manhattan Beach, my expected base salary {which we agreed upon $70-$75k} for just doing their marketing, and the fact that I wanted to ultimately get into broker sh*t so I would be able to learn the fundamentals of brokerage and gain commission on top of a salary. I was told to look for an email within 24 hours that would be my offer // contract and after not receiving it, I reached out via email to both people who interviewed me multiple times, I called both of their office phones and left voicemails, AND I reached out to both of their personal cells and left voicemails... I was ghosted and absolutely DEVASTATED.
In the end of February and beginning of March I began interviewing with another company on Abbot Kinney that related to real estate but was more the tech route. I was ALL for it {and not going to say the name cause I'm kinda hoping for a happy ending post-COVID}; however, when we discussed logistics and getting me to join the team Corona happened. All hiring and interviewing was put on a freeze.
I lost all hope and confidence when it came to applying to jobs.
Then in June, I guess I reached out to a boutique real estate agency in Brentwood {I swear, I emailed like 12 places that I found on Yelp and to this day I'm still not even sure where I reached out} and I got a call from one of the places a week later. Within three days I had two interviews with the founders. Within a week, I was in the office for an in-person interview and tour of the office {which was located on Wilshire} and had a KILLER view of LA... Not to mention, it was a walk way from Alfred's Coffee, Joe & the Juice, Jon & Vinny's, and all the other Brentwood goodies.
To say the very least, to break into the real estate industry with absolutely no experience is TOUGHHHHHH... and a pandemic did NOT make it any easier!! I had ZERO clients, I was given no leads, I was cold calling a sh*t ton of offices {when offices in LA were actually closed for COVID}, and my first week was NOT what I expected AT ALL. I'm not going to go THAT into it on here cause I don't want the company to have any ill things to say about me {and some things are better left personal}; however, I will say that some things were said that don't match with my morals and some things were said that's defined as sexual harassment.
Since leaving, I have removed the experience from my resumé and LinkedIn account, returned to creating content for social media, and I've used the experience as a growing and learning experience.
As of last week -- I am on the prowl for a job again. I know the real estate industry is a tough one and I am definitely capable of shattering the glass ceiling; however, at the same time, I am EXTREMELY passionate about marketing and utilizing my creativity. Prior to graduating, I saw myself moving to a big city like New York, Nashville, Chicago, or Austin {with the intentions of obviously ending up and settling down in California later}, so those are the places I have started to look at again. I am looking at marketing and advertising opportunities, the beauty and skincare industry, tech companies, among other things and if ANYBODYYYYY has any connections and would like to help a sister out, please please PUH-LEASE let me know!!
LOVE LIFE:
I know this is the reason that a majority of people are going to read this post because I have had people reach out to me whom I haven't spoken to since 2019 {and prior} asking me about my current situation SOOOOOO let me clarify this for y'all...
RELATIONSHIP STATUS: STILL SINGLE {lol}
Okayyyy... Well we're doing everything actual couples do BUT there is no label. We have been on a lil getaway together, we do family dinner togethers {he's really good at making spicy chicky chick, my fav}, we make out a lot {but no complaints there, I've always been a sucker for kissing}, we lay on my family room floor to watch movies {cause no boys allowed in my room}, we run errands together, and we are loyal to just each other.
I'll be honest with y'all. We OFFICIALLY met on February 1st of this year {although we discovered that he tried sliding into my Facebook dms in 2012}. I was NOT interested in him AT ALL. I know that may sound harsh; however, one thing I have loved about out "relationship" or whatever we have is that we have been COMPLETELY honest with each other since the start. I straight up told him that there was no chance and I was so uninterested. He told me "I can make you fall in love with me, you just watch." It probably took AT LEAST two months of him consistently texting me {and me leaving him on read} to finally agree to hang out with just him {as oppose to our og group of six}.
I won't get too much into specifics BUTTTT there were two signs that I realized I actually had feelings for him: May 2nd when he bandaged my drunk a** after cutting myself with a razor in the shower {our first cabin trip} and then June 2nd. In June, a guy from my past tried entering my life again and just so happened to be where I was one evening with a few friends. I've known him since middle school and we have a past. Although he lives in New York City, until the end of 2019 {we had a major falling out so I got drunk off a bottle of Pinot Grigio and told him off}, we made every excuse to see each other when he was in town. Long story short though, on that June night he tried kissing me and I have never felt so guilty in my life. I freaked out and immediately texted Chase {omg, there's his name} and told him to call me when he wakes up. It was a tough reality but I think it brought us that much closer and I'm happy where I'm at right now.
I personally do believe that quarantine played a HUGE role in what we are today {still no labels but you know what I mean} and he hates when I say that BUTTTTT if it weren't for the pandemic, I would probably have a job, I would have probably moved to the West Side by now, and I would have a completely different life.
Like I said though, I'm happy and really that's all that matters. We spend the majority of days {or evenings when he works} together. He opens my car door for me and kisses me goodbye. He shakes my dad's hand every time he walks through my front door {guys, take notes because dads actually notice that and will make a comment to their daughters}. He makes me food, whether he's helping my family at my house while I'm making margs or he's cooking chicken for his grandparents and myself. He surprises me with flowers {even if it was just once, it counts and I return the favor by surprising him with his favorite Sour Patch Strawberry candies or cookie dough}. He knows everything about me and we have been transparent with each other from the start {and lemme tell you, I have issues when it comes to men}.
Basically, I'm living in the moment with no expectations. When it comes to love and relationships, you have to stop looking... Better said than done {trust me, I know} BUTTTTT when you stop looking is when something unexpected will come your way.
FITNESS & HEALTH:
HEALTH:
For the most part I want to say that I am healthy, other than the fact that on Wednesday afternoon I got two shots in my big toe and then I had to get it sliced open due to an infection and some nail pus {gross}. I'll do a lil blog post in the near future about the process because I think that removing ingrown toenails and seeking true medial professionals rather than a nail salon {which was actually the cause of my situation} is very important. I got some medical advice and I would obviously love to share it with y'all BUT it will give me an excuse to talk about something else and provide y'all with useful information from an actual doctor.
As for general health -- I am very fortunate to be healthy. Last week I went to the gynecologist for the yearly checkup {you know, the pap smear, the urine test, and those kinda things} and we did blood tests cause I don't know the last time I had my blood examined. It's as though she knew about my current toe situation before I did. She called me with the results and told me that everything came through clear and I am good to go; however, my white blood cells seemed to be fighting something {the blood test can't tell you what unless it goes into further analysis} but she said it could be a lil infection or a cold or a potential fever. I was also informed that my cholesterol is a lil high but could have been affected by what I had eaten for brunch right before {which was an Herbalife cake batter shake and iced tea... soooooo is there something I should know about this?!}.
Also, to say the very least {and I know I have either mentioned it in previous blog posts and // or vlogs buttttt} THE QUARANTINE FIFTEEN IS SOOOOO REAL!! I am so sad to say that for the beginning of quarantine, I really let myself go. I wasn't working out at all cause I had zero motivation and because I wasn't moving my body, I began gaining some pounds. I'm the kinda person who literally gains weight just by looking at the ice cream my dad is indulging on or smelling the fresh oatmeal cookies my mama bakes.
I know that my health {consumption wise} has been slacking and the fact that I am snacking on the Ben & Jerrys edible cookie dough chunks from Target while writing this post probably isn't helping... First step is admitting you have the problem though, right {lol}?
Anyways -- For me, I know the best way {as I kinda mentioned above} for me to maintain my healthy weight is to keep my body moving WHICH leads me to the next point...
FITNESS:
Y'all know {or at least you'd know if you've been following me on insta-g for quite some time now... aka especially before the pandemic} that I am EXTREMELY into workout classes. When I lived in Texas I was a regular at Barry's Bootcamp and I also started every morning with a sweat sesh at Corepower Yoga. When I moved back to California, I got back into my cardio training {circuit training classes, boxing, barre}, I would frequently be seen at the SoulCycle, and I decided to give up my Corepower Yoga Black Tag membership to get a VIP membership to a lagree studio {which I would go to every morning}.
For some reason, I would much rather go to a workout class than have free time at the gym {although I have been a member at 24 Hour Fitness before and I looked into joining Equinox prior to the pandemic}... Ever since I was a youngin, there's just something more motivating about either being in a dark room with motivational writing on the walls OR someone yelling in my face to crank up the speed of my treadmill that makes me wanna work that much harder.
NOW -- With the pandemic, my fitness journey has personally been super difficult for me. At the beginning, I had to put my lagree membership on a freeze and then the studio only opened a week prior to me beginning work so I ultimately had to end my membership. I tried doing the whole Chloe Ting 2 Week Shred on YouTube but I felt like I was getting no results so I felt defeated and gave up after a week and a half. I know Katie Dunlop {of Love Sweat Fitness} so she reached out to me and actually graciously gave me a free year's membership to her app which was so dang sweet and I was able to do it for a few days BUT theres just something about doing workouts in my living room that I don't like and again I gave up. I've done other YouTube workouts and I have tried following along live streams but I just can't do it SOOOOOO I have resorted to {almost} daily walks around the lake, up and around a hill, and more recently agreed to 7 mile beach walks with my friend Kelly.
A few things that I've used during quarantine for my workouts are:
Also, I'd like to believe that me swimming in the ocean about four times a week counts as some sort of fitness cause sometimes it truly is hard to deal with the waves {and if you wanna read about my most recent scenario with a wave, CLICK HERE}.
All I can say though is that I canNOT freakin wait until this pandemic is donezo and over with so I can kick my booty back into shape... Let me tell yah {and you can ask any of my friends I wear a bikini in front of}: insta photos can be deceiving. I know in so many of them I have been basically praised for my body {and I know I am blessed to have a healthy and functioning body}; however, I know my angles and I'm of course not going to post a photo that I think I look wider in. There are 100+ photos taken {t-god for selfie clickers} in order to get THE ONE that makes it to my feed and I have nailed down a few tips and tricks to deceiving my viewers even more: make the h sound {like breathe out hard} while taking the photo, stick your booty back and angle it a smidgen more to one side, literally pull your boobs up and a lil to the sides to make them appear perkier, etc. I am a MASTER at creating illusions with my body {lol}.
FASHION:
I honestly just thought this would be a fun one to include cause I know that so many people are on the same page as me... A lot of my friends moved back with their parents just during this time {kept their apartments but are at their homes for the majority of time} and I know a lot of people are "funemployed." Also taking into consideration the gross temperature outside {this week it was in the triple digits the majority of time}, I figured I would update y'all on what I am wearing a lot these days.
I mean, if you follow me on insta-g you already know that I spend the majority of my days in a bikini reading a book or applying to jobs on my phone at the beach {or at my nana and grandpa's with my go-to Healthnut Noodlerama salad and laptop by their pool}. Below I have linked a couple of my favorite suits that I own {and that are on my wishlist for when I actually have an income}.
Now -- When I'm just lounging around my house, depending on if our AC is actually working that day {or if my dad's b*tching about my mom and I turning it down "too much"} decides what I wear around the house. I love silk jammie shorts {pulled up high to cover the curves of course} with either just a sports bra, an oversized shirt {usually from the men's section in Target}, or a sweatshirt. Definitely A LOT different than my usual summer-wear: a cute sundress with heeled sandals, Tory Burch flip flops with a cute skirt or shorts, off the shoulder anything and everything {just cause I think those kinda things are flattering on me}, etc. Here are a couple of thangs your closet probably can't and shouldn't live without during this pandemic:
VACAY:
To say that I am craving a lil adventure would be an understatement... And by adventure, I mean packing a suitcase {or four} and hopping on a plane with hopes that I don't sit next to someone stinky and that my luggage actually makes it to the destination.
At this point, that thrill kinda sounds appealing and I'd be willing to share a row with a stinky man in order to get to the Bahamas.
That's beside the point though...
I know travel during this period can be tough {and I live with my parents still so they won't allow me to hop on a plane; their roof, their rules} but I also know being held up in the same space for days, weeks, and now months can take a toll on you.
At the beginning of the pandemic, y'all may remember I went to Lake Arrowhead a couple of times to "escape reality" and then in June I road tripped to Arizona with Chase and Savannah to visit a couple of friends {and again, escape the realities and being stuck in my house}.
More recently {maybe a month and a week ago}, Chase was so sweet and surprised me with a lil three day getaway to my favorite place in California: La Jolla, San Diego. It was a DREAM and I was instantly in such a better mood. There's something about packing up your bags, leaving your lil suburban town, going to where the sun is shining, the town is relaxed {and full of memories}, exposing your skin to salty air, etc... It was one of the kindest gestures a man has ever done for me {if you're new here, I'm typically attracted to a**holes}.
ANYWAYS -- Our first stop was of course to get gas along the way which JUST SO HAPPED to be by a Nothing Bundt Cakes {one of Chase's favorites} so I got us each a bundtlet to put in the fridge and save for after din. We checked into The Hilton Torrey Pines Hotel {yes, masks are required and social distancing is a thing}, dropped our bags off in the hotel, had a quick makeout sesh {transparent af}, and then headed out to grab din and watch the sunset at the La Jolla Coves. The days were basically spent with yummy food, beautiful views, warm water {or warmer in comparison to Malibu}, lots of kissing, and surprisingly no sunburns. Like I said, A DREAM.
Sooooo, my point of this section is to tell y'all that I don't really have another trip "planned;" however, I do want to go on a couple more weekend getaways maybe to like Palm Springs, Laguna, San Diego {again}, San Fran {hint hint Meggy}, etc.
Honestly, anywhere is good ; HOWEVER, because the travel industry has been affected by the pandemic if you're looking at doing the same I really recommend you weigh your options. I have looked into AirBNBs and hotels and there are some days // weeks that the prices skyrocket and some days that they're fairly reasonable. Play around with the dates and the specifics {as long as they work with you and whomever you're trying to escape with} and plan the rest of your schedule // quarantine around those dates. Because companies are allowing their employees to work from home, working from a hotel {or AirBNB} is another option and I have actually noticed that some hotels are allowing you to check into a hotel room for about 8 hours {a workday} for a small fee BUT you have access to a beautiful {and different} view, WiFi, the phone, and hotel amenities.
If you are looking at packing up a bag and getting away, I 12/10 recommend you look into getting these... I have them all and have gotten SOOOO much use out of them.
CONTENT:
INSTAGRAM:
You have NO idea how much time I ] actually put into creating content for the gram {and for myself cause it's something I am actually passionate about}. Honestly, you don't realize how dang time consuming being an "influencer" {I hate that word an I'm still a "nobody" and don't even have 5k followers lol} is until you are one. So much time gets put into finding locations to shoot {and figuring out what time the lighting is best for that location}, taking the photos {whether with a tripod or an actual photographer}, editing, copywriting, etc.
Also now that it's summer, I have been trying to focus more on summer related content: at the beach, \ floating in a pool, summer wear, tanning secrets, summer smoothie {and margarita} recipes, etc. I like to vary my feed to appeal to as many as possible and I am so so soooooo lucky to continuously work with some amazing companies. I want y'all to know that I ONLY work with companies that I actually truly believe in and that would actually spend my money on. I have in fact turned down collaborations and paid partnership opportunites {even though I'm broke af... remember I was scammed lol?!}.
In regard to payment, I've received a lot of questions like who actually pays me // what they pay me SOOOO I'm going to be as transparent as possible with y'all.
When it is possible {and the company actually allows me to tag them as the "branded partnership"}, you will see "Paid partnership with ____" at the top of my instagram post; however, if that label does not get approved and I am still getting paid, I will use various hashtags such as: #paidpartnership #ad #paidad.
NOW -- In terms of payment, I've been paid as little as nothing {I do post for product collaborations for some companies like Lovestitch Clothing, Project Social T, Palm Beach Tan, among others}, I've been paid as random as $12 {for my most recent: Yéyo Tequila gave me the $45 bottle oof tequila and then paid me $12 for my post... as did Thrive Market, Kettle Chips, Amazon, and a couple more}, and I believe my largest payment thus far has been $300 {which was for an Adore Me try on haul IGTV}.
And to answer another question I'm sure some of you have... Yes, I have been cheated out of money and then ghosted by that company. Definitely not ideal, but it has happened.
Below are a couple of items that I use when it comes to shooting content for my insta feed:
YOUTUBE:
I think I have only monetized one video {the Persona Nutrition Vitamins one for I think $150} on my channel so I honestly just maintain my channel for fun.
I have a really weird obsession {#MyStrageAddictions} with binge watching vlogs at night before I go to bed. I swear I will try to tell myself I'm going to be asleep by midnight {cause as much as I am not a morning person, I also like to wake up around 7 and waste no time} but I end up watching "Day in my Life" vlogs or GRWM videos or apartment hunt // tour vlogs or "What I Eat in a Day" videos.
With that in mind -- I try to produce the same kind of content I like to watch. I have some things planned that I want to record for y'all such as a post tanning skincare routine, what I bought during quarantine, my summer favorites, etc. ANDDDDD if y'all have anything else you want to see, make sure you subscribe to my channel {and you can comment there} ORRRRR you can just tell me your ideas // recommendations through email.
Here are my YouTube necessities {including the camera I currently have AND the camera I want to get my hands on}:
BLOG:
Y'all... I kid you not, I know I used to post to this platform three times a week {Monday, Wednesday, Friday} BUTTTTT considering I took up YouTube and I'm trying to post there consistently, I'm going to {hopefully} post here twice a week.
In terms of the content I provide, I know the majority is for women {sorry guys if you're reading this} but I still do try to cater to men with skincare {skin is skin}, some shopping {and gift} guides, and health and wellness sh*t. Now I'm aware that the majority of my posts are related to fashion and lifestyle {for women}; however, if you're a returning reader, you'd know that this is my primary source of income at this time...
RewardStyle was founded in 2011, but it was in the past couple of years that it ACTUALLY became well known to people across social media platforms. In 2016 somebody from the RewardStyle headquarters {which is based in Dallas} reached out to me in regard to joining their platform. Clueless of the potential, I accepted the invitation but I didn't actually begin using it until my extra semester in college {which was in 2018}. It was then that I realized that I could actually monetize my blog {which is where all the "click to shop" posts come in}. When I have posts that links certain items, if you're to click on that item {which opens a new window} and purchase it via my link, I will get a small amount of commission based on that advertiser. Every purchase counts and I truly appreciate everyone who utilizes my links {even though I haven't generated THAT much commission} .
Congrats for making it this far in my post... The actual updates are done with!!
NOWWWWW -- I know if y'all are reading this from my insta-g story announcement of this post, it's probably actually Friday and y'all are sitting in the office {if you're allowed there} counting down the hours // minutes until you can leave and go to happy hour and trying to find things to do to pass time... Maybe start by entering my SmartSweets giveaway on insta-g {cause I don't think many people realize it's actually still going on until the 30th}.
Heck knows this blog post took FIVE-EVER to write... I literally started typing it up on Tuesday and at this very moment {on Friday} I'm in Beverly Hills with Chase {lol, can y'all believe I'm mentioning a guy's name in a blog post?!} either at Cartier trying to get my watch fixed, at the gyno getting an updated hepatitis shot {and probably being dramatic and saying how injured I am}, or treating myself to happy hour at Cantina Frida {I honestly hope that I have a marg in my hand while you read this}.
I hope this update was enough for y'all for the past few months BUT if you have any other questions or just wanna chat with me, feel free to slide in my DMs {no d*ck pics please} or connect with me on here!!
Have a happy and safe weekend!!
xoxo V
