5 Things You Need For A Night At The Bar// Plus NEVER Be Hungover Again

Monday, August 4, 2014

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Guys have it so easy when they prepare for a night out on the town.  All they need is their wallet and cell phone.   Alas, it's not that easy for us gals, but I have a great way we can all one-up them.  




So here are 5 things you MUST bring along for a night at the bar AND an amazing way to never feel hungover again! (Yes, I'm telling you there is an anti-hangover solution that exists!)





1. Cash
I like to bring cash with me when I go out rather than a card because I am always afraid I'll lose the card or that I'll spend too much money on drinks.  Cash helps you stick to a budget for the night and it's way easier to pay a cabbie with cash then a charge card.


2. A Fully Charged Phone
You never know when you'll need to make an emergency call to a friend, call a cab, or locate a friend that broke away from the crowd. ALWAYS charge your phone before going out on the town.

3. Lip Gloss
You know when you go into the bathroom and see your pale skin, red eyes, and frizzy hair and you don't know what to do?  You've become a hot sweaty mess from dancing the night away, but a little bit of lip gloss can make you look more polished.

4. A Hair Tie
Sometimes you just need to get your hair up off your neck, especially if you accidentally drink too much and get sick, so never leave home without one.


 
5. Never Hungover
That's right, Never Hungover is the key to making the most of your weekends.  There's nothing worse than waking up on Sunday and being unable to even carry a load of laundry to the machine without falling over from a dizzy spell.

Never Hungover is a hangover prevention drink packed with natural vitamins, antioxidants, amino acids, nutrients, and minerals.  Some of the key ingredients are B5, B12, Aloe Vera, Green Tea Extract, and Milk Thistle.

It works by neutralizing and processing the toxins create by alcohol in the liver and kidneys.  You should consume it before or during your night out drinking.  1 bottle should be consumed for every 4 drinks.   You can shoot it straight or you can mix it with something else.


This seriously has saved my Sundays.   I enjoy wine on Saturday nights and normally I'm too tired and worn down to run the next morning and do my weekly chores and laundry loads, but ever since I've tried Never Hungover, I've felt amazing.  The taste is great and it really did work!


Parrish Whitaker (the CEO) has an experience when his sister was diagnosed with Lupus in 2006.  In order to save her from the disease, Parrish's father donated his kidney to her.  Their recoveries were enhanced by a nutrient-rich antioxident that their family holistic doctor prescribed.  After being impressed by the formula, Parrish decided to experiment with other uses of the formula and that's how Never Hungover was born!

And if you see below, you can get 20% off with the Promo code!
 
 
So literally...DON'T leave home without it!
 
 
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Last Chance to Join My Cash Giveaway !



This is your FINAL CHANCE to sign up to be a part of this event.  So far we are up to $80 to giveaway.  

Use the form below to sign up before Wednesday, August 6th.





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10 Reasons Your Blog Traffic Isn't Growing + How to Fix




Do you gain new readers everyday? Does your traffic grow on a weekly/monthly basis?  

You see...

THIS is what healthy blog growth looks like. It grows every month.  EVERY month. 

And do you know why?  Because I improve my blog in multiple ways every month.  If you put the time and effort into your blog (moreso the effort) you WILL reap the benefits and you will be able to make more money off your blog.

Interesting Content=New Traffic = Good Stats= Impressive to Brands = More Opportunities to Work with Brands. 

Simple as that. 

So if your blog stats don't look like that, below is a list of reasons that may be why and what you can do about them!

1. Boring Content
Are you posting content that you would want to read on someone elses blog?   Do you even read your own posts?     If you don't post interesting content or fun articles (5 Fashion Faux Pas You May Already Have Done) then chances are there's nothing appealing to new readers, or even current ones.

How to fix this: Think of things you would want to read or that you know excites your readers and then try to make it more fun to read.  Instead of posting about online shopping site deals, post about why everyone NEEDS each deal you include.  



2. Crappy Reviews
No one cares about the product you are reviewing unless you make it interesting.   STOP using pictures from the product's website and TAKE YOUR OWN!   

Don't ever ever ever copy and paste things from a press release email or the website itself... that's super boring and not good for your SEO so make sure you write about it yourself.  Trust me, we can all tell when someone copies and pastes information right into their blog post.  

And stop reviewing items that have nothing to do with your site.  We don't care about a shoe horn for your new pair of shoes if your blog is about DIY crafts.

How to fix this: Easy, stop doing everything I said above, and start putting your all into every review.  As you write a review pretend that you will get paid $1,000 if you make a good one.   

3. Unappealing Blog Design + Layout
Keep it simple and clean.  Pick a SOLID COLOR BACKGROUND (no graphics puhlease!) or a simple pattern and make sure it's a basic color (no neon please!). 

Does your site have tons of ads all over it and is some of your widget items off center?  

How to fix this: Keep it uniform.  Keep it 2-3 columns MAX and make sure everything fits and is spaced correctly.  Don't load your blog sidebar with ads.  No one will click them and it won't be appealing to your readers.  Be very selective.

4. No Problem is Solved for Readers
People like to read articles about solutions to problems. Can a specific problem be resolved by reading your blog post?  If not, then rethink how you write things or what you include.  

No one cares if you saw a really cool desk organizer at Target.  But what we do care about is if you post about how it keeps your desk clutter free, since most of us deal with cluttered desks everyday.   See what I mean?

How to fix this: Next time you think of a topic, play Jeopardy with yourself and figure out what question the product or topic resolves.

5.  You don't use social media effectively
It's okay to use your Twitter and Facebook for giveaway entries and tweeting and promoting your posts but make sure you also post interesting NON LINK statuses.   Ask a question that engages readers like "Which pair of shoes should I get, these or these?" or post a really cool quote that people can share/retweet.  

How to fix this: Make sure you interact with other people and respond to their statuses.  Also interact with brands so you get on their radar.  Also, when big names tweet you back, their followers may see it and decide to follow you!


6. You don't comment on other blogs
I know it may seem like a lot of effort, but reading and leaving a comment on other blogs is great for your traffic.  It gets that blogger and their readers to see what you said and possibly check out your page.

How to fix this: Find other blogs in your niche and comment on their posts GENUINELY (not Hi, great post).  Also leave a link to your blog at the bottome of your comment.  

7. You post too often
Try to limit your posts to no more than 3 a day.  It overwhelms readers if they always feel like they are behind on your blog.   Make an editorial calendar and stick to the schedule.  Also combine topics into fewer posts.   You can mention your favorite beauty products in one big post instead of individual ones.

How to fix this: Make a month's layout for an editorial calendar and start writing in your post ideas.   You'll see how much more sane you stay when you are on a schedule.


8. You don't post enough
If you don't post enough then people won't want to come to your page on a regular basis.  Sometimes if I check a blog multiple times in a week and there are no new posts, I lose interest, easy as that.

How to fix this: Try to post regular featuers like a weekly fitness post on Monday, a weekly giveaway on Wednesday, and a review every Thursday and Friday. 

9. Your post titles are lame
A post title sells your article especially on social media.  Ever notice the articles you tend to click on and read? They are probably lists (5 ways to be happier) or solutions to a problem (how to get out of an exercise slump).

How to fix this: After you write a post, THEN think of a title.   Try to make it a numbered list so the title can reflect that, or try to think of what the title should say in order to entice anyone and everyone to click it (Wait till you see what I did this weekend...).

10. You don't invest in your blog  
Sorry, but if you won't spend $50 on a layout or $20 on business cards, you'll never get that much back from your blog.   I make more than I spend on my blog so I speak from experience when I say stop being cheap.  Invest in your blog.  It's an amazing tool to help you grow.

How to fix this:  Don't cheap out on blog design layout, a logo, business cards, or attending events.


Which of these reasons applies to you and how will you fix it?
 






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My Month Without...Complaining

Friday, August 1, 2014





I'm participating in my own little project called My Year Without. Each month, I go without something different.  


January-texting and driving.  

February -cursing.
March- spending. 
April -candy.
May - Fast Food
June - Gossip
July - Indoor Tanning


So for August I'm giving up complaining.  I am actually pretty good with this already but I really want to make it a point to be in a better state of mind.


What can you live without this month? 












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4 Types of Energy Needs + A Giveaway

5-Hour Energy provided me with samples and a gift card in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions are my own.  Read my Disclosure Policy.

Most of us have really busy lives and in between work, family, household chores, errands, and sleeping we find ourselves worn out and in need of energy.  The thought of an energy shot may intimidate you, and that's okay because there are different kinds of energy needs. 
 
That's where 5-hour ENERGY shots are perfect.  It's important to have a refreshing drink during the summer heat and what better way to cool down then with a drink that gives you some extra energy. 
 






So which type are you?

 Type 1: Pretty Little Tired
You have an exhausting daily routine that includes going to the gym, working, laundry, shopping, and your intense beauty routine.   So why not enjoy A Pink Lemonade 5-hour ENERGY mixed in with lemonade!     You'll get a fabulous taste and an extra boost (without the sugar) so you can get everything on your pretty little to-do list done!
 

2. The Secretive Energy Drain
No matter how many people ask you, you will NOT admit that you need your second wind.   Your tired eyes are "because of allergies" and you will never admit anything beyond that.  Well it's okay, you can be discreet and get some EXTRA Strength 5-hour ENERGY and no one will know the difference! Sour Apple??? Yum!!!!   Why not mix it into your favorite apple juice drink or fruit juice! 5-hour ENERGYhelps people feel alert and energized for hours....so crisis averted!
 
 
 
3. The Fitness Buff/ Picky Eater
Ohhh of course you are exhausted by now because you're at the gym bright and early EVERY day!  So choose from a variety of flavors that you can mix into your seltzer water - Grape, Berry, Pomegranate, Orange, and Lemon Lime.  You're so careful what you put in your body so as long as you can pair this with a delicious and healthy drink you're happy!   5-hour ENERGY shots are dietary supplements that provide hours of energy and alertness.
4. Laid-Back and Tired
Meditating, Yoga, and "Me" time can be just as exhausting with a busy work day.  And since you want to be able to relax and get some sleep you can choose DECAF or Extra Strength (if you need a mental kick).   Why not mix the DECAF or Extra Strength Grape in with your favorite tea as you sit on your porch and take in the sounds of nature. Remember, 5-hour ENERGY has zero sugar, zero carbs, zero herbal stimulants and 4 calories!


See? There are so many uses for 5-hour ENERGY.  And  you can consume up to 2 bottles of 5-hour ENERGY spaced several hours apart.  For moderate energy, drink 1/2 bottle of 5-hour ENERGY.







Remember, 5-hour ENERGY® is not an energy drink or intended to be mixed with alcohol. It is not intended for children, women who are pregnant or nursing, or people with medical conditions. It does not increase physical performance, dexterity, or endurance and does not treat or cure any disease or medical condition. Do not drink more than two per day, do not drink more than one at a time.
  
But wait.. there is WAY more.     Are you creative when it comes to drinks?   Well, since the makers of 5-hour ENERGY know that the flavors can be strong, they are encouraging people to mix a shot with an everday beverage to make a creative yummy
 
 The makers of 5-hour ENERGY® know the flavors can be strong, so they are encouraging people to mix a 5-hour ENERGY® shot with an everyday beverage to create a yummy, enjoyable drink. Then you can enter to win a share of $100,000 by entering the 5-hour ENERGY® “Yummification” video contest!

I gave you some interesting ideas above so it's your turn to get creative. 

Make a video of your favorite way to mix a 5-hour ENERGY Shot with an everyday beverage and submit it so it can be judged on the creativity of the video and the taste of your creation. 
 
· Drink creations must follow the approved/non-approved ingredients guidelines (i.e. no caffeinated beverages or alcohol)
· To enter the contest, visit www.5houryummification.com and follow the instructions to complete the entry form; “Like” 5-hour ENERGY® on Facebook, then create and submit a video that is no longer than 60 seconds showing an original combination being made, tasted, and named (creativity counts!)
· One grand prize winner will receive $50,000, and the following prizes will also be awarded: $1,000 fourth prizes to ten winners, $10,000 third prize to  one winner, and a second prize winner that gets $30,000. 
 
Entries must be received by August 19, 2014 at 11:59 p.m. EDT to be eligible. No purchase necessary. US residents only. 18 years and up  
 
  For official rules, visit 5houryummification.com






If you don't already, be sure to follow 5-hour ENERGY on Twitter!









And one lucky winner will get a 5-hour ENERGY Prize Pack which includes a $25 Gift Card!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway



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High Speed High Waist

This site has affiliate links and sponsored content. Read my Disclosure Policy.

You'll see it... wait till I move...


There it is!!!  My neighbor has had this sign up as long as I can remember.   It's seriously just a joke but I think it makes an awesome conversation piece for the background of photos.
Now let me tell you about my struggle with jeans.  I hate jeans lately because they just push on my waist so much and I am in one of those awkward times where I'm losing inches but also gaining muscle so I'm still filling my jeans out in different ways.


So these are the Hyde High Rise Skinny Jeans from Mia & Moss.   They are super comfortable and the high waist actually makes them fit better than I originally thought.  They are great when you want to tuck in a shirt.
I also how they look untucked.  The fit is amazing and they come in dark, black, and light wash.  Of course I wanted the light wash because it's great for a more casual look.  I dressed the whole outfit up with a pair of wedge heels. 

So What I Wore:
Hyde High Rise Skinny Jeans - Mia & Moss; Shirt - Body Central; Wedge heels - Just Fab.




HEY!!!!!   You can get 15% off at Mia & Moss with the code




ELLENFRIENDFAM
 
And Free Shipping with the code

MMFRIENDFAM04



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