It's Eryn E

A Lifestyle Blog

6 Personal Goals for 2018

I know, it’s March. And this post probably should have been posted at least 8 weeks ago. But, me being me, I wrote it and forgot about it. Better late than never right. Ever since the start of the year, I’ve been thinking a lot about what I want to accomplish this year. There’s, of course, the normal eat healthier, work out, drink more water (see Self-Care post), but there are other things I’d really like to do this year that don’t revolve around health.

As I get older, I’ve started to realize the importance of setting goals. I still don’t want to call them resolutions, because I’m not resolving to do anything, but rather aiming for something by the end of the year. Some of these are about changing various aspects of my life for the better, while others are just general things I want to do and try.

Set a budget, and stick to it.

I’ve been saying for a really long time now that I’m going to create a budget. I haven’t done it yet. But now seems a good a time as any. It’s not that I’m bad with my money. I mean, I get a paycheck, I pay my bills, and I balance my checkbook.

What I’m not good at is the following:

  • Stopping all the time for a coffee in the mornings
  • Buying lunches
  • Buying dinners
  • Buying things I don’t need
  • Not saving money

Setting a budget and sticking to it will keep me from buying things I don’t need, and will help me to set aside funds every month to build my savings account back up.

Finance is hard.

Learn more about investing and stocks

This goes hand in hand with saving money. I know nothing about investing in stocks. I dabbled a little bit recently with the apps Robinhood and Acorns, but I lost interest, withdrew my money and deleted the apps.

I mean, I have a 401K, but I’d love to learn more about how to invest wisely now, to build my own portfolio for the future.

Although, with the way the stock market’s been going these days, I’m thinking more and more about shoving money in my mattress.

Stop using my credit card

This post seems to be a lot about money. I have a lot of money goals for 2018 evidently.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve paid off a big old balance on my credit card, only to run the stupid thing about again. It’s absurd. And the amount of my money I’ve paid overtime to my credit card could have probably bought me a new car.

So, it’s time to leave the plastic at home. If I can’t use my debit card for it, I don’t need it.

Focus more time on Twitter

I have a love/hate relationship with social media. That may sound strange since I do a lot of social media for my job. I mean I’m passionate about social media, and social media marketing, but I hate inauthentic marketing strategies, like follow-for-follow. I’ve talked about it before on here, in terms of Instagram. The same goes for Twitter. I go through fits where I’m all about Twitter, and then I forget I have it for months. I want to spend more time posting content, finding my voice, and just being me. I think it’s a really strong platform – I’ve just always neglected my own. And I’ve seen just how fast it can grow.

Also, please don’t follow just for a follow back. It won’t happen. Unless I genuinely like what you have to say.

Go paddleboarding

I went once in 2016. It was awesome. I want to get out there at least twice this summer. More if my schedule allows.

Write more

About 10-12 years ago, I had visions of publishing a novel. Now, I’m lucky if I can publish a blog post once per month. I’d like to keep my creative juices flowing and aim to write more often on here. I’m not committing to a schedule, but I want to find the time to write more meaningful pieces, not just my monthly book recaps. I’ve been on a roll writing content and preparing posts, so hopefully, I’ll be able to keep this bad Larry updated.

Who knows, maybe I’ll still write that novel.

What are your goals for 2018?

7 Ways I’m Practicing Self-Care

Self-care is important. Whether you work full-time, are a stay at home parent, or are retired. And it can mean something different to each person. For some, it’s about practicing yoga and meditation every day, for others it’s finding 15 minutes to read a chapter of their book. It could even be taking a half an hour to play a video game. It varies from person to person, and that’s a good thing. Everyone’s version of self-care should look different.

I’m guilty of not practicing enough self-care. Sure, I take time for myself, but certainly not as much as I should. I’m always on the go, trying to fit it all in, which usually leads to stress and my anxiety rearing its ugly head, even more than normal. If we’re not taking care of ourselves, it’s mighty hard to take care of those around us.

I’ve made it my goal to make self-care a priority for 2018. For me, it’s not always about downtime. I basically don’t do anything at night after work except read or crochet. Unless I’ve had a lot of photo sessions. Then I’m editing my life away. For me, it’s about finding a balance, not just with my health, but also anything that causes my anxiety to rise or stress to elevate. Here are the self-care practices I’m focusing on this year.

Eating better

This may seem like a no-brainer, but when you’re on the go a lot, the hardest part is eating healthy. At least for me. Give me something easy, and quick. And I will eat it. We’ve always done a lot of take out. Even if they are salads, it’s still takeout. When I do groceries, I focus on keeping foods around that will be easy for us to make a meal out of at night. Like frozen shrimp and stir-fry veggies. Quick, healthy meals. I’m eating more salads and protein. I’ve cut out (most) dairy, with the exception of some cheese and greek yogurt in my tuna, and I’m limiting my refined carbs.

Is the end goal to lose weight? Yes. I won’t lie. But I also know how crappy I feel when I eat tons of dairy and refined carbs/sugars. My body feels weighted down and my digestive system gets all wonky. Cutting back on all of that just makes me feel… better, for lack of better word.

Losing weight

This is also a benefit of eating better. I’ve been battling my weight for a long time. I’ve gotten to a point in my life where I do love the skin I’m in, but I need to lose weight for my health. Not for vanity. I joined Weight Watchers in February, which is helping me stick to my goals.

Move more

Again, another simple self-care tip, but one that I haven’t been practicing for a long time. Yes, I walk the dog one to two times a day, so that’s a start, but I need to do more than that. I need to make the time to get a solid workout in every day. I joined Beachbody On Demand, and have good intentions of starting a combination of PiYo and T25. Between those programs, walking the dog, and being at the barn, I think I’ll definitely meet my “moving more” quota

Be more body positive

I know above I want to eat better and lose weight, but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to focus on being body positive. I’ve gone for a long time, hating my appearance because of all the weight I’ve gained in recent years. I’m constantly picking on myself in the mirror, or judging my cellulite when in reality, I should be embracing my curves. Yes, I need to lose weight, but not for vanity. I need to lose it so I can be healthier. In the meantime, I’m going to love myself as I am now, and stop picking myself apart. Body positivity = self love.

Unplugging

I’m addicted to my iPhone. I know I am. I’m not ashamed to admit it. But I need to put away more often. I need to give myself that breather from technology, even if it’s just a few times a day. My main goal is to keep my phone in my pocket when I’m walking the dog. I walk Ace every day at lunch, and there are days when I’m so distracted from work, that I feel that I’m constantly looking down at my phone and not enjoying the time I’m spending with him.

I know the days I do stop thinking about work for that 20 minutes, I always come back refreshed and ready to go. Not to mention seeing his sweet face and wagging tail – it always perks me up.

I also need to put the phone away more at night, especially when I’m spending time with the hubs. It’s good to disconnect every once and awhile.

In fact, when we were at Foxwoods a couple of weeks ago, I barely had my phone out. I usually take pictures and all that, but I didn’t. I just enjoyed spending time with my family and making memories, instead of documenting it all.

Drink more water (and more tea)

I have always been a water drinker. For years, I could drink three or four Nalgene’s a day. Now I’m lucky if I drink one. It’s not because I’m not thirsty. It’s because I get so focused on other things, I forget to drink. Water is so good for the body, and my body is certainly craving more of it.

Tea is so comforting. I find, whenever I drink it, it’s like an instant hug.

Be mindful

I feel like you hear this word thrown around like a baseball, but it’s true. When was the last time you ate your lunch without reading an article or scrolling through your Instagram feed? I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been eating lunch, looked down and suddenly it was gone because I was preoccupied when something else.

I need to take a step back and pay attention to everything around me, whether it’s what I’m eating, what I’m reading, or simply my day to day life, mindful is my word of 2018.

What are your self-care goals in 2018?

Eryn E Reads – January & February

I think it’s about that time that recap what I’ve been reading since I skipped January, and clearly forgot all about December. It will just be easier to put the last two months together, then try to write January’s post now, and February’s sometime next month, when you know I’ll forget.

Lucky for me, January & February were both quiet for me, at least in terms of photography. As much as I love my business, it was nice to kick back and relax. I found myself reading for an hour before work, and then again in the evenings. Needless to say, I managed to cruise through quite a few books.

If you’ve read previous posts, then you know I’m a bit of book hoarder. I probably have at least 100 books waiting for me on my Kindle. Whenever I’d finish one book, I always felt really overwhelmed at what to choose next. My solution?

A random number generator!

It may sound silly, but now it’s a complete surprise whenever it’s time to choose a new book. I simply plug in 1 – XXX (whatever total number I currently have on my Kindle) and voila – my next read pops up. Not only do I not have to decide, it’s keeping me from reading all one genre, or one author.

Alright, on to the books. That’s what you’re really here for. Since it’s a two-month recap, I’ll write about my top 5, and then just list the rest. If you’re ever curious about what I’m reading in between, make sure to check out my list of Books Read.

Disclaimer: This post, and all Eryn E Reads posts going forward, will include Amazon affiliate links, however, I will also include links to B&N and IndieBound, in my Top Picks. Ya know, to spread the love. Also, the list of the rest of the books will not have links. If I linked those, that’s just TOO many links IMHO.

Top Picks from January & February

Pretty Girls – Karin Slaughter

A good mystery/thriller is one of my favorite ways to escape. This one drew me right in with the description. The first chapter had me at the edge of my seat, and that was pretty much how the entire book went. I loved every twist, every turn, and couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to read more from Karin Slaughter.

4/5

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

All the Ugly and Wonderful Things – Bryn Greenwood

The synopsis does not lie when it says “A beautiful and provocative love story between two unlikely people and the hard-won relationship that elevates them above the Midwestern meth lab backdrop of their lives.”

My first feeling when I finished this book was disturbed. Although, I guess I felt that way the entire time. But if you can be disturbed in a good way, I guess that’s a more accurate way to describe how I felt. The writing was beautiful, and the characters were wonderfully developed. It read like you were watching a movie. You could feel what the characters were going through. So while the idea of what was happening may be tough for some to stomach, it’s still about a very untraditional love story. And love should always win. This has certainly been a book that has stuck with me.

The synopsis does not lie when it says “A beautiful and provocative love story between two unlikely people and the hard-won relationship that elevates them above the Midwestern meth lab backdrop of their lives.”

4/5

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

The Shadowy Horses – Susanna Kearsley

Every now and then, you are lucky enough to stumble across an another that you love, without seeking them out or intending too. Susanna Kearsley is it for me. I love historical fiction. Susanna’s books are always meticulously researched and beautifully written. Without even realizing it, I probably had about 6 of her titles on my Kindle (in fact, I’m about to start reading another). Her books never disappoint, and every time I’m reading one, I feel like I can envision a place I’ve never been.

The Shadowy Horses is no exception. I can’t even put into words how much I loved this book. In fact, it might be my favorite that I’ve read from her thus far.

4/5

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

The Virgin of Small Plains – Nancy Pickard

The first book I read from Nancy Pickard was The Scent of Rain and Lighting and I remember recommending it to everyone I know. This book is certainly no different. I think I read this in two days. The story grabbed me from the first sentence and didn’t let go until the last. It’s not a mystery or thriller, but there are certain aspects that keep you on the edge of your seat. At the same time, there is a love story and family drama. It’s basically all of my favorite genres wrapped into one.

4/5

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

Why Not Me? – Mindy Kaling

I love Mindy Kaling. To be honest, I’ve never actually watched her in anything. I’ve never watched The Office and I never watched The Mindy Show, but I’ve always been a big fan of hers. Maybe it’s because she’s a Boston girl? But I think it’s more because she’s not afraid to be herself, and she’s a strong independent woman. You go, girl!

After reading her second book, I’ve decided that I definitely need to start watching her show. I already adore her, so I know I will love her show.

4/5

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

Other Reads from January & February

  • The Catalain Book of Secrets – Jessica Lourey
  • Yes Please – Amy Poehler
  • Picture Perfect – Jodi Picoult
  • My Sister’s Grave – Robert Dugoni
  • White Is For Witching – Helen Oyeyemi
  • Here on Earth – Alice Hoffman
  • Empty Mansions – Bill Dedman
  • ‘Round Midnight – Laura McBride

What have you been reading?

My Travel Bucket List – 10 Places I Need to Visit In My Life

It seems that every year my travel bucket lists grows a bit more. I’ve been lucky enough to travel to some pretty incredible places in my 32 years (that’s for another post!) but I always seem to have a serious case of wanderlust. There are days when I dream of becoming a travel blogger, just to see the world. Then I wish I had that dream when I was younger before I was settled in a career I love and so on.

I know. I know. It’s never too late.

Thankfully, my husband also loves to travel. We love adventure and love taking in new cultures. When we choose a vacation, we typically try to go someplace where we aren’t resort bound and can venture off to take every little bit of where we are.

We usually try to take one big vacation each year, and occasionally will take some other smaller trips usually over a weekend, or even day trips. Our big trip for 2018 will be Barbados, and it’s even more special because it’s our honeymoon.

There are so many places on my list, both in the U.S. and all over the world, that it’s hard to narrow down, but here are the top places currently on my travel bucket list.

Italy

Amalfi Coast // Pexels

I want to see this entire country. The Amalfi Coast, Tuscany, Rome, Cinque Terre, Venice. My dream would be to rent a car and just drive everywhere. The more feasible thing to do would be to take trains and planes.

Hawaii

Pixabay

I’ve had dreams of traveling here since I was a little girl. I used to say I want to go here and learn to surf.

Side note – I was a wannabe surfer when I was in high school. I never got on a board, but I had the magazines, the posters, and the big dreams. Blue Crush was also my favorite movie.

Now, I’d just love to see this incredible state. Everything about it screams perfection to me.

Ireland & England

Pixabay

I’m combining these together for one reason. This is my heritage. I’d love to travel here and see where my ancestors are from. I know many family members on my dad’s side are from both Ireland and England, and my great-grandfather on my mom’s side is from England. Plus, the landscapes look amazing. Oh, and the pubs. All.the.pubs.

Santorini & The Greek Islands

Pixabay

Every picture I’ve ever seen of Santorini and the other islands looks amazing. There’s just something magical about white-washed buildings.

Savannah, Georgia & Charleston, SC

Pixabay

Another two places lumped together because this could totally be doable in one trip. Savannah and Charleston look…magical. I mean, those trees lining the streets. The carriages. The fountains. The architecture. It all just looks like it’s calling my name.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Eastern Europe sounds like a pretty beautiful place. Dubrovnik sounds even more incredible being right on the water and with the old architecture. Sounds like a photographer’s dream!

Prague, Czech Republic

Pexels

Same with Prague. The architecture and history of this city fascinate me.

Pacific Northwest

Pulpit Rock // Pixabay

Specifically, Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, Washington. Rocky coasts and beautiful views. Plus incredible coffee and bookstores. Sounds like my kind of place.

Fiji

Pexels

Another place I’ve had dreams of visiting since I was young and in my “surfer” days. I mean, who doesn’t want to stay in a hut over the water? Also, after watching Zane Lamprey on Chug, I loved Fiji even more. What a cool place!

I definitely looked into traveling to Fiji for our honeymoon… let’s just say for what we paid for Barbados, it would have cost minimum double that.

Cuba

Pixabay

There is just something about Cuba that is mesmerizing. Maybe it’s because of the travel ban for so long. Or maybe it’s the photographer in me wanting to go capture their beautiful architecture, the old cars, and the sites. But Cuba is definitely on the list of where I want to travel in my life.

Are there about 100 more places? You bet. But these are probably my top locales for now. I’m sure by this time next year, about another 20 will be added to the list!

What’s on your travel bucket list?

How to Keep Your Brand Consistent on Social Media

As someone who works in marketing & publicity full-time, I’ve seen the “deer-in-headlights” look some people get when they hear branding. Better yet, when they realize it’s more than just your website, but needing to spend time creating your brand across social media. Especially with social media being the main way many of us now market ourselves.

One thing that drives me crazy is not having consistency across your social media platforms. I’ve seen so many accounts that will have a different handle for every account, and something completely different for their website.

How would anyone be able to find you?

Obviously, this is different for those who may run many different brands, or have different facets of their small businesses. That I understand. But I’m talking about those that may run one business. It’s time to get your online brand consistent and make it easier for your ideal client/reader/etc. be able to find you. Here are some tips that may help.

PC – Pexels

Disclaimer – I’m only focusing on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram for social media platforms.

Your website name, URL and social media handles should match

I always think about this in terms of, “How easy am I to find on social media?” If you have frequent visitors to your website, it’s worth keeping your social media handles close to identical as you can. Obviously, that can’t always happen, especially when a handle has already been taken. In this case, variation works, as long as it’s still close to your brand name.

For example, if your website is fashionblogger.com, but your social media handles are ILoveSports, there will be a disconnect and people will have a hard time connecting the two, and wonder if it’s the same person.

Here are my two brands:

It’s Eryn E | www.itseryne.com | Facebook.com/ItsErynE | Twitter – @itseryne | Instagram – @itseryne

Eryn E Photography, LLC | www.erynephotography.com | Facebook.com/erynephotography | Instagram – @erynephotography

Consistent.

Keeping your social media handles, website name, and website URL identical, or close to identical, will help readers to find you and keep up with you. It’s a lot easier to remember one handle than it is four or five.

Keep your logo and color scheme the same across all platforms

Some bloggers don’t have a logo, and that’s completely fine. If you don’t have a logo, and simply have your blog header, use that as your “logo”. It’s easy to turn it into a cover photo for the rest of your social media. Your color scheme can simply be the colors that you use on your website or blog header.

If you use several colors (we will say more than 3), and hopefully you don’t, stick to one or two. Having your logo or header throughout your social media will create a strong presence and one with a cohesive feel.

Offer content that is consistent with your brand

If you’re a fashion blogger, and your blog is heavily focused on fashion, don’t stray and write about your favorite sports team recent loss to their rival. Unless of course, it has a fashion twist.

Think about how you’re marketing your brand and what your brand has to offer. People are coming to you for a reason, and if you stray from that, it might drive people away.

I don’t have a true “theme” for my blog, but I often write about blogging & social media, books and mental health. If I were to write about sports, despite loving them, it might seem like a departure from normal pieces.

It’s okay to have variations of the same content on your platforms

When you share a new blog post, don’t feel like you need to post one message and upload it everywhere. Tailor that message depending on where you’re posting it. Here is where something like a social media management tool might worth looking in too.

Use a short description on Facebook and always make sure to remove the link once it has loaded and shown up underneath your content. There is nothing messier than having the two links.

Short & sweet on Twitter (despite the 240 characters) and limit yourself to no more than three hashtags. I know it sounds fun to post 5 or more, but it just starts looking spammy. Always include the link, and attach the image from the post so it shows up in the feeds.

On Instagram, post an image relative to your post, even if it’s the image but without the post text, and a bit more about why you wrote the post or the inspiration behind it. Include a couple of hashtags in the post, but add the remainders in a comment underneath.

All are examples of having the same content be pushed out, but keeping your messaging slightly different for your various audiences.

Don’t be afraid to focus on one social media platform more than another

There. I said it.

If you like Instagram more than the other platforms, focus your branding efforts there. If you prefer Facebook, go with that one. I always recommend having the big three (Facebook, IG, and Twitter), but for some managing all three, and sometimes more than three, can be overwhelming.

However, if you’re going to focus on one platform more than another make sure you do it REALLY well. Plan out your content. Make sure it’s cohesive and has an authentic feel.

Don’t completely neglect the other platforms though.

For my photography business, I prefer Instagram. I spend most of my time there, sharing images from my sessions and building a community. I still use Facebook, posting a sneak peek from a session and blog posts, but I spend most of my time on Instagram.

Whereas for my blog, I prefer Twitter. I still post to my Instagram, but it’s my personal IG so I’m not necessarily posting images for a blog audience, and Facebook, really just to get my posts out there, but I devote most of my blogging time to Twitter to build that audience.

All in all, brand consistency is important. For most of us, whether it’s a blog, a side-hustle, or our main business, our goal is to drive traffic and create an audience of those who regularly read what we have to say, purchase something from us, or any other reason someone might be visiting a small biz website. Make it easy for them, and keep your look & feel the same, along with your handles.

While you might not see an uptick in visitors, likes, and sales, you’ll be taking a step in the right direction but creating a cohesive online brand.