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If you have watched a movie of your favorite actor and now you are healthy to build a body that can reach your expectations, then it is not a bad idea. Building body means you are only making yourself strong from both outside and inside. Yes, there are few rules and things you have to learn about it, but the first step is always the difficult one.

Once you have stepped inside, a book will be opened, where you get the opportunity to meet new and experts in the GYM and work outfield. Since you are a newbie, you have to gear up yourself because you can loose one-day worth work out if you have not prepared well. You can always contact your trainer for more information but when you make some time to think what the are the basic things you need to have while building body.

If you are going to lift some weight for healthy muscles, then you need to have a good pair of GYM shoes that can hold your weight and also make your work go much easier. Weightlifting Shoes is the official name for the wear, which is very different from the regular shoes on the market.

How Well Do Weightlifting Shoes Work?

Some people think the regular running shoes are similar or same to the Weightlifting Shoes. However, that isn’t true at all. If any individual says that then consider that person as a newbie because Weightlifting Shoes created for the particular purpose, and it has a great impact on your legs, which can avoid many things and increase your time in the GYM. Similarly you can check for best basketball shoes by fitnesstep1 and get yourself  a affordable as well as comfortable shoes.

If you are still unsure about the effects, then I would like to tell you what kind of effects it has one your Legs and your Body while you are working out. Remember, they are specially produced for those who work out remarkably in the GYM. Even if you are hitting the GYM for the fundamental purpose, still they are worth buying.

We have compiled few benefits, which you get if you use Weightlifting Shoes.

Benefits Weightlifting Shoes

  • Weightlifting Shoes are known for GYM shoes.
  • In your first month, it will get difficult for you to maintain because you are going to experience the pain in different parts of your body. These shoes can help you withstand and also avoid few body pains.
  • If you hate leg pains, then you should get it because while, you are working out like Running, Jogging on Treadmill, then you need the grip which can help you avoid injuries.
  • These shoes are called “Weightlifting Shoes” because it’s not an easy thing when you are lifting weight and if you lose grip then you can injury yourself.
  • Did you know when you are lifting the weight you have to adjust your leg and when you are wearing the Weightlifting Shoes, your ankle, feet will be protected from injuries.
  • Overall, these shoes are necessary when you are lifting the weight while using the treadmill, and other things.

Do not ignore it because it can save you from injuries and also keep your legs, feet and ankle safer. When your sustain damage the impact will be lesser.

Suggestions For Beginners And Pros For Building Muscle

Weight lifting can be lots of fun when you do it right. You can enjoy the workout and the results from all that hard work. The first step is learning which exercises work best for you and your lifestyle, so continue reading for some ideas that you can use.

Vegetables offer many benefits when you are an essential part of your muscle building muscle as any other nutrient.There are a number of vitamins and nutrients in vegetables that simply can’t be found in some foods with high protein. You will also get a lot of fiber from vegetables. Fiber can help the body to effectively use protein effectively.

Warming up well is imperative when it comes to increasing your muscle mass. As your muscle work, they are under additional stress, they become more prone to injuries.You can prevent hurting yourself by warming up properly. Prior to doing heavy lifting, try light exercises for around five or ten minutes, then three to four light and medium warm-ups.

Keep the core trio of exercises in mind and incorporate them in your exercise routine. These body-building exercises include dead-lifts, bench presses and dead lifts. These types of exercises simultaneously increase both muscle mass and conditioning your body. You should aim to include these exercises or at least some manner regularly.

Building muscles is a long-term commitment, so you have to stay determined and motivated. You may even set rewards that are beneficial for your muscle building. As an example, get a massage, it can also aid in recovery on days you take off from working out.

Try mixing up your routine. Like anything else, if your routine becomes boring, which can keep you from doing them. Make sure that you do different pieces of equipment at the gym or taking advantage of different exercise classes.

Carbohydrates are needed to see success in muscle building success. When training consistently, you should have between two to three grams of carbohydrates for every pound of your body weight.

Eat well on the days you want to build muscle. Consume a large amount of nutritionally dense calories about 60 minutes before you begin your exercise regimen. This is not a license to overeat on the days that you workout, but you should eat more than you do on days that you aren’t in the gym.

Some people mistakenly consume too much extra protein at the beginning to build muscle.

Make sure you are taking in enough calories each day to achieve muscle growth. There are various online calculators that may help to determine caloric need when building muscle. Use these calculators, and alter your diet to get plenty of carbs, proteins, and other nutrients to bulk up your muscles.

Make your muscle building goals reasonable when trying to build muscle.You will see the best results if you meet your goals over time.Trying to build muscle quickly using stimulants, stimulants, and in some cases actually lead to serious health risks and consequences.

Use smarts as you are completing squats.Make sure you lower the bar to the center point near the traps. This puts more demand on your hips, glutes, and glutes, which gives you the ability to squat an additional amount of weight that you couldn’t otherwise.

Make sure you set real short-term goals are realistic. If your goals aren’t realistic, you are only setting yourself up for disappointment and possibly an injury! You might surprise yourself and improve over the goal you set for yourself. This can help build motivation and help you to never missing a workout.

Having a healthy body is a great feeling, and to get this body building muscles is important. When put together with cardiovascular routines, weight training can get you the results you want in less time than just cardio workouts. Put them together, work out a lot, and you’ll see the changes to your body.…

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One Direction has shown us that they’re not going anywhere anytime soon. Announcing the release of their latest album, FOUR, a couple of months ago we got a view of what this sound would be like. 

Today is the day the boys will be releasing the album in Orlando Universal Studios and they are already topping the iTunes chart– even after the huge leak that happened a week before the set date.

The boys’ new album has a complete new sound. I can say without a doubt most of the songs sound nothing like their first single Steal My Girl– which we assume they chose because of its poppy, catchy sound. As you listen to the album, you won’t even recognize the X Factor boy band that hit off their career with What Makes You Beautiful. With songs like Where do Broken Hearts Go, which is an upbeat song that will be great live, you can tell the band has found their sound.

The album has a pop rock influence to it and the boys also were involved a lot with the writing of the songs. The track Stockholm Syndrome, which was written by Harry, has a edgy and unique sound to it as lyrics like “Baby I’ll never leave if you keep holding me this way.”  Talk about enjoying him talking about being captivated by his love interest!

Tracks like Girl Almighty will have you up on your feet singing along at the top of your lungs, and you have to admit the way Niall sings “Almighty” gets you weak in your knees.

We can’t forget the ballads! Like Little Things, we have the gem 18which was also written by Ed Sheeran just for One Direction, the song is that perfectly romantic that will leave you swooning. There is also Fools Gold, which talks about loving someone so much that you don’t care they don’t return the same genuine feelings– have tissues around when you listen to it.

Night Changes, the second single which music video comes out this friday, has to be my absolute favorite off this album. Starting off with Zayn’s soft, smooth vocals and Harry’s raspy voice, as always, topping it off in the chorus. The song is wonderfully composed, with beautifully written lyrics.

Finally, we have to say that the album as a whole was great. Their harmonies and voices, plus the writing and rhythm of the songs make this album so perfect, and I honestly can’t wait to have it on repeat from now on.

With One course’s consistent journeying one wonders how they determined the time to record their new release, four, among all the ones stadium dates.

then again, if you watched the 2013 documentary this is Us, you’ll recognize the five lads are not definitely quite faces with succesful voices – the key to their attraction and sturdiness is a no-fuss mind-set to paintings. And the same approach may be an increasing number of found across their albums.

4 is another series of slick pop-rock that succeeds in sounding relatively organic. The drums pound, the acoustic guitars ring and nearly every tune has a skyscraper of a refrain in order to lodge in your brain by the second listen.

In quick, four is meant to be performed stay and the UAE devoted may have lots of new songs to belt out when the men touch down in Dubai in April next 12 months. here is a song-via-track breakdown.

Come on, you must have had the (scary) idea that 1D took on the Stone Roses, didn’t you? Don’t fear. That funk-rock classic stays secure however there is a lot happening for this one. Horran gives you a candy falsetto hook here and there may be a brand new trace of broodiness, too. assume the Sevens Stadium stage to be moodily lit while the lads supply it.…

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In: Fashion & Beauty

Fall is upon us, and I couldn’t be happier. One of the things I love the most about fall is watching the outfits change from their summery counterparts. Today, we’ve taken a look at some basic summer outfits and transformed them into fall-appropriate looks. Try out some of these ideas this fall!

For this first outfit, we’ve taken a basic look—a t-shirt and shorts—and transformed it into a classy outfit for school or work. Ditch the shorts and replace them with jeans and add a sweater on top. These two looks incorporate a simple white tee and denim, but each applied to their appropriate seasons. Try out this transformation on days when you want to look professional and sophisticated!

For this look, we’ve taken a tank top and shorts with sandals and brought it to a new level of cozy. Maxi skirts are super fall-appropriate (not to mention comfy!), and a denim shirt on top will help fight the cool wind. Try the tank top tucked into the maxi skirt for extra style points! Rock this look for a coffee date, or a cuddle sesh by the fireplace.

This look uses a summery skirt in two ways— one with a simple t-shirt for a classic sweetheart summer look, and one with a leather jacket and a scarf, both fall staples. Leather jackets are always in, and this color helps lighten up the look. Infinity scarves have been super on-trend for the past few seasons, and this fall is no different. Wear this outfit for a day of classes or shopping.

This look goes out to all my girls living in states like mine where summer to fall means going from 80 degrees to 70 degrees. One of the easiest ways to accommodate fall in areas like this is by using the denim shirt. The material of this shirt is just thick enough to comfortably keep out that cool breeze, but can still be worn to the beach at sunset. This look remains reminiscent of summer by keeping on a pair of shorts and oxfords (one of my favorite pairs of shoes for fall), so, it’s perfect for girls that want to keep showing off that summer tan. Keep it casual for a study session, or dress it up for a date!

These four looks are just the beginning of the options you have for this season. Remember that a t-shirt and jeans are always classy, and accessories can finish off any look! On days off, it’s perfectly acceptable to rock sweatpants and a hoodie, but, on days when you want to look put-together, try out some of these looks!

 What You Can Do To Increase Your Muscle

There is a wealth of information available out there on how to properly build muscle. Once you have made the decision to build muscle, you have to take the time required to get to know the important aspects of bodybuilding. The following guide will give you get started with vital information that you need to build muscle effectively.

Keep the “big three” in mind and always have them in each of your routines. These particular exercises are dead lifts, squats and presses. These exercises help add bulk in addition to strengthening and conditioning your body. You should make sure that your regular workout schedule includes all three of these exercises or at least some manner regularly.

If you are going to use creatine supplements to assist with your muscle gain, be very cautious, especially when taking them for an extended period of time. These supplements can be harmful if you have kidney issues. They can also cause cramping, heart arrhythmia, and muscle cramps. Teenagers are even more risk than adults. Be sure you are using these supplements exactly as they are recommended.

Eat well on the days that you workout your muscles. Consume a few extra calories the hour before you begin your workout. While working out doesn’t give you a free pass to overeat, it does permit you to eat somewhat larger portions of healthy food than you would on off days.

Don’t work out for longer than an hour at a time. Your body starts producing excess cortisol, due to the stress it’s enduring, if you exceed an hour long workout. Cortisol may block testosterone and puts to waste any of your efforts to build muscle. Making sure that workouts don’t go over one hour is the best results.

Building muscle does not necessarily mean that you have to get ripped.There are several different muscle routines that you must pick from prior to working out.

Try including plyometric exercises to your routine. This type of exercise develops the fast-twitch fibers and develop your mass quicker. Plyometrics are considered ballistic moves in that they require acceleration. For example, during plyometric push-ups, pushing your body into the air.

It is OK to take a little when lifting. Make sure to perform all your rep speed is controlled. Do not compromise your form when you are doing your reps.

You need to be mindful of your caloric intake, if you’re going to build muscle. A bad diet will only have you fat – not muscular.

Your diet should be tailored to fit your training.You need a healthy ratio of protein to fat in fat. Don’t be under the assumption that this means you can overeat; it simply eat more; eat in a healthy balanced fashion. You may also need to take vitamins and protein supplement for best results.

Use your head to think things through when you are doing squats. Make sure you lower the bar down at the back to a point near the traps. This will increase the work your glutes, hips and glutes, allowing you to take on more weight for each rep.

Remember to do your stretches before you work out.Massages will help in relaxation and also encourage muscles to grow more quickly.

Make sure you set real short-term goals are realistic. If you are hoping to do a three-hundred pound squat before your fourth week is over, then you’re only going to feel discouraged when you can’t achieve them.Sometimes you might even surprise yourself and reach your short-term goals faster than you set. This will be encouraging and make you going.

Again, you must ensure that you possess a solid understanding of what is needed to truly change your physique. Ensure you educate yourself on the correct way to grow muscle. This advice will help you get on the path to your muscle goals.

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In: Lifestyle

Tinder serves different purposes for different people. Some people genuinely use it for dating. Some people use it as “the hookup app.” Some people just really want to meet new people. Some people use it as a game, like “How many matches can I get in an hour?” And some people use it as a fun way to pass the time while in line at Chipotle, because you can find some hilarious stuff on Tinder.

But even when people proclaim to join Tinder just for the laughs, time and time again we see that it’s all too easy to get sucked into the Tinder vortex and struggle to find our way out. At the end of the day, this is a problem. Using Tinder is definitely not helping the single ladies (and gents) out there — even the people who are only interested in hookups.

 

You see, Tinder is the epitome of everything we do wrong when it comes to the nature of attraction. You have a meager section to describe yourself (which many people don’t even use) and you can upload 1-5 pictures. Beyond that, Tinder will show you which “liked” pages on Facebook you and the person have in common, and if you have any mutual friends. That’s a recipe for success, right? Knowing that myself and a random guy both liked a page called “No One Likes A Boring Texter” — probably when we were both in 9th grade — says so much about our potential compatibility or attraction to one other, right?

When we use Tinder we’re reducing ourselves to make snap judgements solely based on someone’s perceived attractiveness. We don’t take into account their personality, their quirks, their ambition, or their lack thereof. We simply browse through a couple of their pictures and decide whether to swipe left or right. Does anyone else see the problem with this?

First off, we’re using an unabashedly superficial means to determine our potential interest in this person. They could look like a “nine” in all their photos, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have the personality of a “two.” If you knew that person hated dogs, was a total airhead, and/or listened to Rebecca Black on repeat, would you still be attracted to them? Or, on the other hand, someone might not be conventionally attractive, but they could be a total sweetheart that shares your love for guacamole and watching the Discovery Channel.

 

It’s all too easy to write off potentially amazing guys just because you don’t look at them and see an Abercrombie model. Tinder spoils us and allows us to “forget” that attraction isn’t always instant and sometimes it needs some time to grow. And even more than that, compatibility shouldn’t be based solely on attractiveness anyways. Personality is a big deal, and it’s something that isn’t always  accurately conveyed by a stranger over the course of a few playful messages. Someone’s online persona could be extremely different than their actual thoughts and behavior.

Additionally, people try and put their best photos up. In some cases, these will be old photos or heavily made-up/edited/otherwise enhanced pictures. This might not reflect how the person looks 364 days out of the year, but they do a mighty fine job representing that one day where the universe (or Photoshop) was really in their favor.

Lastly, a lot of people will swipe right on everybody on Tinder. Yes, every single profile they come across. This is largely because Tinder is a numbers game and — particularly for those just looking to hookup or for an ego boost — the more people that someone swipes, the higher probability and frequency of receiving matches. (That’s my statistics class coming in handy, y’all.) So essentially, sometimes you’re receiving matches who didn’t even find you attractive – you’re just one of hundreds of people on their match list to (potentially) hit up one day.

Some people will say that Tinder is worsening hookup culture, but let’s not take it that far. Hookup culture has always existed, it just wasn’t something that people could talk about as freely as we can today. I don’t think Tinder is creating more hookups, but I do think it’s creating lazy hookups. When it’s so easy to swipe on your phone, send a couple messages, and then spark an interest with someone,  the whole dynamic of interpersonal interaction changes. We lose the beauty of body language, eye contact, and testing chemistry face-to-face. We lose that slow build of attraction that makes dating so exciting in the first place and just skip straight to mediocre messages and hoping the person doesn’t end up being a creeper if we meet up with them.

All this adds up to hour after hour on the phone and disconnected from our surroundings. While all this is happening and we’re Tindering away, we’re missing what’s going on around us in real time. That hottie on the subway reading a book? That adorable guy that looks out of place at the bar? Yeah, you can’t connect with them if you’re swiping away on your phone.

So if you’re down for a challenge, force yourself to detox from Tinder and stop allowing strangers to validate your self-worth. We’re perpetuating a culture where social media and technology provides us with a network of strangers to boost — or lower — your self-esteem. Why do you let your confidence rely on total randos who you may never meet?

It’s time to take charge of your flirting, hookup, and/or dating game and put things back in your own hands — and I’m not talking about by tapping your phone and opening the Tinder app. Get out, meet people, and make genuine connections. Skip the awkward introductions, ambiguous messages that you’re bound to overanalyze, and last but not least: avoid the risks of meeting up with a creeper. Because last time I checked, Tinder didn’t offer background checks.…

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In: Health & Wellness

We wear sunscreen to protect our skin from harsh UV rays. We keep our bodies healthy by steering clear of junk food. But what are we doing for our ears?

Hearing loss isn’t just reserved for the elderly, nor is it the result of a single loud “explosive” sound. Instead, the most common cause of hearing damage is gradual exposure to common risks, like sounds or medicine, over extended periods of time.

Regardless of whether you live in a big city or a rural neighborhood, whether you work in a library or in a woodshop, no one is immune to the everyday things that may eventually result in hearing loss. Here’s what to look out for:

1. Your Music: No, you don’t have to frequent rock concerts to have hearing loss from music. Instead, people’s hearing is“deteriorating at a rate never seen before” thanks to the headphones we plug directly into our ear canals. Largely affecting the younger generation, ear buds have resulted in almost 46% of teenagers reporting some sort of ringing, roaring, or buzzing in their ears – a potential signal of future hearing loss.

2. Your Pets (or your neighbor’s): According to window soundproofing company CitiQuiet, a yappy dog can be a powerful source of hearing loss. In fact, one corgi-mutt’s bark can be over 100 decibels — the same dangerous volume as an underground subway. Anything over 85 decibels can cause permanent hearing loss.

3.  Your Cellphone: According to a recent study, people who talk on their phones for more than 60 minutes a day have poorer hearing than those who use their phones less. Apparently, long-term cell phone usage can cause inner ear damage resulting in the loss of high-frequency sounds, such as a high-pitched child’s voice.

4. Hairdryer : In addition to drying out your hair, a hairdryer could have serious risks to your hearing health. Particularly if you’re using a hairdryer every day, make sure to choose a low-decibel hair dryer (try Sharper Image’s version) and use its lowest/quietest speed setting.

5. Ibuprofen: This one might surprise you: according to the American Journal of Advanced Epidemiology, 11% of women who took Ibuprofen two or more days a week experienced some degree of hearing loss. This may be because Ibuprofen can decrease blood flow to the ear.

6.  Toys: Here’s a good reason not to get that squeaky plush toy for your pet: noise-making toys can affect your hearing. Same goes for if you live with young siblings and/or spend a lot of time around children. Some children’s toys have noise levels of150 decibels – just 30 levels behind firecrackers.

7.  Smoking: In addition to an increased risk of lung cancer, the Journal of American Medical Association reports that heavy smokers were 15% more likely to develop hearing loss than non-smokers. Researchers are unsure whether smoking affects hearing directly, or whether it’s a secondary effect of cardiovascular disease.

8. Lack of Sleep: Various studies suggest that lack of sleep leads to altered brain activity – which, in turn, might result in high frequency hearing loss, also lack of sleep affects your weight. In fact, people with sleep apnea had a 31% increased risk of hearing impairment, according to Dr. Amit Cophra.

However sleep loss is also a massive public protection risk every day on the road. Drowsiness can gradual reaction time as a lot as using drunk. The country wide toll road traffic protection administration estimates that fatigue is a reason in 100,000 auto crashes and 1,550 crash-associated deaths a year within the U.S. The trouble is finest among human beings beneath 25 years antique.

Research display that sleep loss and terrible-quality sleep also lead to injuries and injuries at the job. in one have a look at, employees who complained approximately excessive daytime sleepiness had substantially greater work accidents, in particular repeated work injuries. in addition they had extra unwell days per twist of fate.…

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In: Books

If you’ve ever been to The Strand bookstore in New York City, you’ve definitely seen the banned book section/bookshelf. Books that have been barred from libraries, schools, and bookstores line the shelves, directly displaying the currently most banned books in America. You can usually spy classics such as Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury and Animal Farm by George Orwell, as well as more modern books like Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan and any book by John Green.

The week of September 21st to September 27th celebrates banned books, or books that have been censored in the United States due to their prolific, provocative, violent, and explicit content. Libraries, booksellers, and other associations share their love for banned books and their belief in freedom of speech and freedom to read by tweeting with the hashtag #IReadBannedBooks, endorsing the books that have been censored the most, and making promotional videos such as this one from BooksInc:

Unsurprisingly, the number one reason books are banned in the first place is fear. Books have a big influence on those that read them, and parents and community leaders are scared that they will influence their children with values and ideas that they don’t believe in or don’t think are appropriate. But just because someone thinks that something is inappropriate doesn’t mean that they should disallow other people from learning and reading about it.

Restricting someone’s freedom to read and develop their own ideas from what they’ve read is something that should be banned on its own. Who is to say that something valuable can’t be learned from Beloved by Toni Morrison, or the Junie B. Jones series? (Both which have made the most banned books list in the last decade.)

Surprisingly, the number one banned book in America today is the jovial, cartoonish and humorous children’s book series Captain Underpants. Harry Potter has also dominated the list for a while, despite teaching significant lessons to its readers about overcoming adversity, friendship, and growing up.

Celebrate Banned Book Week by picking up one of your old favorites, or challenging yourself and reading something that you’ve never read before off of the list of the most banned books in the last decade (which you can check out here).

Banned Book Week is sponsored by the American Booksellers Association, the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression, the American Library Association, the American Society of Journalists and Authors, the Association of American Publishers, and the National Association of College Stores.

Banned books are books or different published works consisting of essays or performs which are prohibited by law or to which free get admission to is not permitted via different method. The exercise of banning books is a form of censorship, from political, felony, non secular, ethical, or (less often) commercial reasons. this newsletter lists first rate banned books and works, giving a brief context for the purpose that every e-book turned into prohibited. Banned books include fictional works along with novels, poems and performs and non-fiction works together with biographies and dictionaries.

Because there are a huge quantity of banned books, a few publishers have specialised in them. The best-recognized examples are the Parisian Obelisk Press, which published Henry Miller’s sexually frank novel Tropic of most cancers, and Olympia Press, which published William Burroughs’s bare Lunch. each of those, the paintings of father Jack Kahane and son Maurice Girodias, specialized in English-language books which had been prohibited, on the time, in amazing Britain and the united states. Ruedo ibérico (es), additionally placed in Paris, specialized in books prohibited in Spain throughout the dictatorship of Francisco Franco. Russian literature prohibited all through the Soviet period become published outside of Russia.…

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Heard of the fashion and lifestyle blog, Lush To Blush? Well now, you can get an inside look into the work it takes to pull it all off. We got the chance to catch up with Megan Elliott, the creative mind behind Lush To Blush, and she had some insights to share about making a living as a blogger.

  • When did you get started blogging on Lush To Blush, and had you ever blogged before that?
    I started Lush to Blush in March of 2012. I never blogged before that besides for a college class.
  • For those who are unfamiliar, can you tell us why you started Lush To Blush? How’d you come up with such a cute name?
    I started Lush To Blush after the online magazine I was writing for folded, so I had all these articles and no where to put them. I missed writing every day and while I was visiting my best friend, she suggested I start a blog. It made perfect sense. I just made a list of words I liked and came up with Lush To Blush because I felt like I was somewhere in the middle of being a lush and having fun at night and putting myself together the next day. I also love beauty products (ie lush hair and blush!). It just clicked and I bought a domain name that day.
  • How long did it take for the blog to become profitable?
    I honestly don’t remember when it became profitable, but I started earning the majority of my income from blogging about 20 months into it.
  • Since your blog is now your job, how do you manage to stay motivated and passionate about your content?
    It is so easy to stay motivated and passionate. I literally don’t even do anything about that. I love it so much to my core that I have never had a problem writing and creating fresh ideas.
  • You freelance and offer blog consulting as well, but how many hours would you say you work a week exclusively on Lush To Blush?
    Well it’s definitely all connected, but I would say at least 40-50 hours/week.
  • Blogging is such a new and modern industry, and a lot of skepticism still surrounds the industry and whether this niche will last. Have you ever felt the pressure to justify blogging as being a “real” career?
    I have, only from my parents. When I decided to blog full time, they were worried I wouldn’t be able to make it on my own, which I understand. But my career choice doesn’t really concern anyone but me, so I would never feel pressure to justify it to anyone besides those who love me and even then, I would just be doing it to ease their mind, not mine.
  • What were the determining factors in deciding to leave your “day job” to pursue blogging full time?
    There were a lot of factors, but mainly, I was miserable at my job and had NO freedom–creative or otherwise. I couldn’t stand it anymore and I just had to leave. I was so happy when I did my blog stuff, so I just concentrated on that while looking for a new job. After focusing on my blog full time, I was able to make plenty of money in just a month, so I stopped seeking employment and committed to blogging full time.
  • For the ladies out there who already have blogs — or are considering starting one — can you give them three practical pieces of advice?
    1) Don’t start a blog just to make money. You probably won’t and anyone who reads it will see the inauthenticity.
    2) You get out what you put into blogging, and it is A LOT of work.
    3) Write about what you know and love. Readers can sense passion and it makes your writing better!
  • I know that a lot of the appeal of blogging is the cool brand partnerships and sponsored content. Did brands start reaching out to you, or did you reach out to them first?
    They reached out to me first. Within a month I had brands reaching out to me and I don’t know why since my blog definitely sucked back then. I didn’t realize until about a year into blogging that I could reach out to companies too.
  • When it comes to working with brands, what is the number one thing to keep in mind with relationship building?
    Try to compromise and make it work. They have goals and you have goals. There is always a middle ground.
  • What are the best and the worst parts of blogging?
    The best part is definitely the community! I have met so many wonderful bloggers that have become true friends. I guess the worst part is getting negative comments, but that really doesn’t happen often and isn’t something that bothers me too much. Blogging is amazing and I love it!
  • What is one strategy that you’d share with rookie bloggers to promote themselves?
    Connect with fellow bloggers. Don’t just comment on a blog and say “cute look!” and leave your link. Create a genuine friendship and leave thoughtful comments. It’s so obvious when a blogger only cares about promoting herself instead of actually joining the blogging community and connecting with others.
  • If there’s an inspirational quote that I’d share with my twenty-year-old self it’d be:
    “If you don’t build your own dream someone else will hire you to help build theirs.”
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