this is a page for

Category: General

How to Use Influencer Marketing to Promote Your Business


If you’re not familiar with the term, an “influencer” is someone who has a large following on social media. They’re followed by swarths of fans who regularly view their content and respect what they have to say.

In this way, they have influence over specific groups of people. That isn’t to say that this is a negative sort of influence, only that influencers have a good deal of respect in their respective niches.

Another thing that’s great about influencers is that their influence is so specific. Typically, an influencer is an expert in some kind of field. Whether it’s beauty, outdoor exploration, video games, skateboarding, or any other topic that humans have an interest in, there’s probably an influencer that has a decent following in that field.

This gives you the ability to reach out to influencers in your field and use them to help you expose thousands of interested customers to your product. For marketers, an interested audience with a respected endorsement is invaluable.

If you’re having trouble finding great influencers to work with, we can help you out with some more ideas. You can find a complete guide to influencer networks if you wish to learn more.

How to Connect with Influencers

Your goal should be to find influencers who most directly speak to your target audience. If your business is closely related to their field of expertise, there’s a good chance that they will agree to use you as a sponsor.

It’s also important that they respect your business and are willing to get behind your message and product.

Your agreement should include a particular set of specifications to include your product in their content. Decide how many pieces of content you’d like to be spotlighted in, what kind of spotlight you’d like, and how much each instance of exposure will cost.

Then create a payment agreement that you can work with the influencer on. Typically, they’ll have specific rates for each sponsorship and you might have to adhere to what they say on that fact.

Remember, influencers have created a career for themselves that they can direct however they please. They have nobody to answer to, and odds are that there are a lot of companies that would be happy to sponsor them.

Once you’ve got the agreement laid out, your business will be supported by a respected member of your target audience. That endorsement can do a great deal for your business, especially if their content features themselves using your product and uses a call to action for followers to make a purchase.

It never hurts if you include a discount code for references, either.

Need More Marketing Help?

Getting more business through influencer marketing is easy if you can manage a great campaign. If you’re having trouble finding great influencers to work with, we can help you out with some more ideas.

Explore our site for more ideas on digital marketing and how to get your business to see better results.

Buying a house: First Steps to Take

Image Source

Considering buying a house? This is great news! By buying your own home, you can gain a lot more control over your life, as you aren’t worried about potentially having to move properties every time a tenancy or lease comes to an end. You will also find yourself investing in something that you get to keep for yourself, sell later down the line or pass on to loved ones. Of course, buying a house is no minor step. Your home tends to be the biggest asset you spend money on in your lifetime, so you’re going to want to take the process seriously and do what you can to get the best house you can for your money. Here are a few steps that can guide you along this path and help you experience success in your house-buying journey!

Determining Your Budget

When you start seriously considering making the move from renting to buying, you are going to need to know how much you can realistically spend on your house. Having a budget will give you insight into what you can afford. This will then give you the freedom to start browsing houses and seeing what you might be able to get for your money. There are a few different ways you can determine your budget, but those outlined below provide a good place to start out!

Use a Mortgage Calculator

Next, you need to know how much you need to save. This is where mortgage calculators come in useful. When you use a mortgage calculator, it will take your income and essential outgoings into account. It will then determine what is a reasonable mortgage amount that you’re likely to be approved for. There are plenty available online and the majority are free to use, such as tdsr.

Consult a Financial Advisor

Of course, mortgage calculators are a tool that can work well if you input information completely honestly and openly. But a financial advisor will be able to get to know you better as a person, including details concerning your field of work, your job security, your spending habits, and more. All of this information can then be drawn together to conjure up a long-term financial forecast for you. This can help to make a truly realistic budget that you are much more likely to stick to and live happily with. Sure, financial advisors may cost more, but often, they’re worth the investment.

Saving Your Deposit

Once you know how much you can spend on your home, you can get an idea of what kind of mortgage deposit you’re going to have to save. Generally speaking, mortgage lenders expect anything between a 0% deposit to a 20% deposit. Remember, the bigger a deposit you put down, the smaller your monthly mortgage payments will be. So, often, people like to put down as big a deposit as they possibly can. Now, saving a deposit is easier said than done, but here are some tips that can help you to achieve your goal in the best time possible.

Clear Any Outstanding Debt First

The first step you need to take before starting to save your mortgage deposit is to clear any outstanding debt that you may already have. At the end of the day, it doesn’t make sense to save when you already owe money out. By clearing your debts, you can avoid interest payments and funnel this money into your savings instead. Being debt free is also likely to help your mortgage application, as your lender will be able to see that you manage your finances responsibly.

Reduce Spending and Maximise Saving

Once you’re debt free, you’ll have a new slate and can start working towards your goal of saving your mortgage deposit. Now really is the time to start saving! But what steps can you do to maximize this skill and to put away as much as possible? Here are some suggestions that could prove pretty useful throughout this journey!

  • Open a LISA – when saving a mortgage deposit, you’re most likely best off putting your money into a LISA, or lifetime ISA. Put simply, this is a high interest savings account that will help you to save your mortgage deposit. Not only does it offer you a  space that is separate from your personal finances to save your money in – preventing you from dipping into it – but you will gain interest on the money that is in your account too! This account has a high interest rate in exchange for you building up the money in the account without withdrawing, so make sure to read the terms and conditions surrounding making withdrawals before depositing your money. If you don’t want to be fined for accessing your money if you need it, you can look into other high interest savings accounts with more flexibility.
  • Earn Money Online – remember that there are countless ways to earn extra money around your salary online. This means you can work your regular hours and then make some extra cash alongside what you earn from your usual job. Consider setting up an eBay store to sell on old or unwanted belongings. You could start up a freelance role and complete projects on a remote basis for a client or agency.
  • Request Overtime – if your workplace allows for overtime, you may want to consider booking some in. By putting in some requests for extra work andb by taking on the extra extra hours on offer, you can significantly increase your income, giving you more disposable income to put aside for extra savings towards your deposit.

Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll have your deposit saved, you will know how much you’re planning on spending overall and you can start getting in touch with estate agents to begin the official house hunting process. These are exciting times and, hopefully, some of the information provided will help you to get your hands on the house you truly want!

The Best Beach Towels For Summer

Every other summer I feel like I need to buy a new set of beach towels. I searched the internet for some of the best towels for the Summer of 2021. Here is what I found…I really like them all. It is tough to narrow it down…I love the look of a striped towel but some of these prints are looking so nice too!!! Decisions…Decisions!!!

These striped towels come in a bunch of colors and in a set of 6!!!

Screen Shot 2021 05 29 at 5.35.45 PM

These green palm design towels are FAB…If you are wanting more of a print…

Screen Shot 2021 05 29 at 5.37.35 PM

These retro-looking towels by bad.do are fabulous and come in a bunch of styles…so much fun to mix and match.

Screen Shot 2021 06 02 at 9.44.33 PM

I really like the look of this Missoni dupe. It is very glamorous!!

Screen Shot 2021 05 29 at 5.40.50 PM

Dying over this gorgeous Ikat print…

Screen Shot 2021 05 29 at 5.42.40 PM

This tie-dye stripe version is beautiful..love the color combination…

Screen Shot 2021 05 29 at 5.48.25 PM

This pattern is very Beverly Hill Hotel…might be my fave so far!!!!

Screen Shot 2021 05 29 at 5.49.08 PM

I like the idea of a wavy stripe…very different and also great colors!

Screen Shot 2021 05 29 at 5.52.59 PM

This is a great classic stripped towel from Amazon.

Screen Shot 2021 05 29 at 5.33.59 PM

My friend had a bunch of Turkish towels by her pool. They looked fabulous!!

Screen Shot 2021 05 29 at 6.05.02 PM

Why You Need a Skincare Routine and 4 Steps to Add to It

Throughout every single day, skin cells are dying and shedding. When left alone, these dead cells can cause the skin to look dull and dry. They can also contribute to irritation, wrinkles, and more. 

Taking care of your skin helps to get rid of these dead skin cells faster, promote healthy skin cell growth, and give an overall younger and healthier appearance. Additionally, a good skincare routine can:

  • Help reduce or treat acne and other skin conditions
  • Prevent or smooth out fine lines and wrinkles
  • Reduce or prevent irritation and itchiness 
  • Provide a brighter, more youthful appearance
  • Contribute to self-confidence

It’s challenging to know the full range of benefits you can experience until you start a routine. One thing is for sure, though: there are definitely advantages when you find the routine that’s right for you. The following steps can help make that happen.

How to Create a Good Skincare Routine

While your skin may require more or less care — or even more specific items — the following are the basic steps to add to your skincare routine.

Cleanse and Exfoliate

Screen Shot 2021 06 02 at 3.46.29 PM

It’s imperative to wash your skin daily with a cleanser designed for your skin type. For example, if you have oily skin, you need a product without added oils. If you have dry skin, you need one without alcohol. 

While cleansing your skin helps rid your face of most dirt and dry skin, it’s also important that you exfoliate. Doing so weekly helps to scrub away even more dead skin cells and let your fresh skin shine through. Be sure that you do not exfoliate more than a couple of times a week as it can damage your skin instead of producing the desired results. 

Moisturize

Screen Shot 2021 06 02 at 3.43.06 PM

Your skin needs hydration as much as the rest of your body. It’s essential that you moisturize your skin for it to have the ability to heal and produce healthy skin cells. Use moisturizer every time you wash your face.

Tone

Screen Shot 2021 06 02 at 3.42.43 PM

Toner is not considered essential for most people, but it can provide a lot of benefits. It can help remove any dirt and other items left behind by your cleanser. It can help smooth out skin, tighten pores, and improve complexion. They also give an extra boost of helpful ingredients, like antioxidants and exfoliants.

Start by using your toner after each cleansing. If your skin becomes irritated or dries out, cut back to once a day or less until you find the right frequency. 

Use Sunscreen

UV rays can cause a lot of damage to your skin. Some skincare products come with sunscreen already in them. These are great, but it’s usually best to add a separate sunscreen for added protection. 

Where to Buy High-Quality Skincare Products

When you have created your routine, you want to be sure that you put it to work using the best products available for your budget. There are several affordable brands online, such as Wishtrend in Canada. You can find quality skin care products for all different skin types at a budget-friendly price. 

A New Sponsor and A New Look For Summer…Stacy Bradley Design!

I am so excited to introduce you to a new Blog Sponsor Stacy Bradley Design. I really love Stacy’s pieces. I was looking for something new and I stumbled upon her caftans. They are simply gorgeous. The tiger design is my favorite but the Pucci-looking ones are so great too. The caftans go from the beach to dinner perfectly. I contacted Stacy and learned so much more about her business. I really was impressed. Look at her amazing denim jackets and belt buckles. I receive so many requests for a cute jean jacket to wear over dresses and the ones that Stacy designed with scarf accents are perfection.

Stacy Bradley is a fashion designer known for her keen eye for detail and predictions of new styles that the market craves.
She launched her line of One of a kind belt buckles handmade in the USA. She later began specializing in high-quality, unique Jean jackets embellished with silk designs, which instantly became a hit. Today, Stacy Bradley creates whimsically feminine caftans that often utilize hand-sewn silk fabric, unique embroidery, and embellishment.
She currently has an atelier in Florida and sells her designs in boutiques/ stores across America and online.
You might immediately recognize Stacy’s creations by their colorful combinations of unique silk fabrics, eye-catching designs & embellishment.
Intrinsically feminine, her work often incorporates custom designs and elegant twists to add an element of couture and sophistication. Unconventional color combinations often a prominent palette within each Stacy Bradley Design.
Add a simple touch of elegance to a shabby or chic outfit with a Stacy Bradley Design!

For more information or to see all of Stacy’s products, visit HER WEBSITE or her INSTAGRAM page!

This caftan is very understated..I can see it with a great pair of gold sandals…

Screen Shot 2021 06 01 at 8.37.15 PM

Here is one of the Pucci looking designs…I love the pink!!!

Screen Shot 2021 06 01 at 8.37.23 PM

How cute is this jacket?…the turquoise and floral print look so good together. This reminds me of the current Ken Scott Gucci prints!

Screen Shot 2021 06 01 at 8.38.04 PM

Here is another understated caftan look…This one would be incredible with silver sandals!!!

Screen Shot 2021 06 01 at 8.37.43 PM

This light blue Pucci looking print is one of my favorites!!!! I just love the soft blue color.

Screen Shot 2021 06 01 at 8.37.35 PM

Here are the tiger print caftans that I was telling you about. I also did not mention that due to the cut, this caftan style looks flattering on all body types. This is my choice for all 4th of July outings and events!!

Screen Shot 2021 05 26 at 8.57.53 AM

I posted this belt buckle in my stories on Memorial Day and everyone went crazy for the flag design. It looks so great with white jeans!!! All of the college girls were asking for one!!

Screen Shot 2021 06 01 at 9.44.55 PM

For those of you looking for a white jean jacket..how great is this one…perfect for over all of your summer dresses on cool evenings! This print also has the Ken Scott Gucci vibes.

Screen Shot 2021 06 01 at 8.38.26 PM

Here is another great-looking belt…..I have a feeling this style is going to be a best seller…such a classic horsebit design and great neutral colors…

Screen Shot 2021 06 01 at 8.38.20 PM

Here are more beautiful belt buckles…..Large belt buckles are so popular right now…These make great graduation gifts too…

Screen Shot 2021 06 01 at 8.41.21 PM

And…I saved my favorite for last…the Fushia Tiger. I loved this print so much. This is in my cart…I think I would wear it all summer from the beach to dinner with friends…Thinking now of how I can accessorize it!!!!

Screen Shot 2021 06 01 at 8.41.38 PM

The Life of an Everyday Hero: What the Front Lines of Emergency Medicine Are Like

Image Credit.

For most people, some of the scariest moments of their lives are only made bearable by the emergency medical staff who come to help. From paramedics to emergency doctors, these are the people that you want by your side. 

Perhaps you’re thinking of changing careers within the medical field and want to learn more about what to expect, or maybe you just want to know what emergency medical professionals go through. In any case, this field comes with its upsides and downsides, as with any other job. 

The medical field is crying out for more workers at the moment, so finding a job in emergency medicine shouldn’t be terribly difficult. However, this comes with its own risks. The combination of high stakes, large workloads, and constant pressure has led to high rates of burnout syndrome for emergency workers. 

Burnout syndrome can affect both the work and personal lives of emergency workers, so they need to be proactive in spotting the signs of burnout as early as possible. As you’d expect, the emergency medical field is physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding. Most workers have to physically lift and manipulate many patients over the day. 

On top of the physical demands, there’s the obvious fact that, while most patients suffer relatively minor injuries, emergency medical workers often have to deal with highly traumatic and emotional scenarios. During even these situations, these workers generally maintain an admirable sense of professionalism combined with appropriate empathy and compassion. Sometimes it pays to take a break when things get too much.

So, why do people work in this stressful, demanding field? Well, for all the difficulties that they face, emergency medical workers often find satisfaction in their work. It’s incredibly challenging, but many people consider that an upside, as these are highly active roles. It’s also exciting, as because the stakes are so high, you have to be on top of your game. 

Emergency medical workers have to be involved in many different cases, so they get a very well-rounded experience when working with patients. Yes, most of the cases will be relatively simple injuries, but some of them will keep a good doctor or paramedic challenged. Every case like this is an opportunity to learn. 

Remember, you aren’t tied down to a specific job within this field. There’s so much room to move around, which again allows you to learn more and hone your skills. You get to work with all kinds of different people, both as a colleague and as the person helping a patient.

The patients are often one of the highlights of this work. You have the chance to save a life, which is something that very few people can claim. Also, you will truly see the depth and breadth of the community you serve, getting to know patients and helping to support and care for them. This is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

Working in the emergency medicine field isn’t for everyone, but the fast-paced, challenging work might be just the kind of thing for you.