Building my Ebay Plus Size Fashion Business. Raising my Student-Athlete. Finding all the beauty life has to offer.
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Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Monday, December 29, 2014
Writers' Corner: 9 Writing Jobs You Might Not Know About
I ran across this on Tumblr and thought it was an extremely useful list. Happy Writing in the New Year!!
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| Original Blog Post |
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Monday, December 22, 2014
Winter Wardrobe Reboot: Comfort
I was reading a status that my Facebook friend posted last week. She confessed to purchasing jeans from Chicos. She was slightly alarmed because Chico's is where "older women" purchase their sophisticated wears. Had she moved into the "older women" category? I perused the comments and it seems as if late thirty-somethings are transitioning to more sophisticated, comfortable clothing and there isn't a darn thing wrong with that. So, I must confess that I have recently begun wearing shoes that are saving my back and feet from the strain that heels pose. Don't get me wrong, the pumps, stilettos, and platforms are still in heavy rotation, but my Dansko clogs have now become my favorite! "Word of foot" is how this small European company has spread like wild fire. Well consider yourself informed! Add a pair to your Christmas list and you will not be disappointed!
I slide on my wide legged trousers and slip on my black patent leather Dansko clogs and my feet are in heaven! Come to find out, EVERYONE is wearing these comfy shoes. Celebrities like Heidi Klum and Jennifer Garner as well as Euro-chic teenagers can be seen in Dansko clogs. So, these shoes are definitely on trend. Below are a few outfit ideas!
Monday, December 15, 2014
Content Marketing: Timing and Topic
I learned a lot about content marketing strategies from some of my customers. I tracked the sales of my articles to several sites that had nothing to do with the various topics that were purchased from my Constant Content profile . It occurred to me that in order to reach a broader audience, one must offer quality, appealing content. So, if someone is, let's say, offering cell phone repair services and it's around Christmas time, a time when people are in the market to purchase new phones, traffic will decrease for that type of service. However, if you have some buzzwords like "Black Friday" or "holiday shopping" as well as articles about how to set up new phones, traffic will increase dramatically. Once there, this traffic may find services that they or someone they know can use! Timing and topic are everything! The fact that businesses need diverse content drives my desire to provide valuable, timely articles that are easy to read and informative. I have a few in the works now about the Valentine's Day and Springtime.
I just put one out about After-Holiday Regret Remedies that I know will drive a lot of traffic to your website. People may also want to eat better to live long. I have a great article that details the positive impact of 10 Superfoods on your body to actually extend your life. It's a thoroughly researched article that will get you and your readers back on track after the trappings of the season. Pick one of these or another article up TODAY!
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Study Tips: Productive Cramming
Cramming is frowned upon, but at the eleventh hour, there aren't many other choices you can make. Hopefully, you have a basic understanding of 2 things: the objectives of the course and how you professor likes to assess your knowledge. From an educator's perspective, we want to know that our students have reasonably accomplished the objectives set forth in the syllabus as demonstrated by mastery in basic concepts in the subject. In order to effectively cram for your exams, you'll need your syllabus, notes and study guides (borrow good ones if yours are terrible), highlighters (a different color for each objective), textbook (if your course has one), paper, pen, and a Starbucks latte.
1. Locate the objectives on your syllabus and highlight each in a different color. For example:
- To learn the prevailing points of view about creativity and its origins.
- To gain a better understanding of the writing process.
- To understand how some writers go through the creative process.
- To constructively analyze and critique the work of other writers.
- To understand and apply literary composition techniques.
3. If your professor did not give you a study guide or if you are like me and need to see one subject on one sheet, make subject sheets using the same color scheme. For example, scribble purple highlighter at the top of a blank sheet of paper. You know that purple means "literary composition techniques." From your notes, list the techniques you've highlighted purple already and add brief descriptions from the notes. You may need to look them up in your textbook if your notes are not clear.
4. Guess what? You've been studying the whole while you've been setting up your color code! Take a sip of your latte and plow forward. You can put your syllabus aside for now. Take a look at one color subject sheet. Determine which items you "have mastered," "are familiar with," or "clueless about." If you've mastered it, draw ☺. If you're familiar with the item, draw a star. If you are clueless about an item, draw a ☹.
5. Time to review! You will focus on the items you starred for about an hour. You will focus on the smiley items for 30 minutes. Then sleep! (or set up your study notes for another class).
6. The day of your exam, preferably one hour before the exam, run through your frowny items just to gain some familiarity with them. Look through notes and the text book for these concepts. Those items will be in your short-term memory, so when you take the exam, seek those items out first with hopes that you can recall that information that you just quickly stored.
7. After the exam, it is essential that you debrief. Take a look at your subject sheets and check off the areas that you feel you aced. Put question marks next to the items you weren't sure about. This will be especially helpful if this course was a prerequisite for another you'll take next semester. You will be able to reinforce what you did not quite get during this semester.
Ideally, you would use these tips all semester long, but if you can set aside 3 hours, you will be able to complete this list and perform better on your finals. It's not all about grades, but sometimes it feels like it is!
Questions? Comment me or hit me up on Twitter @akagia.
6. The day of your exam, preferably one hour before the exam, run through your frowny items just to gain some familiarity with them. Look through notes and the text book for these concepts. Those items will be in your short-term memory, so when you take the exam, seek those items out first with hopes that you can recall that information that you just quickly stored.
7. After the exam, it is essential that you debrief. Take a look at your subject sheets and check off the areas that you feel you aced. Put question marks next to the items you weren't sure about. This will be especially helpful if this course was a prerequisite for another you'll take next semester. You will be able to reinforce what you did not quite get during this semester.
Ideally, you would use these tips all semester long, but if you can set aside 3 hours, you will be able to complete this list and perform better on your finals. It's not all about grades, but sometimes it feels like it is!
Questions? Comment me or hit me up on Twitter @akagia.
Break has begun!! Get to the fun!!
Monday, December 8, 2014
Winter Wardrobe Reboot: Grey
Mondays are my fashion fun days. We're transitioning from "Fall Fashion Watch" to "Winter Wardrobe Reboot." I don't know about you, but I find myself wearing the same things over and over again in the winter because it's colder and I just want to wear something warm. If I could, I would wear a big sweater, leggings, and boots all winter! Fortunately, I have to get out of that comfortable rut due to my career and the fact that I don't want to be frumpy in all the selfies and holiday event pics I'll be gracing.
One of my favorite go-to colors for the winter is grey. Grey does not have to be drab. You can spice it up with a P.O.C. like a bright flower pin, hat, or opaque tights. Remember, how I topped off a blue-creme-black ensemble with a grey robe coat and cape in October?
Let's look at another grey coat. This high collar wool jacket is chic and versatile. It can be dressed up or worn to work. It can also be worn with jeans and boots.
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| Custom made high collar wool jacket found on Pinterest and Esty but you can also find it at Jolly Chic. |
This whole look is flawless. If your thighs are slim enough for this thigh-high book, go for it! If you're a curvy girl, get some grey suede knee boots and slide on some textured grey opaque stocking for the same effect. Layering different shades of grey (he he), will make for an effortless look. Need some color? Add a bright scarf!
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| Outfit details are available on Atlantic-Pacific |
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| Get it on Amazon for ~$30. |
As you know from my Monthly Ponderable Thought I'm ready for Spring (Summer really). I really like the trends coming this spring. Tight is out! Sleek is in! There is a big difference. The look on the right is PERFECT. I'm going to use this color palette now. A pale blouse, grey wide leg trousers, and black lab coat. For now, I'll wear a long black sweater and a pale turtleneck.
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| Preview for Spring 2015 - Take a look at more on Vogue UK |
Stay stylish!
Check out some more fashion finds on my Pinterest page.
Saturday, December 6, 2014
Blogs You Must Check Out (Today): Self-Publishing Tips
I've scoured the internet so you wouldn't have to. If you need help with promoting and marketing your ebook, these sites will be valuable resources. Bookmark!
1/30/15 Update: http://backlinko.com/on-page-seo
http://inkwelleditorial.com/self-publishing-profits-3-reasons-short-fiction-ebooks-sell
http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/free-ebook-promotion_b52130
http://denisewakeman.com/marketing-trends/19-ways-promote-ebook/
http://socialmediasun.com/how-to-promote-your-ebook-on-twitter/
http://business.tutsplus.com/articles/how-to-promote-your-self-published-ebook-on-social-media--fsw-39575
Follow me on Twitter @akagia for more!!
Event Planning: The Ultimate "At-Work" Baby Shower
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| Buy this and more woodland creature images here. |
Once we decided on a day, I batted around several great ideas. I was thinking we could treat her to a fancy luncheon at the Jefferson Hotel. Fancy lunches are few and far between when you first have a baby. But, I didn't want to have to transport the attendees. So, I decided to have a catered lunch for her at work in one of the small conference rooms. We'd be able to decorate and move at our own pace.
I sat down with her and discussed her nursery theme and other ideas that I could incorporate in the fete. I wanted her woodland creatures nursery theme to be woven throughout all aspects of the shower.
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| Design by Amanda Gia. Need invitations? Contact me. |
I designed the invitation and emailed them to guests. The guests needed to access her registry. Shop Amazon - Create an Amazon Baby Registry
Now all I have to do is order the food and coordinate with my creative coworker to decorate.
Now all I have to do is order the food and coordinate with my creative coworker to decorate.
I can't forget the games! I promised everyone that we would not have to partake in baby food or guess the candy bar poop. But, I did come up with and found some cool games that everyone should enjoy.
- Baby Name Game & Big Reveal: Find out the meaning of all guests' names. Put some extra cards in with weird meanings and one with the baby's name meaning. Each person takes a turn picking from the cards, reading the meaning and guessing who's name it is. When someone picks the baby's name and guesses (incorrectly of course), the mom-to-be will reveal the baby's name. Stack the deck so the baby's name is near the bottom.
- Memory: Hang a clothes line across the room with baby items. After everyone has eaten during cleanup, take the line down. Pass out paper for everyone to write down as many items as the can remember. The one who writes the most items wins a prize. Thanks The Bump!
Aside from planning this awesome shower, I've been giving her great advice about enjoying pregnancy and how exciting (and exhausting) being a mom can be. I've also told her about products and services that will make her life way easier. One being Amazon Mom. Amazon Mom is a membership program aimed at helping parents and caregivers in the prenatal through toddler years use Amazon to find and save on products their families need. Saving money is essential as a new parent! Amazon Mom is open to anyone, whether you're a mom, dad, grandparent, or caretaker. Try Amazon Mom for Free .
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Update:
This is the decor, but with pink instead of aqua. Burlap is my friend!
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| More pics here. |
Friday, December 5, 2014
I'm a Published Author!
My Author Page on Amazon is live! My book is $2.99, but if you sign up for Kindle Unlimited, you can read it for FREE! Can you sense the excitement in my tone!!!
Monthly "Ponderable" Thought
While I love Christmas and all of the wonder of the season, am I a "Baa Humbug" because I miss summertime's long days of fun in the sun?
My Dream Come True
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| Download it to your Kindle or Kindle Reader TODAY! Amazon.com - Read eBooks using the FREE Kindle Reading App on Most Devices
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Finally, after months of trying to figure out how I could get my book to the masses, my ebook is available on Amazon! Just in time for Christmas, the holiday season, and cozy nights at home, Enigmatic Encounters: The Beginning is a witty coming of age story set on a small southern college campus. The next book in the series will be out next year, so don't panic! You will find out what happens next with Leslie, Drew, and Bruce, but you have to get this book first to find out what happens in The Beginning.
Friday, November 21, 2014
What's for Lunch? CODA Urban Bistro
I've seriously neglected my blog for the past couple of weeks, but it's for good reason. I have a lot of great things to share in the near future. Over the holidays, I'll have way more time to provide intriguing content, but for now, there will be a bit of silence.
With that said, I'm writing a quick note about how awesome my lunch was today. A crab cake sandwich, with passion fruit tartar sauce and a yummy field greens salad was the perfect way to chow down today at CODA Urban Bistro, a new restaurant in Downtown Richmond (located next to the National). The environment was very pleasant and had a rustic feel. The waitstaff was quite knowledgeable about the menu and gave great recommendations. The speed of service was adequate and my water glass never went below half full.
Everyone in my party of 5, enjoyed their meals and desired to go back soon. It seems as if we are a little late in finding out just how delicious CODA's food is because I noticed state dignitaries dining there as we walked out. Check CODA out, if you're ever looking for a refreshing take on some classics like pulled pork sandwich and meaty crab cakes (not too "bready"). Plus, they have other very interesting fare that will tantalize those taste buds. I'll be going back there soon because I must try the Fish Tacos for lunch and the Thai Curry Duck with quinoa for dinner!
With that said, I'm writing a quick note about how awesome my lunch was today. A crab cake sandwich, with passion fruit tartar sauce and a yummy field greens salad was the perfect way to chow down today at CODA Urban Bistro, a new restaurant in Downtown Richmond (located next to the National). The environment was very pleasant and had a rustic feel. The waitstaff was quite knowledgeable about the menu and gave great recommendations. The speed of service was adequate and my water glass never went below half full.
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| CODA Urban Bistro 700 E. Broad Street RVA 23219 804.643.CODA |
Monday, November 3, 2014
Fall Fashion Watch: Booted!
Well the temperatures on the East Coast have dropped for good it seems. Couple that with the shorter days and it's a recipe for disaster for me! I love warm Miami weather! Yet, this time of year is a great time to get booted. Whether they're ankle booties or thigh high, boots are the perfect accent to most outfits. On the weekends, I live in Uggs (don't judge me) or my Fryes. But during the week I step up any outfit by choosing the right boot. Don't fret if you're a fluffy girl and want a nice looking calf boot that is NOT all elastic. You can go here and check out all the great varieties.
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Fall Fashion Watch: Layers
Note from me: Wow! I had no idea I had such a loyal following. I wasn't able to get my Monday Fashion post up which disappointed quite a few people. Let me apologize for letting 'life' get in the way of providing your Fall Fashion fix! I promise it won't happen again...
Layers!
With weather fighting transitions from warm to chilly, we are left trying to decide what to wear that will translate from cold (almost freezing) mornings into warm, sunny afternoons. I really don't like lugging a big coat around in the afternoons, so I've compiled some layered looks that will help you peel off and put back on what you need as the weather does its own thing during the day. Some of these looks will work well in the Spring too!
Layers!
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| Start out with all of these pieces (even the sandals in your bag). As the temp warms up, peel off the jacket to reveal the cute dress and leggings. Hotter? Slip away and slip the leggings off. Way too hot? Tee, leggings and sandals will do the trick! |
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| It's freezing when you're on the way to the office and by the time you leave, its 80 degrees! No problem. These pieces can mix and match to bring you great comfort. An added bonus is that you can mix and match them to translate into a night on the town (blouse, skirt, and cape) or feeling more daring, just wear your buttoned blazer and skirt. A safety pin will insure that the "girls" stay put. |
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| An Oxford shirt is a must have! It can go over and under sweaters. In this case, wear it open over the sleeveless sweater. Temps rising? Take the jacket off, wrap the oxford around your waste and trek on! |
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