I cannot believe I’m typing the words that my blog has been live for TWO YEARS! What started out as me simply wanting to share how to shop on a budget, lots of ambition and ideas has turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! On October 15th, 2018 I published my very first blog post on how to style a dress five ways with no clue what I was doing…photos taken in my mom’s backyard with full on sunlight, unflattering poses, weird facial expressions, haha the list goes on but everyone starts somewhere! Now here I am two years later and I’ve been able to work with the country’s top fashion and beauty brands, made friendships to last a lifetime, all while doing what I love…shopping of course!

WHAT I’VE LEARNED ABOUT MYSELF

I quickly learned that blogging and networking go hand in hand. That was a struggle for me because I am one of the most introverted and shy people you will ever meet. I had a local blogger reach out to have lunch one day and I was so nervous! I went and we hit it off and I’ve since then met several local bloggers and it’s made me come out of my shell A LOT! I also feel like I lacked confidence and had low self esteem, but being able to put myself out and my life out there for everyone to see, taking photos in public places, and meeting with other bloggers has helped with that so much.

I’ve also learned that I can be quite the business woman! I have no business background or degree but when you enter into negotiations and contracts with brands, you have to learn real quick how to negotiate and read contracts.

Third and very important…I found that I’m pretty good at time management and getting things done in a short amount of time. I’ve been doing this for two years, while working a full time job the entire time and taking care of my family and a six month stint of moving in my grandmother and caring for her. But I believe being consistent has been key to me growing and being successful. Currently, I’m working 4 days a week and cramming all content creating into 3 days!

WHAT’S THE LAST TWO YEARS BEEN LIKE?

It wasn’t until about 18 months in before I started to get brand deals and making a decent income. But that didn’t come without days of hard work and research and consistency. What people don’t tell you about blogging is that it never shuts off. It doesn’t stop until you make an effort to stop which I have yet to take a lengthy break. There’s engagement to do, emails to answer, brands to pitch, photoshoots to plan…it’s a constant hustle but if you want to be successful, you MUST put in the work. I put a lot of pressure on myself (sometimes unnecessarily) for things to be perfect. It’s hard, hard work. I will go to multiple locations in the same outfit to get “that shot.” There’s a lot of planning involved with outfits and sales and blogs and honestly it’s a little overwhelming at times, especially with my day job but it’s all worth it to me.

I have made the best friends with girls that I’ve never met face to face. Women that I can share my victories and struggles with and just chat about every day stuff. Can’t wait for the day that we can meet but I’m so happy to have met these sweet ladies and made lifelong friendships.

I’m still learning every day because the world of social media is ever changing. I love the community that I’ve built and I’m so happy when I receive a message of something that I’ve shared that someone has purchased and loved or a DM of an Instagram tip that’s helped someone. Thank you all so much for being here and helping make The Thrifty Blonde what it is today!

XOXO

Lauren

Tie Dye is definitely making a comeback and one of THE most popular trends of the summer. Here are a few of my picks and some of my favorite tie dye looks over the season.

1. Tie Dye Romper
2. Tie Dye Tee and Shorts
3. Tie Dye Cami Dress
4. Tie Dye Headband
5. Tie Dye Bikini
6. Tie Dye Round Neck Pullover
7. Tie Dye Maxi Dress
8. Tie Dye Good Vibes Tee
9. Tie Dye Lightweight Hoodie
10. Tie Dye Sleeveless Dress
11. Tie Dye Sports Bra
12. Tie Dye Ball Cap

SOME TIE DYE THAT I OWN AND LOVE!

Tie Dye Top | Wide Leg Jeans

Tie Dye Dress | Rubber Sandals

Tie Dye Tee | Denim Shorts

Tie Dye Pajama Set

Tie Dye Midi Dress

Tie Dye Romper

Tie Dye Kimono

Typed up 2 months ago and never published.

This week my family and I laid my grandmother to rest. It’s been a roller coaster of emotions for me since then. I’ve spent nights crying, I’ve had moments where I’ve felt guilty about arguments we had, I’ve been happy for her because I know she’s free from suffering now and I’ve laughed with my family about crazy stuff she’s said and done.  I’ve also felt a lot of anxiousness and depression over the last few days.  I was in the room when she went peacefully and it was really a “God thing” that the nurse was even here because I had declined weekend visits, but felt like one needed to come out. I was always worried about what I would do when I walked in and found her not breathing so it’s all God that it happened this way. The nurse said something that really resonated with me and it was that we are taught growing up that we have to mourn and grieve a certain way and wear all black to a funeral but really we all grieve in our own way, in our own time.

This is my story and I choose how I will let this affect me. If and when you experience loss, no one can tell you how to grieve or how long to grieve. Life is full of trials and tribulations but it’s through the fire that we are molded. Her passing dealt me a huge blow and it will take me while to get over. My husband officiated her service and mentioned this verse and it’s so fitting and beautiful. ~~For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born, and a time to die. Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

HOW I AM MOVING FORWARD:

I will admit, I’ve been off the last few days but I’m the type of person that likes to have some sort of routine, some sense of normalcy. The goal-oriented Type-A in me wants to reach that goal quickly.  I’m trying to keep posting my normal content on Instagram. I’m also fortunate to have a blog and a wonderful, supportive community there where I can write and still have something to keep me busy, creative and distracted. I’ve been spending as much time as I can with my family, keeping in touch and spending time together as much as possible. Having a good support system has gotten me through this and so much more. I also had to immediately get rid of her things. I could not keep them around and have that daily reminder. In order for me to to move forward, I needed to do that. I’m bad about expressing my feelings at first. I have to have time to process them,  so I have just needed to NOT talk, mainly because I would cry but I just needed time to be in my head. The reality is I will never get over her passing, I’ll just learn to live with it.

WHAT’S NEXT:

Taking care of my grandmother was a full time job. A job that I was being paid for and since she’s no longer here, my blog is now my only source of income. My husband, of course works but we won’t have that extra income. We’ve decided to stay in our apartment for a few more months, then move to something a little smaller and that will allow me to stay at home with Caden during the summer. So, for now I have to get used to JUST being a stay at home mom and really hustle on my blog. That’s something that I’ve always wanted to do, but obviously never wanted it to happen this way.  I may eventually go back to work because thankfully I have a skill and once the pandemic is over it will be easier to find a job.

FAST FORWARD TWO 1/2 MONTHS!!

I wrote those first few paragraphs a few days after my grandmother’s passing and my emotions were so all over the place, I didn’t publish it. If you are new to my blog, I quit job in November 2019, moved my grandmother in with me and she passed six months later. An update on my life as of July 5, 2020 goes like this…

We were living in a pretty large 3 bedroom apartment but since we didn’t need that much room anymore (and to pay that much rent) we decided to downsize to a two bedroom and stay in the same apartment complex. We love it here and are in an up and coming part of town and the elementary school is right down the road. On June 13th we moved into our 2 bedroom! We can actually walk to the pool now 🙂

I still needed a job. Yes, people do make a career out of blogging and I could have done that but honestly that is NOT my dream. I absolutely LOVE what I do as a fashion blogger and I have worked my booty off to get where I am but my main love is in healthcare. I wanted to go back to work but not full force! Before when I was working, I felt like I was going through the motions and dreaded going to work Monday morning. I wanted something where I could go back to work but not so many hours. That way I could still be at home with Caden and still continue to put in the work to monetize my blog. One day, while scrolling Facebook, one of my former co-workers posted that any lab techs needing a job to contact her so I sent her a message and the job description was absolutely what I was looking for! Four days a week, paid holidays, a small doctor’s office with one doctor, great hours…I could not have asked for better. On June 22nd, I started my new job making more money than I’ve ever made at any job, the doctor I work for is wonderful, it’s close to my apartment and my co-workers and boss are so sweet and helpful!

My husband, Todd was sent home to work because of COVID and is still working from home, so I don’t have to worry about childcare during the day, which I know is a struggle for most families. I know in my heart that I did the right thing by taking in my grandmother and giving her the best possible life I could. It’s still hard to type this without getting emotional. I do feel very happy and like a fresh start with a new job and new apartment. You really never know what can happen in just one year.

When starting a blog or Instagram account as an influencer, taking the photos can feel as if it’s the most awkward part and the most time consuming…but it really doesn’t have to be. I don’t call myself a pro at by any means and I’m certainly not a model but after being in front of the camera for my Insta pics for over a year I feel a little more relaxed. I made a list of a few tips I feel may help you on your next shoot.

1. First, lets talk about LIGHTING. I take all of my photos with my iPhone 11 and I feel like I get the best outcomes when I take photos in the shade vs full out sun. Early morning or late even is also a really good time to take photos but I’m not usually available either of those times so I just have to find a nice shady spot. You want the sun to your back for best results!
2. It’s also good to invest in a tripod with a lighting ring and blue tooth remote. Total game changer! You don’t have to wait on anyone to take your photo. Mine was around $75 on Amazon. Link here TRIPOD
3. Don’t worry about what people on the street are thinking! Believe me, you aren’t the first person they’ve seen posing for a photo and you aren’t the last. I know this will take time and honestly this bothers my husband now more than it bothers me. Start out to going places that are less crowded. The longer you do it, the more confidence you will gain.
4. When posing, have fun with it! Keep moving every 2-3 seconds while shooting! Most of the time, the  shots where you’re not even trying end up being the best ones.
5. Relax your body. Steer away from robotic looking poses and try different camera angles.
6.  WHERE DO I PUT MY HANDS? Use a prop. I’m really bad about this, meaning I always forget to bring one, but flowers are always a good addition or a cute bag…get creative. Put them in your pocket, touch your hair (not too much), hold them in the air!
7.  Look at the camera! My husband tells me this all the time when he’s taking my picture. I always tend to look away or look down but your audience want to see your eyes and your smile too! Connect with them that way.
8. Always point your toes, especially my fellow petite gals! It helps elongates those legs!

9. When I’m shooting swimwear or anything that shows my midsection, I always place my arm in front. It’s really your personal preferance, but take time to learn your best angles. Practice in the mirror! I know that sounds weird, but it helps!

10. You don’t have to travel all over to get photos! I went downtown one day and got content for 3 days taking these photos within 20 feet of each other.

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CONFIDENCE IS KEY!! Whether  you are taking a mirror selfie or a full blown photo shoot on location, you need to own it! Thanks for stopping by and I hope this helps!

You’re quarantined either by yourself, with a significant other or your kids…now what? If you or your family is anything like mine you are constantly on the go and it’s been a major adjustment to slow down. Six months ago I would still be working in a doctors office going into the lab right now, so I am so very thankful for my current situation to be able to work from home and be here with my son. If you are getting cabin fever and needs some ideas to keep you and the little ones busy, Caden and I came up with a list of mom and kid approved things to do when you get bored!

1. Hide and go seek! Caden’s number one activity, always!
2. Resume normal school work. Check your school’s website for activities, also read to your child or have them read at least 20 minutes independently a day. Journaling and writing sentences is also important. Keeping structure and routine is super important for kids!
3. Take a walk! Keep your distance of course 😉 Now is the time to break out those riding toys and bikes that Santa Clause brought! Take the dog too! Getting outside everyday and getting fresh air will help you feel not so cooped up.
4. Birdwatching. This may sound boring in itself, but it’s actually pretty fun.
5. Cook at home. Try a new recipe and have your kids help. Caden feels like the biggest helper when he gets to cook.
6. Clean your home. I think we all know how important it is to keep things sanitized right now but now would be a good time to clean out those junk drawers, toilets, baseboards, things you normally wouldn’t have time to do. Let the kids help!
7. Review your closet for items you don’t want and drop them in the thrift store donate bin. That would be a way to get out of the house one day.
8. Read or listen to a motivating book.
9. Film that IGTV or tutorial you’ve been putting off.
10. Do a fun manicure. Get creative!
11. Delete emails, photos, and old contacts from your phone.
12. Update your resume.
13. Binge all the Netflix shows!
14. Draw, color, paint! Look up step by step how to draw activities and let the kids have  art time.
15. Shop ONLINE! Small businesses and the economy in general is still counting on us as consumers to continue consuming…things other than food. I’m not saying buy stuff that you don’t need and I do understand that several people are out of work right now and your family and basic needs come first.

The Lord will keep you from all harm–he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121:7-8