Autumn is one of my favorite seasons of the year. Although it can feel like Summer all year-round in San Diego, that doesn’t mean we can’t sprinkle some Autumn in our home. If you’re looking for new and interesting cocktails to try this Autumn, look no further.
Here are the 4 best easy cocktails to try this autumn.
Apple Cider Mimosa
A bottle of bubbly could never do you wrong whether it’s spent drinking with the besties at lunch or near a cozy campfire journaling during a night in. Add some apple cider to the mix and we have a match made in heaven.
This apple cider mimosa recipe from Well Plated by Erin adds a twist of comfort and cozy to this signature drink.
If you’re looking to take it slow for tonight’s agenda, I recommend trying this Pumpkin Old Fashioned cocktail recipe from A Couple Cooks. This is the perfect drink for anyone that is looking for a drink to sip during these crisp Autumnal nights.
If you’re more of a trendsetter and like to go against the grain, you’ll love to try this Ginger Apple Moscow Mule recipe from Half Baked Harvest. Imagine taking all the sweet, spicy, and crisp elements that make Autumn and putting it in a drink; it would be this.
If you want to just skip to the good parts and welcome Autumn off to a good start, then this is the drink for you. See the full recipe here.
Campfire sling
While Autumn is all about staying in and staying cozy, maybe you’re a little daring and want to drink something bold. If so, this Campfire Sling cocktail recipe from Great Taste Magazine is the one for you.
Although the weather is getting cooler, this drink will remind you of the flame that’s always running inside you. Check out the full recipe here.
Earlier this month, I shared my secret to looking confident in photos on Instagram. If you haven’t read it yet, you can find it here. In that post, I shared how I learned how to be confident and even the things I did to prepare for my very first photoshoot! But I didn’t go in-depth about those things I did, so I wanted to share more in a separate post here. Here are 5 ways I practiced how to look confident in photos when I was first starting out.
Prepare your poses in advance
I use Pinterest and Instagram as sources of inspiration for photoshoots. For Pinterest, I have a mood board dedicated to different poses (it’s public if you wanna check it out!) and Instagram bookmarks to “save” poses I’m inspired by. It might help to dedicate boards for different poses e.g. sitting, creative, group, etc.
Practice posing in front of the mirror and take photos by yourself
I stand by the belief that true confidence is earned and owning that confidence is just a result of the time you put in to better your strategies. If you want to be a part of a band, you don’t just announce you want to play for them (I mean you can, but Good Luck Charlie). You put in the work to get really good at it so you can show them what you got. This applies to looking confident in photos too! It’s a lot harder to feel comfortable posing in front of a photographer or a public audience until you feel comfortable posing for yourself. Put in the time and show up for yourself. You’ll be surprised to find what you can achieve in a week even if you dedicate 5 minutes a day to this. ou don’t need a fancy DSLR, hell you don’t even need a point and shoot. Your phone will work perfectly fine.
This is actually great practice because you can see how you’re posing in real-time and adjust when needed. From there, you can review the photos from your inspiration board and copy the models. You don’t have to copy them completely. See what angles and poses work best for you and add your own spice to it ?
You have the option to use the self-timer, but I personally prefer using a remote. You can find remotes here. This is my trusty iPhone remote and has not left me down after so many years!
You might also need to invest in a phone stand (piles of books and using rubber bands to tie your phone to your blinds can only go so far). Here’s one from Amazon I recommend.
Learn more details about the location and familiarize yourself with the surroundings
If you’re working with a photographer or even just taking photos with a friend, familiarize yourself with the location beforehand if possible. It can be challenging to work somewhere new, so getting acquainted with the space will help you feel more comfortable on photoshoot day. If you’re working with a photographer, collaborate with them and ask them where you’ll be shooting.
Offer places you had in mind. Don’t be shy! Most photographers are more than happy for a challenge to shoot at unfamiliar places
Show your photographer some of the photos/mood board you saved and ask them to help YOU by recreating the pose and giving you feedback on how the model’s posing aligns with yours.
Ask feedback from people you trust
A few years ago, I was on a shoot with this photographer and he lightly said, “I know you don’t really smile in your photos, but I think it would really bring out the photo if we tried that.” I didn’t even realize that was something I did (The #RBF game was too strong.) Honestly, I was just trying to “smize” my way through shoots that I didn’t even really think to add different facial expressions. You might already know your best angles, but there are other things that highlight your best look that others love to see!
Every single professional model in the world didn’t become an expert overnight. While yes, there are some that come as “natural,” there are still things that are learned over time by looking at their own photos and thinking about how they can improve.
And don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from people you trust and who will be honest with you. Remember that these people care and would only want to help you get better. They aren’t interested in hurting you. But also, don’t take that feedback and think you need to completely change your style and poses.
Reflect on their feedback and take time to really think about what they said so you can decide for yourself where you can improve (and be honest with yourself too).
Have fun and don’t overthink it!
Why do you want to feel confident in front of the camera? Seriously why? Ask yourself why it matters so much. I’m going to take a guess and say it’s because you want to look and feel good. Or maybe you want to show off how confident you look to all the eyes that are BLESSED with the chance to experience a photo of you in all its glory.
When you try something new or something you haven’t had enough practice in, it’s normal to feel nervous or unsure of what you’re doing. But in the same way you know how to use a computer or boil water, you don’t think “am I doing this right?” You just simply do it because you’ve done it countless times before. I promise you that if you put in the time while envisioning that confident person you already are in a photo, you’re already a step ahead.
Do you ever think about or question the way you’re doing something you’re already good at it? 9 out of 10 times I can confidently say you’re not.
BECAUSE YOU ALREADY KNOW you’re good at it!
You don’t need to think twice or question how you’re doing because you’ve done it so many times already. When you try something new or something you haven’t had enough practice in, it’s normal to feel nervous or unsure of yourself or what you’re doing.
Are there other ways you’ve learned to be more confident in photos? Let me know in the comments!
*This blog post was sponsored by Russell Brunson’s “Traffic Secrets.” As always, thoughts and opinions are my own. This post was originally posted on June 20, 2020
Over the last 30 days, I participated in the Russell Brunson 30-DayTraffic Secrets Challenge where I learned how to optimize traffic for my business and build an authority in my niche. In Brunson’s book, “Traffic Secrets: The Underground Playbook for Filling Your Websites and Funnels with Your Dream Customers,” he shares his expertise in being successful in your market and garnering traffic to bring attention to your products. For each day of the challenge, I uncovered new findings on marketing and building genuine relationships with my audience.
Why I Decided to Participate
As a creative professional whose strong suits revolve around writing and photography, I’ve often struggled to understand the business and marketing sides behind having an online presence.
However, Brunson broke down the necessary and crucial steps to build an evergreen platform that would not be affected by any updates or changes in the online platforms we use and love. In other words, his book simplifies the complex processes in building a successful brand that can not be affected or torn by any algorithm or other online updates that may affect how your business can be found online.
Here’s What’s Inside
Throughout the book, Brunson lays out the intricacies involved in generating traffic and goes over each layer, step by step, along with relatable stories and informational graphics. What I appreciated most about this book was how Brunson was able to connect the information he was sharing to relatable stories about his life and the life of others. He makes it clear that he is not interested in fluffing his content up with complex business jargon and is more interested in being realistic with his readers through actionable consistent steps.
Biggest Takeaways
One of the biggest things that Brunson points out is that many businesses and entrepreneurs struggle to stay afloat because they don’t take the necessary steps to build a strong standing business. As someone with mostly a creative background, I could really relate. Before reading this book, I believed that as long as I had nice and professional photo and copy, people would naturally find me. However, as I went through this book, I learned that I need to be intentional with how I need to present myself and strategize the steps I need to take to make myself searchable.
Taking part in the Traffic Secrets 30 Day Challenge workbook activities allowed me to implement the strategies and steps that I read in the book. Each workbook activity ingrained the steps necessary to get closer to my dream customers and become a genuine resource to help their lives.
Reflection
As I reflect on the last 30 Days in the Traffic Secrets challenge, I think a lot about how I’ve grown as a person and in my business. I realize that there is a lot more to learn and that becoming a success does not happen overnight, but through Brunson’s “Traffic Secrets,” book, I have a stronger, more realistic understanding that I am capable of becoming the business person I dream to be. It all starts with my mindset and learning from those who have taken this path before. Although I have never met Brunson personally, reading his book made me feel so connected to his presence as I deeply resonated with all the trials, tribulations, and successes he shared from his journey building his own business. After reading this book, I feel stronger as an individual and more confident in my business plan and connecting with others.
For the daydreamers, hustlers, and everyone in between, this is a phenomenal book that will help you easily understand the magic behind garnering traffic for your irresistible offers and evergreen content. It is a necessary read!
If you’re interested in grabbing a FREE copy of Russell Brunson’s Traffic Secrets: The Underground Playbook for Filling Your Websites and Funnels with Your Dream Customers for yourself, here’s a direct link to learn more about it: https://bit.ly/2zxh4J8.
I hope this review helped and if you have any questions, feel free to let me know in the comments or send me an email.
Taking your own photos can be difficult. As a blogger and photographer, it’s always important to make sure I have the right gear to take my own photo at any moment’s notice. I’ve grown through my self-portrait journey over time. I found and used products that made the self-portrait experience a lot easier and hassle-free wherever I went I wanted to share what I learned from my experience with you.
Here are The Best 4 Products for iPhone Self-Portraits
1. Tripod
Aside from the camera itself, a tripod is an absolute necessary. You will need something compact to hold your phone up.
I recommend the Ubeesize Tripod. It is a compact tripod that can easily fit in your bag or car glovebox. What I love most about this tripod is how bendable and flexible the legs are. The legs allow the option to have your tripod stand or attach to a pole. This link on Amazon also works well if you are interested in a bundle of having the tripod with a Bluetooth remote.
2. Bluetooth Remote
Speaking of remotes, if you’re tired of depending on the self-timer option to catch your photos, a bluetooth remote will be a lifesaver! If you already have a tripod, there are many options to get the remote on its own. I recommend the CamKix Camera Shutter Remote. It is a bluetooth enabled remote that you can easily connect to your phone. With its straightforward button approach, it is compatible with both iPhone and Android.
I have used this remote for years. This remote needs one lithium metal battery that you don’t need to change often. The battery life for this remote has lasted me over a year and replacing the battery is cheap and affordable. You can find the link to the remote on Amazon here.
3. Ring light
When shooting photos indoors and at home, the weather can sometimes affect the lighting for the photo. While I prefer natural lighting, it can often be unreliable and constantly changing. To help secure and combat any lighting difficulties, I use a ring light.
Rings lights are perfect for lighting targeted spots and filling out unflattering shadows in your space. You can find a ring light bundle here on Amazon. This bundle includes the ring light, bluetooth remote, and tripod that will be perfect for you to place your phone on. I have had great experience with the 8” size, but there are different sizes to choose from if you think you might need to fill in more dark space.
There are also options to bring ring lights that clip on to your phone when you’re on the go! I use this one when I am traveling or know I will be out for the rest of the day. It is very compact and can fit into your bag or pocket.
4. Camera bag/Compartment
With all of the items I listed above, it’s also important to have a bag or storage compartment to store all of them. I like to this camera bag insert to store all of my gear as it keeps me organized and prevents having to dig through my bag to find what I need. You can find the camera bag insert here on Amazon.
I love that this insert has different compartments for each item and it fits easily in most of my bags. It also includes velcro attachments where you can adjust or remove the sides to suit the best size for you.
Taking your own photos does not have to be complicated and you don’t need a fancy camera to do that! Before I had my first DSLR, I used my phone to take my photos and often depended on self-timer and a stack of books to keep my phone secure.
While those methods seemed okay at first, investing in a tripod, bluetooth remote, ring light, and camera bag helped to prevent the hassle of having an unstable camera foundation, running back and forth for a photo, coming across bad lighting, and fumbling to find gear.
These items have saved me so much time and grief over the years with my self-portrait journey. In the same way it has helped me, I hope it helps you!
Are you new to taking self-portraits? What are some of your favorite and must-have pieces for self-portraits? Let me know in the comments below!
*This post was made in sponsorship with the Journey App. Originally published on September 23, 2020
For as long as I can remember, journaling has been a significant part of my life. My collection of journals grew all throughout childhood to adulthood. I remember needing to get creative with finding new places to store all of my old journals because I couldn’t bear to part and throw away any of them.
As I got older, I started journaling less due to forgetting my journal whenever I traveled or not taking the time to sit with a pen in my hand and write. … and then I found Journey.
What is Journey?
The Journey app is a digital journaling mobile application where you can submit personal journal entries through your phone and desktop.
I will be honest… I was never too keen on digital journaling platforms. There was always something about it that just could not compare to physical journaling. However with my busy schedule and having a job that requires me to travel, I do admit it can be difficult to keep up with journaling in a notebook.
Great Ease of Use
Luckily, the Journey app is accessible digitally through my phone and desktop. There is also an option where I can set recurring reminders at a specific time to remind me the next time. Although I am loyal to physically writing in journals, the ease of use and accessibility that the Journey app offers made the transition from physical to digital very easy.
Journey App Features
There are also so many great features that this app offers that it would be difficult to put onto a piece of paper. When I write an entry in for the day, I can also attach photos for my memories or links to save references. There is also an option to track your mood and see your mood elevation levels as you progress with the app. The moods can be depicted through a range different facial icons where you can choose your emotion for the day.
The Coaching Program
Some days it can be difficult to stay consistent and think of what to write about. However, the app also offers coaching programs where you can follow daily prompts for inspiration. These programs typically range for 7 to 14 days.
Each coaching program comes with its own theme ranging from Body Positivity to Digital Detox, and even How To Journal! These programs were created and led by content creators all across the globe who are experts in their field and can help guide you through the area you would like to work on.
Among these coaches guiding the way in their courses, I am happy to share that I am one of them! I have been working with Journey to create a 14-day Self-Love course that will be available soon for all of you to follow. (Sign up for my newsletter so you don’t miss it!) I can’t wait to share it with you once it is live.
I have been using Journey for the latter half of this year and I’m happy to come across a simple, yet convenient app that has integrated itself into my daily routine. This app is an excellent option for digital journaling and storing visual memories. I’ve grown to appreciate the digital space of journaling. I’m excited to continue using this app to see my progress for the rest of the year.
