tips

  • How To Use Influenster: An App Review Guide

    How To Use Influenster: An App Review Guide

    Influenster is the #1 go-to app for consumer product reviews and discovery. It is a platform known for showcasing honest reviews from real people in real-time. People love to use Influenster to share their experiences with hundreds of thousands of products. In short, Influenster changed how consumers share reviews and create user-generated content. Additionally, the popular review app underwent a facelift earlier this year and made vital changes to its platform. This post is your guide to navigating the all-new and improved Influenster app! Here you will get a glimpse of how to use Influenster. Let’s learn how the app works, how to leave product reviews, and how to get the surveys that lead to free products. Let’s get started!

    Disclaimer: Heads up! My posts contain affilate links. If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a penny more, but I’ll get a small commission, which helps keep the lights on. Thanks!

    influenster logo

    How To Sign-Up For Influenster and Join the Review Community

    Did you know that anyone can join the review community for free? First, you’ll need an email address to get started. Then, once you’ve created a profile, start digging into other consumer reviews to discover new products on the Influenster app.

    referral sign-up for influenster app

    Welcome to the Influenster Home Page

    After you’ve created your new profile, you will then be able to explore the app in detail. The first tab that you should get acquainted with is the home feed. This page will show any tier progress, daily tasks, and a product discovery feed. 

    screenshot of review app
    screenshot of tier progress on review app
    screenshot of home feed review app

    Tier Progress

    When you complete certain required activities, you will earn tier points. These points will allow you to unlock higher tiers. The higher you go, the better your chances of getting free samples and qualifying for campaigns. 

    Daily Tasks

    To put it simply, completing tasks earns you tier points. There are a variety of activities that Influenster will ask you to complete. Some examples of activities include: 

    1. writing reviews
    2. answering questions
    3. referring friends
    4. completing profile info
    5. making suggestions and recommendations
    6. creating polls for feedback

    Feed

    Your home feed will have recommended reviews based on your interests. You’ll see all of the top-rated products, participate in polls created by reviewers, share your expertise by responding to consumer questions, and connect with the brands you love. 

    How to Use Influenster to Search

    You can use the search tab to look for specific products on the app. To search, type the name of the product or brand. You can even search for a product by barcode. Additionally, you can use the search bar to discover your friends on the app and follow each other. 

    Find and Follow Me on Influenster!

    discover me on influenster review app

    Since you discovered the goodness that is Influenster by reading this post, you should definitely check out my reviewer profile. I am an active member of the Influenster community! Click the above image to follow me on Influenster to enjoy awesome, fascinating new products and read my reviews. 

    How to Get Product Samples

    Lancôme lash voxbox
    Viktor & Rolf voxbox

    Influenster sends thousands of hand-picked samples to its members every month. If you get chosen for a sampling campaign, it’ll show under the sample tab. Moreover, Influenster selects members for product campaigns based on their interests and responses recorded in surveys. In conclusion, it is absolutely critical to complete those profiles after sign-up! 

    •  

    Influenster Profile Set-Up

    Customize your profile by adding an avatar and personal details. An email and home address are crucial for receiving free samples! Connect your new Influenster account to your social media channels to amplify your reviews. Next, review your recent activity, interests, and badges, and invite friends to sign-up directly from your Influenster profile. 

    how to use influenster profile

    The new changes to the app made it easier to navigate Influenster. Influenster absolutely knows how to make shopping easy. The new features make it simple to leave reviews and qualify for free stuff. I can honestly say that shopping is convenient when you use the Influenster app. Check out the new and improved website today to see what I mean, and start digging into those reviews!

    lewk digest cover

    Sharing product reviews is a special way to connect and engage with online shoppers just like you! The LEWK Digest is a weekly product guide newsletter for consumers to research buying options.

    Subscribers receive exclusive product details on many popular beauty, household, and lifestyle products. They also receive store locations, discount codes, promotions, and special pricing on select products delivered directly to their mailbox for free!


  • Trendy 4C Hairstyles for Natural Hair

    Trendy 4C Hairstyles for Natural Hair

    Whether you’re in the beginning stages of transitioning to natural hair or you’ve been natural for some time, you have to admit that styling natural hair is challenging. Learning how to care for your texture is a lot of trial and error. Sometimes natural hairstyles can be a bit of trial and error too. When I stopped getting relaxers and started to transition my relaxed hair to my natural hair, it was hard to find 4c hairstyles I liked. Then, I would meet other Black women with 4C hair, and they would say the same thing (and some still do). 

    It’s been helpful to see influencers and celebrities with 4C hair embrace their texture and coils in the entertainment world. Since the reemergence of the natural hair movement in the early 2000s, women with 4C hair can see more ways to style and manage their hair. In conclusion, this post has eight classic, trendy 4C hairstyles. Each hairstyle is a beautifully versatile protective hairstyle with low-med maintenance. However, you can apply any natural hairstyle on this list to any hair texture. 

    Beauty Tip: If you’re really feeling like taking these 4C hairstyles to the next level, try experimenting with color, braiding hair, or clip-ins (extensions).

    Disclaimer: Heads up! My posts contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a penny more, but I’ll get a small commission, which helps keep the lights on. Thanks!

    Is It Hard to Maintain 4C Hair?

    A common myth about 4C hair is that it is non-manageable because of tight coils and hard to keep moisturized. Although styling 4C hair can be challenging, 4C hair is not hard to maintain. The key to 4c hair is to moisturize. The right moisturizer will protect 4C hair from frizziness, shrinkage, breakage, and sluggish hair growth. 

    Tools For 4C Hair Texture Hairstyles

    Every hairstyle will require tools. Here are some popular hair styling tools used when styling 4C hair:

    8 Simple and Easy 4C Hairstyles

    1. Flat Twists

    The flat twist hairstyle is super trendy and a popular go-to hairstyle for natural hair. To clarify, flat twists consist of two twists done to the scalp. This twist hairstyle is a protective style that eliminates daily maintenance and creates a path to healthier hair. Twists are versatile and worn in just about any method (from twist-outs to updos).

    4C Hair Flat Twist Tutorial

    2. Mohawk, Fauxhawk

    Mohawk hairstyles for natural hair are so much fun! Many naturalistas rely on the mohawk (a*k*a the frohawk) to create trendy updos. This hairstyle gives many opportunities for geometrical parting, adding braiding hair, and accessories. To start, brush the hair upward towards the center of the head or crown. 

    How-to Mohawk on 4C Hair

    3. Halo Braid

    halo braid 4c hairstyle
    Credit: CurlCentric.com

    The halo braid is a cornrow-style braid that wraps around the head. This plaited protective braid is the halo effect and is a beautifully elegant hairstyle worn casually or in glam. The halo braid has been famously seen before on many high-profile celebrities such as Beyonce, Ciara, and Tracee Ellis Ross. 

    How-to Tutorial for Halo Braid on 4C Hair

    4. Twist Out 

    twist out 4c hairstyle
    Source: @curldaze IG

    The twist-out hairstyle is one of my favorites. Next to box braids, the twist-out is a regular go-to protective hairstyle. Twists are a popular protective style that can create uniformity throughout natural hair. A twist-out style is a method of unraveling stranded twists. If you are going to recreate this hairstyle, the key to a successful, beautifully curly twist-out is to lock in moisture.

    The Perfect 4C Twist-Out Tutorial

    5. Afro

    An afro hairstyle is perfect for showing off coils and hair texture. The afro first gained its popularity during the Black Panther movement. This hairstyle gets rocked from puffs to curls and tapered designs. Many high-profile celebrities have sported the afro hairstyle in glam and everyday casual aesthetics (Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Marsai Martin, Solange, Lupita Nyong’o, Ebonee Davis).

    The Perfect Afro Tutorial for 4C Natural Hair

    6. Space Buns

    Although I am not too fond of their name, the space buns are fun, festival beauty trendy, and sassy! The space buns hairstyle is two high buns on both sides of the head. Easy and simple. Space Buns on natural 4C hair showcases coils and curls like no other hairstyle that made this list.

    Space Buns on 4C Natural Hair

    7. High Bun

    high bun 4c tutorial
    Credit: @jascmeen IG

    If you are looking for something similar to the Space Buns hairstyle, you will want to try the High Bun. This classic hairstyle is a part of the “Everyday Essentials” starter pack. The High Bun is the hair sleeked together in a bun that sits at the top of the head. This hairstyle is a beauty favorite for convenience and low maintenance.

    High Bun 4C Natural Hair Tutorial

    Half Up/ Half Down

    The half up half-down hairstyle on curly, natural hair is another idea for an everyday casual look. To create this hairstyle, first, gather the top half of the hair into a high bun. Next, leave the back half down. If you want a lot of volume with this hairstyle, clip-ins would really take it to the next level.

    Articles Related to Trendy 4C Hairstyles for Natural Hair

    Want More 4C Hairstyles?

    Subscribe to the product guide newsletter, The LEWK Digest, to get the products mentioned in this post, or learn more about how these products can help promote healthy hair growth and protect 4C hair. The LEWK Digest has reviews from women who have tried out these products and seen results! 


  • 7 Makeup Tips and Hacks No Girl Should Live Without

    7 Makeup Tips and Hacks No Girl Should Live Without

    Flawless makeup is the ultimate beauty goal. 

    It’s easy to unlock this achievement with the help of makeup artists (MUAs) and beauty experts. However, the makeup application process at home is much different. For this reason, it is absolutely impossible to have too many makeup tricks. You should always learn new makeup tips and hacks to enhance the application process. Like, why struggle with lashes or eyebrows when there are so many makeup tips and hacks to make the process easier? 

    I am not a makeup artist. I am someone who loves and wears makeup often and can share what she knows about makeup. This post contains seven makeup tips and hacks for applying makeup and creating beautiful, flawless makeup at home. Anyone can do these makeup hacks. Keep scrolling to read more about what makeup tips you should not live without. Ever.

    Disclaimer: Heads up! My posts contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a penny more, but I’ll get a small commission, which helps keep the lights on. Thanks!

    Sign up to get product guides to the beauty products mentioned in this post delivered to your inbox. The Lewk Digest is a weekly newsletter for all the products mentioned on It’s The Lewk.

    Makeup Tip # 1: Apply Foundation Before Concealer

    The “foundation before concealer rule is golden and is the principle. Starting with one layer of foundation will help minimize any redness or discolorationThe goal: is to create flawless makeup. Next, follow up with concealer to cover additional redness, spots, and blemishes. 

    foundation makeup

    Dior Backstage Face and Body Foundation Buildable/Medium Coverage

    foundation makeup

    Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Hydrating Longwear Foundation Medium/Full Coverage

    foundation makeup

    Rimmel London Lasting Finish 25HR Hydration Boost Full Coverage Lightweight Foundation

    Makeup Tip #2: Put on lip balm or scrub before applying lipstick

    Pucker up and get ready to exfoliate and moisturize those lips! Matte lipsticks are notorious for not gliding on smooth. Try this genius hack to buff away dry skin before applying lipstick. However, if you’re using lip scrubs, do not over-exfoliate! Lip scrubs are to be applied once a week max (anything more and you’ll risk irritation)

    lip gloss makeup

    Fenty Beauty Universal Lip Luminizer

    lip conditioner makeup

    M.A.C Cosmetics Lip Conditioner

    Makeup Tip #3: Look down to apply false lashes

    Putting on false lashes is a struggle. However, this simple hack can make any lash application less problematic. The mission: after the lash glue has dried, grab a mirror and hold it downwards to look into it. Then, start the lash application process.

    Makeup Tip #4: Use spoolie brushes to tame brows

    Whether or not you plan on filling in those eyebrows, you need to get yourself a spoolie brush a*k*a mascara wand to tidy your brows. Spoolie brushes are great for keeping those tiny brow hairs in place. These brushes are inexpensive and easy to buy in bulk. 

    makeup mascara wands

    Disposable Eyelash Mascara Applicator Wand

    Makeup Tip #5: Applying lip liner gives the illusion of fuller lips

    lip liner makeup

    The ‘fuller lips’ cheat code is activated when applying one of two methods. Method one is filling in your lips with a liner the same shade as your lipstick. Method two is drawing over your natural lip line with lip liner, also known as overlining your lips. Both methods for using lip liner are considered ideal for long-lasting wear and coverage.

    Makeup Tip #6: Use highlighter for eyeshadow

    Highlighter is for accentuating the highest points of your face, and while it is for cheekbones, it is just as useful for the rest of the face (Vogue link). Since the goal is to create flawless makeup, highlighter is what every beauty lover needs in their makeup collection. Apply the highlighter in the inner corner of the eye and brow bone to lift the eyes. Then, have a little fun with other parts of your face. Try this: add highlighter to the bridge of your nose to make it appear thinner.

    highlighter makeup

    Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter

    highlighter makeup

    M.A.C Cosmetics Soft and Gentle Mineralize Skinfinish

    Makeup Tip #7: Use setting sprays/powders for long-lasting makeup 

    After you finish applying makeup, the last thing you want is for your fresh new face to get messed up before leaving the house. Apply setting spray (or powder if that is your preference) to lock in makeup and avoid smearing. Setting your face with spray or powder prevents caking and creasing. Think of it as if you’ve just finished mixing together all the ingredients for a cake. Now, you’re ready to bake.

    makeup setting powder

    Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Setting Powder

    Enjoying these makeup tips and hacks? Check out these similar posts:


  • How To Outline A Blog Post in 15 Minutes

    How To Outline A Blog Post in 15 Minutes

    How long does it take you to write a blog post? This question is one I see bloggers ask each other all of the time. I’ve even googled it out of desperation and curiosity to figure out the answer. It takes a blogger approximately 2-3 hours to write a quality blog post. I started comparing my writing performance to the responses of other bloggers. How to outline a blog post efficiently? Is two hours enough time to brainstorm a blog topic, gather thoughts, and still have enough time to write it?

    There are many ways to outline a blog post!

    Some bloggers do not take as much time as others to write their blogs. Don’t worry. The last thing you should do is compare yourself to another blogger’s writing schedule. The best advice for figuring out your writing schedule is to create a consistent timetable that works for you.

    I would not recommend adopting another bloggers’ writing schedule, but I would recommend learning the strategies that helped them develop the blogging schedule that works for them. This blog post highlights one of the best tools bloggers use to publish quality blog posts — blog outlines.

    Blog outlines are simple tools for bloggers to draft, write and organize their ideas for a blog post before publishing. 

    this guide will cover:

    • how to spend less time planning out a blog post
    • what to outline for your blog post
    • examples of blog outlines
    • how to outline your next blog post in 15 mins

    How To Spend Less Time Planning Out A Blog Post

    If you are spending more than the average amount of time it would take to write a blog post, you are most likely doing this:

    • struggling with coming up with topics
    • researching while you write
    • not passionate about the topic you chose to write about

    One thing that will help cut out much of the time you spend writing is to start drafting your blog posts in advance. Developing a blueprint for your blog posts gives you more ideas for what you will be discussing in your post. It can not be easy to juggle all our ideas for one topic & without drafting or jotting them down, we will forget them. Start sketching your blog posts & researching topics thoroughly before committing to writing the post.

    Need help brainstorming topics you should write about? Check out this list of 350+ blog topic ideas for any niche!

    blog post ideas

    How To Outline For Your Blog Post

    Are you looking for ideas for what to write on your blog post outline? First— you will need a topic. The topic you chose needs to be something you can talk about comfortably and freely. Next, you will need:

    • Key subheading content points
    • Supporting statements for that subheading 
    • Affiliate links for any suggestions for readers
    • List of keywords and tags for search engine optimization

    You can even take it a step further and create a checklist/to-do list for each step in your writing process. To-do lists and checklists for your blog post will help you remember to edit, format, schedule, publish, create pictures, etc. Here is an example of what a blog post outline should look like:

    how to outline a blog post
    example of a blog post outline

    A Simple Blog Post Outline

    Ready to start outlining your next blog post? I have the perfect blog post template for bloggers planning out their blog posts. I created this template to help with organizing and writing ideas for quality blog posts. The Blog Post Template is a digital pdf that you can download and save to any digital planner or notetaking application. This digital template is designed to help bloggers brainstorm post titles, publish dates, related posts, call-to-action, and key content points. The digital blog post template has checklists and to-do lists to keep bloggers on track with outlining, writing, editing, formatting, and scheduling their blog posts. The template also includes space for tracking tags, links, and keywords. 

    Click the jump to get your blog post template and start planning your writing content today. 

    Never have to worry about writing quality blog posts again! To keep your readers engaged, your blog posts have to be cohesive, entertaining, informative, and easy to read. It’s easy to write and have all your thoughts jumbled at once while you’re trying to remember to get all of your ideas out! 

    Use this Blog Post Planner template to avoid never having to worry about jumbled thoughts, incohesive paragraphs, and sloppy structures ever again! This Blog Post Planner template was designed to help bloggers and writers get their key points across, create blog outlines before writing, and checklists for blogging tasks. 

    Bloggers should be using outlines when preparing to write quality blog posts. Using an outline before you write helps you create thought-flowing, entertaining posts & cuts down on how much time you would usually spend writing your blog posts. You can easily create an outline for your next blog post in 15 minutes! Outlines are another tool to help you stay consistent with blogging & they will also help with coming up with ideas for additional blog post topics!

    Was this helpful? Leave me a comment below.


  • What Is Seo And Why Is Seo Important For My Website?

    What Is Seo And Why Is Seo Important For My Website?

    Search Engine Optimization is a vital digital marketing tool.

    Picture this. You own, manage, and run your own website. Your website is filled with entertaining, informative, and valuable content, but no one is reading it. You’re stressed because you’ve spent so much time, energy, and money invested in your website. However, it’s not thriving due to low or no traffic. You want to know how to increase your website traffic because you are passionate about seeing your business succeed. You landed here because you discovered SEO during your research, and you have no clue how to increase your traffic. You’re also not sure if you really understand how SEO works and how important it is. 

    SEO consists of many elements. Knowing what they are and how they work is key to understanding why SEO is so important.

    Search engine optimization is crucial for your website because it helps make it more visible. This then equates to more traffic, builds brand awareness, and positions you as a trustworthy expert in your niche.

    This post discusses the importance of SEO for your website and how to use SEO to rank on search engines. You will have a better understanding of how SEO works and a step closer to increasing traffic to your website.

    Quality Content is what Search Engines Look For

    Content is the most vital part of Search Engine Optimization. It is what the people will see first when they visit your website. The content you create is what you use to reach and engage with your target audience. You most likely know by now that you should be creating and posting content that readers will find valuable. Quality content varies in many forms for many website creators (blogs, videos, podcasts, e-books) and needs to be shared consistently to rank on search engines. A lot of content = a lot of chances to increase your website’s online visibility.

    For example, website pages and posts should have a minimum of 500 words for search engines to crawl the content on your pages. Even then, depending on which SEO expert you’d ask, they would say 500 is considered to be generously low and should really be around 700-800 minimum words. Valuable content is just one key element to increasing traffic with SEO.

    Keywords Will Help Search Engines Find Your Content

    Your content will also need to feature some keywords to rank higher on search engines. Keywords are words and phrases that consumers use to find what they are looking for online; and that brands can then use to connect with prospects looking for their products and services.

    Finding out what keywords you’ll need for search engine optimization is not a simple task. A general rule of thumb is to look for keywords with high search rates (but low competition). Choose short-tail keywords (such as kid), long-tail keywords (such as adolescent children’s books for sale), and local keywords (such as children’s books for sale in Biloxi) to work into your content. Use keywords to optimize your titles, URLs, and the usability of your website. All this work you are doing to optimize your on-page SEO content will be crucial to improving the visibility and traffic of your website.

    You Can Create SEO Opportunities Off-Page

    Off-page SEO refers to actions taken outside of your own website to impact your rankings within search engine results pages (SERPs). Backlink building is a popular tool for establishing off-page search engine optimization. There are many tactics for backlink building. Some of the current best practices include guest blogging, advertising, creating a lot of high-quality content to be shared, and using influencer marketing in your content. You will need to network to start building backlinks to your website. Networking and backlinks are great ways for your target audience to find out about who you are and what you do. Take advantage of collaboration opportunities! 

    Search Engines Love Websites With Quick Load Times

    A responsive and speedy website will make a user-friendly experience for all your mobile and desktop visitors. By increasing the load speed of your website, readers will be able to browse longer, decreasing your website bounce rate. You should find out what your website’s load speed is before you decide to make any changes for search engine optimization. If it ain’t broke, do not fix it!

    Word of advice for pages with low load speeds: if your load speed is low, take steps to improve your speed by optimizing high-resolution images, fixing JavaScript issues and excessive HTTP Requests, and bad hosting.

    Think about it: you have spent a lot of time putting content on your website. It would be a disappointment if your audience cannot access (or gives up waiting to access) the content because the website/page does not load.

    Some things to remember about SEO:
    • SEO does not happen overnight 
    • search engines are not perfect 
    • You do not have to be an expert to optimize your website content 

    I recommend researching and using SEO tools to continue learning how to use search engines to increase website traffic and brand awareness. Websites like Moz and Semrush have been extremely helpful for me and my journey to understanding SEO. There are plenty of SEO courses and e-books to help you create a consistent SEO strategy plan for optimizing your content, increasing traffic, and reaching your target audience.

    I have been working to understand how SEO works for years, and each time I learn something new about how important it is to rank (and rank higher) on search engines. The more elements of SEO we incorporate into our growth strategies, the more opportunities for increasing brand awareness, visibility, and site traffic. 

    What do you think about SEO and its importance to organic website traffic? How will you use SEO to help grow your website? What else do you think is important to know about SEO and search engines? What advice would you give someone who wants to rank higher on search engines and increase website traffic?

    Leave me a comment below.


  • 125 Of The Best Fall Hashtags For Instagram 2021

    125 Of The Best Fall Hashtags For Instagram 2021

    Fall is such a fun and festive season for indoor and outdoor activities. There are many activities to celebrate and enjoy in the Fall. Many people look forward to county or state fairs, festivals, pumpkin patches, and Halloween fun with their loved ones. Thanksgiving, harvest season, buffalo plaid, cooler weather, etc. Fall is easy, breezy, and beautiful. If you’re planning to participate in the Fall fun this year, statistics show that you’ll definitely post about it. Moreover, you may need some fall hashtags to sum up how you’re feeling (or what you’re doing) this Fall, and I’ve got you covered. 

    It’s time to take your Instagram posts to the next level. If you are searching for hashtag inspiration then look no further. Firstly, I’ve got 125 Fall Hashtags that are perfect for your Instagram captions

    Secondly, I’ve broken down the list of Fall hashtags for Instagram into different activities and events. This breakdown will certainly make it easier to find hashtags quickly. However, I am recommending these hashtags for nano and micro Instagram accounts.

    Accounts with a small following (1000) to large (10,000 +) can use these hashtags to reach more people. All hashtags in this list have about 10,000 – 300,000 people who use them every day on Instagram. 

    Are you ready? Let’s get into it!


    Before I reveal the Fall hashtags, do you need ideas for what to post on Instagram? What good are hashtags if you don’t know what to post? If you are stuck trying to figure out what to post on Instagram, check out 10 Ideas for Creating and Sharing Engaging Content on Social Media to help you with your in-feed posts, stories, and reels. 

    ideas for creating social media posts

    Types of Fall Instagram Posts

    Here are a few of the best ideas to inspire you for your Instagram posts during the Fall:

    List of Fall Hashtags

    125 fall hashtags for instagram

    Home Decor

    #fallcandles #fallhomedecor #fallfavorites #autumndecorations #autumnfoliage #autumnwreath #falldecorating #falldecoratingideas #fallaesthetic #fallcenterpiece #fallflorals #pumpkindecor #pumpkindecorating #halloweendecorating #thanksgivingtable #thanksgivingdecor

    Fall Beauty and Fashion

    #fallnails🍁🍂 #fallclothes #fallmakeuplook #autumnmakeup #autumntrends #autumnhair #fallfashiontrends #fallfashion2021 #fallfashions #fallfashioninspo #fallstyles #fallhairstyles #fallsweater #falloutfitideas #fallboots #bootweather #falllooks #hoodieweather #scarfweather #autumnstyles #autumnmakeup #cozysweater #falljacket #autumndress #autumnlooks #fallnailart 

    Fall Activities and Events

    #fallactivities #fallharvest #fallwinter2021 #autumnfair #fallroadtrip #falltravel #fallcleanup #fallweddings #cornmaze🌽 #applepickingseason #applepicking🍎 #fallwalks #fallfestivals #autumnwalk #autumnactivities #harvestseason 

    General Fall Hashtags

    #fallthings #fallessentials #fallready #fallinlove #fallmood #fallvibes🍁 #fallvibes🍃🍂 #fallvibes🍂🍁 #fallbucketlist #fallisintheair🍁 #fallismyfavorite #fallismyfavoriteseason #fallismyfavoritecolor #fallishere🍁 #fallisthebest #fallisthebestseason #fallisfinallyhere #ilovefall🍁 #ilovefallmostofall #falldays🍁 #autumnadventures #autumnquotes #autumnfeed #autumnessentials #autumnvibes #fallcolors🍁🍂 #falltime🍁

    Family and Love 

    #fallfamilyphotos #falllove #falllover #falllovers #autumnlover #fallfamilyfun

    Fall Weather and Nature

    #beautifulfall #beautifulfallday #cozyfall #autumnsunshine #autumntrees #autumnnight #autumnsun #fallleaves🍁🍂 #falltrees #fallsky #fallsunset #fallmornings #autumnleaves🍂 #sunnyfallday #beautifulautumnday #autumnsunset

    Food

    #thanksgivingfood #thanksgivingmeals #turkeytime #thanksgivingturkey #comfortfoods #thanksgivingrecipes #thanksgivingdesserts #fallfoods #fallbaking #falldrinks #fallcocktails #pumpkinpies #pumpkinspicelattes #squashseason #falleats #soupweather

    Comment below if you use these hashtags and find them helpful!

    Follow me on Instagram at (@krissybri)

    Leave me a comment on one of my posts that you’re following me and I’ll follow you back! 🙃


  • 3 Tools For Goal Setting and Excellent Planning

    3 Tools For Goal Setting and Excellent Planning

    It’s been super important for me to get organized with my ideas and goals because I’ve got all these great, big ideas floating around in my head, but no clear thought on how to execute them. It’s not enough for me to just come up with an idea (nor should it be enough for you). I need to find tools for goal setting and planning. The only way to see the outcomes of these ideas is to plan them out.

    What am I doing? How will this work?

    My impulsive thinking can sometimes lead to a load of inconsistency in executing these ideas. I get so excited that I rush or skip several steps in the execution process. This is how dreams get deferred and ideas get crushed. When you know better then you’ll do better.

    That’s why I am sharing three tools I use to assist me in setting clear and concise goals through planning.  Keep scrolling to learn new ways to help you stay organized, plan out ideas, and develop strategies for executing your plan.


    Necessary Tools For Goal Setting

    tools for goal setting and planning

    Tools for Goal Setting: Gratitude Journaling, Planning, Organizing

    Journaling is the #1 source of where my ideas and goals begin. Through self-reflection prompts, I construct a list of 3-5 personal and professional goals I want to accomplish for the week. I also set monthly goals and daily affirmations using a gratitude journal. I find appreciation and gratitude to be instrumental in planning and setting realistic, attainable goals. The Daily Expression Gratitude Journal that I use comes with a “Gratitude Garden” that contains mindful questions and notebook pages for me to jot down my emotions and thoughts. I created it as a way to live with gratitude and appreciation. It’s available online for purchase and on sale for $7 here.

    Goal Setting Tool #2: Planner

    Having a planner as a tool is necessary because this is where I can sort out goals and figure out how I will meet them by listing small tasks that I can complete. Sunday- Saturday, I fill my planner with productive activities related to my weekly or monthly goals.

    Let’s use an Instagram Reel as an example. The objective will be to create an Instagram Reel for the week.

    I pick a day during the week that I can research reels to trigger inspiration, days that I can prepare for creation, and then the day that I want to post it. Making a reel does NOT just happen in five minutes! I realize that there may be intricate actions that I will need to take before it can happen. I may need to learn audio (lyrics and dialogue), rehearse dance moves, and sort out a look. Some of the questions I ask myself:

    • Where will I film this reel?
    • What should I wear?
    • What is the tone? 
    tools for goal setting

    I maximize a lot of my time by using a planner. The mom life is sporadic and chaotic. It’s easy to feel spread thin and busy. Honey, that’s the quickest way to burn out! Using a planner is beneficial to productivity. I’m able to juggle all of my many hats (human, wife, mom, teacher, writer, etc.) and not feel like I’ve completely exhausted all my time. It all gets done through time blocking, sticky notes, affirmation stickers, and lots of colors.

    TIP: Use markers and colorful pens to list your tasks in your planner.

    Goal Setting Tool #3: Google Calendar

    The last tool allows me to schedule my tasks into a digital calendar, and get reminders and alerts when it is time to execute them. Once I learned from other digital content creators about all of the magic that Google Calendar has, I started using it for purposes other than birthdays. I use Google Calendar to

    • help me figure out what time I have available to get things done.
    • stay on track with time blocking
    • celebrate accomplishments
    • remember what’s planned for the day
    • follow a schedule
    tools for goal setting: google calendar
    Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

    Was this helpful for you? How do you set goals and execute them? What tools do you use to help you execute your goals? How do you hold yourself accountable? Comment your thoughts on this topic below.

    Check out more planning and organizing posts like this one:


  • What You Don’t Know About College (Secrets Exposed)

    What You Don’t Know About College (Secrets Exposed)

    Congratulations High school graduates! Hats off to all of you who will be graduating this month. You’ve made it through grades K-12 and the grand finale to your academic challenges has arrived. You deserve to celebrate! What a momentous milestone! Embrace this moment in time, for when you get to college, it’s a whole new world!

    A new fantastic point of view. No one to tell you no, or where to go. College is going to teach you things about yourself and you should be prepared for some of the experiences headed your way. College doesn’t come with a manual or an attachment PDF file on how to maintain during your tenure. Moreover, I’m sure that this post won’t be the only piece of college advice you’ll receive.

    Family is going to persuade or dissuade some of your decision makings. The beauty of all this unsolicited advice is to take heed but still “do you”. Finally, to truly enjoy this dazzling place you’ve never known, you sometimes have to let your heart decide.

    Six Rules for Prepping for College

    college goals

    Be Ready To Meet The New You
    I know that self-discovery while in grades K-12 was an emotional and physical rollercoaster. Usually, high school can do a great job of making you believe that you’ve got everything figured out (including self). However, you should know that you are going to change quite often after your first college experience. This will give you opportunities where you can develop and transform into who you truly are or want to be.

    Imagine being shy and reserved throughout high school but beginning to shed those outer layers, exposing your newfound appreciation for your overtly outgoing personality. Imagine being a procrastinator in grade school and developing into a person that’s OCD about organization and punctuality. College can bring some amazing qualities and attributes that you most likely did not know resides within you!

    Go To Class… On-Time!
    Of course, if you’re enrolled in courses at a University or two-year college, why wouldn’t you be attending class? You’ll be surprised at the overwhelming plethora of things to do on campus. All of those activities can make going to class seem inferior to what you feel is more important at the time. Don’t listen! Go to class! It’s even more important if you’re going to be staying on campus. There’s not going to be anyone around to make sure that you’re up on time for class. Your roommate could but I wouldn’t rely on that too heavily. They’ve got their schedule to follow. Invest in a reliable and sturdy alarm clock (not just the one on your phone).

    Note: Select courses that don’t start super early! A 7 am or 8 am class is not good for anybody but early birds.

    Join Programs & Be Social
    One way to make friends with peers is to meet them. There are SO many people to meet in college! They’re from all over the world and they’re looking to create the same experiences as you. I met several colleagues through campus programs and activities being offered. Getting involved in something like a fraternity or sorority might be one of the things to interest you. Joining the student newspaper or Resident Assistant program might also be some things to look into. I guarantee you that there will be plenty of unusual activities to participate in and you should take advantage!

    college or join the workforce

    Live on Campus
    If you’ve decided that you will attend your local college or enroll in online courses, I hope that I’m not too late to persuade you to try out dorm life. Please consider staying on campus! I know, I know. You don’t like the idea of sharing a tiny space with someone you don’t know. You’re timid just thinking about the idea of showering in a common “private but public” space and prefer the privacy in your bathroom. I had those same sentiments but still gave on-campus housing a try.

    Honestly, staying in dorms for three years of my college life gave me one of my biggest unforgettable moments. It’s such a fun experience and gives you another opportunity to meet new people through roommates and other hall residents. Think of it as your first taste of living on your own by making it your new home. Decorate your room with basic dorm room essentials! Amazon is giving students the opportunity to sign up for Amazon Prime for just $6/mo. Just in time to stock up on things that you need before August gets here.

    College Isn’t The Only Option
    School may not be for everybody. Do you have other plans for your life? You could. For those that are looking to join the workforce as soon as they’re able to cross the stage, take your time to research job opportunities. There are systems set in place like trade schools to help you learn your passionate craft. You’ll have to keep in mind that you’re graduating high school right now. Some if not most jobs will require previous experience and/or advanced training.

    Then there’s another option. You could join a branch of the military. If you’re looking for someone to advocate that decision, I regret to inform you that I can not support the decision. However, I could and would respect it. I’ve seen a couple of my friends turn military life into something to aspire to have. My advice would be to weigh the pros and cons. It’s still an option that’s available and one for you to consider.

    The other option you could choose would be opting to attend a two-year college first. That’s certainly one that would be high on anyone’s list that may be graduating from high school! You should be finalizing your decisions on whatever you’re planning to do after high school soon.

    Seize The Moment
    The only thing that there’s left to do is to enjoy your new life! You’ve made it to college and that’s a major deal. College is going to bring you memories that are going to last a lifetime. Get excited about those Homecoming nights & the captivating nightlife. It’ll feel as if you’re in a movie. Participate in tailgates and social gatherings as much as you can. You and your peers will rewrite college culture and make it your own! I’m certain that the libations and spirits will make for a great time. Enjoy this rollercoaster ride and worry about dating and children later. Spend this time chasing your dreams and enjoying even the bumps in the road.

    Check out more life tips:


    To those who have graduated, what advice would you give to the graduating class of 2020? What things have you learned throughout your time in college? What is something that you wish someone would have told you before you started college?


  • How To Create a Beautiful Image Backdrop

    How To Create a Beautiful Image Backdrop

    Do you love to take quality pictures and video content? Have you ever found yourself trying to take the perfect photograph for your Instagram feed, but your background looks a mess? Maybe you’re a blogger/ vlogger trying to record a video but your shower curtain is photobombing you because that’s the only space where you can create. You could be trying to take the cutest photo of your kid for a special occasion without wanting to pay a photographer for backdrop services. Photography services can be expensive!

    simple backdrop ideas

    Having backdrops can really enhance your photo and video aesthetic value to your digital content. That’s why professionals like photographers and videographers rely on them so heavily! You, too, can have your very own backdrop sis! What’s even better is that you can make a backdrop yourself, saving money on future professional photography services forever. Woohoo!

    Materials Needed for Backdrop

    Disclaimer: LIFE + STYLE with Kris receives a commission for using Amazon products for the projects that I share in posts.  Although I receive a commission for using and linking their products, they are extremely good for my projects. All opinions and suggestions are unbiased.

    The steps that I took to building my Sunflower wall actually were as simplistic as Pinterest made it seem to be. There really aren’t many steps involved in building a backdrop BUT it is time-consuming. I could have completed this in less than six days and you may be able to finish it in a shorter timeframe. However, I was not in a hurry to complete this project. I wanted it to turn out beautiful and honestly, I had so much fun making it!

    flower wall backdrop

    Build Your Panel Frames

    I used the beautiful chocolate carnation flowers as what I call my “base” color. The panel size dimensions are 19 x 14in. and require a lot of artificial flowers. There are over 100 pegs to fill! To fill them, simply attach the stem of your artificial flower to the peg on each panel frame. I used nine-panel frames for my backdrop. I originally wanted a combination of different carnations (chocolate and cream) but made a choice to forego it. Buying flowers in bulk can be expensive!

    TIP: Think about what color(s) you will use in great detail. The more color you want, the more money you will spend.

    backdrop panels

    Gluing Paper Flowers

    If you choose the perfect flower, you may not want to add additional details. I added white paper roses to the center of my carnations for a 3D look. Using a hot glue gun, I glued the roses to every other carnation for each panel frame.

    TIP: If you are fine with the flower you’ve already used, then you can easily move on to attaching your panel frames to your wall.

    putting together a backdrop

    Place Frames on the Wall

    Designate your space/area where you will build your frames. I used a wall in our home office because that’s where I go to create most of my digital content. I used thumb tacks to pine each panel closely together evenly.

    TIP: Building a full wall is great for full body images. If you are going to use your backdrop for mainly selfies/headshots, you should use fewer (roughly six) panels.

    Continue Adding Embellishments: Peony Flowers

    The last task for me to execute is adding peony flowers. They arrive flat after ordering, so I had to fluff out 12 paper peony flowers before attaching them to the frames. Each peony has a clear string hook that makes for easy attachment. I love that they also came with peel-off adhesives! I should have ordered more of these (probably will go back and buy more).

    Backdrops are easy to do!


  • 7 Lessons Learned in Life

    7 Lessons Learned in Life

    There are so many lessons that have been taught to me over the course of my thirty-one years of existence on planet Earth. It’s hard to even recall all of the lessons that many people have taught me, or the self-taught ones that I’ve learned over the process of trial and error. What I’ve come to find out, is that the most recent lessons that I’ve learned are the ones that have shaped and molded my self-improvement journey. I decided to share them with readers, in no particular order. To clarify, these are seven valuable lessons learned in life (mine).

    List of Lessons Learned in Life

    1. love
    2. trust
    3. self-care
    4. speak up
    5. passion
    6. education
    7. validation
    lessons learned in life (virtually)
    Photo by Katerina Holmes on Pexels.com

    Life Lessons #1: LOVE YOURSELF

    Although I said earlier that my list is in no particular order, perhaps this is the best way to start; with yourself. You are important, you are beautiful, you are talented, you are deserving of love. The most beautiful thing about loving yourself is that if you’ve mastered self love, you can then be able to pour that love into the ones around you that you love the most (ie. family, friends). Be proud of yourself and your accomplishments or your falls! Own it.

    Life Lessons #2: TRUST GOD, NOT MAN

    This one may go over a few heads, but it’s really quite simple. Yes, if you know that you will never let yourself down, please place trust within yourself. However, people can sometimes disappoint. That goes for everybody, no one person is exempt. Family, friends, spouses, business partners. At some point, you will find yourself in situations where you have to question “can I honestly trust this person?”, and you need to be prepared to know a few things. Not everyone is YOU. People will lie, mistreat, abuse their power in your life. When you place your faith in God and also yourself, you run a decreased risk of disappointment.

    Life Lessons #3: TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

    Your body is truly your temple. Your mental health is just as important as physical health. Do your research to find out the best practices for self-care, that work best for you. Everybody has a different vice but there are many different options. Exercise regularly, visit a therapist, meditate! Most important, pay attention to your triggers and know when you need to take that moment for yourself. A big gem that I learned here, is that deep breaths really do work.

    Life Lessons #4: SILENCE IS NOT ALWAYS GOLDEN

    You have a voice, use it. Especially during conflicts and conflict resolution. Learn to express yourself and your feelings in color. Learn how to communicate loudly and effectively, but without raising your voice or getting too angry. You should be able to convey your thoughts concisely, in healthy dialogue.

    Life Lessons #5: PASSION DOES NOT EQUAL ANGER

    You just care a whole, whole lot. That’s okay! You’re not an angry Black woman, contrary to what the masses say. You care about particular things and people way more than others sometimes, and that is what makes us all unique. No one person is the same. Passion will eventually help your creative process, with being able to figure out new way(s) to express your thoughts.

    Life Lessons #6: OPINIONS ARE NOT FACTS

    Why do people care so much about what others have to say? Stop seeking for others to validate you, and validate yourself. People will always talk and have solicited and unsolicited opinions, but why let it dictate your life? Tune out the naysayers and do you. It can start to add unnecessary anxiety and stress that you may not even realize exists until after you’ve listened to what others have to say. Just remember, if it’s not fact, it is fiction. If it doesn’t apply, then let it fly!

    Life Lessons #7: EDUCATE YOURSELF

    The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.– Socrates

    Educate yourself. Research, research, research! Read lots of books, browse the internet. Especially if you want to be an entrepreneur. Every thing is not always taught in school, we can learn in so many other ways!


    See Related: 3 Powerful Books Recommended for Self-Help

    I hope that by sharing what I’ve learned in life, helps any of you that’s been looking to change your thought process on how you view life. Hopefully we are all on a journey to improve ourselves and become happy humans, enjoying life. Who would have thought that these are things we have to learn? Some of you may have already learned these lessons, and that’s great. I hope that by paying it forward, it will reach someone that may be struggling with any of these lessons that affect our day-to-day operations.

    See Related: How To Reduce Stress and Self-Care Everyday

    What are some life lessons that you’ve learned? Leave a comment below. If you know of anyone who this may benefit, share/ reblog!