It's Eryn E

The Instagram Games

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After publishing Millennial Is Not a Dirty Word, and sharing it my Instagram account, I never expected my numbers to rise. In fact, I have had my Instagram account set to private until I hit publish on the blog post. I figured when I wasn’t blogging, why have my account public.

After posting, I closed the app, went back to doing a few things, and didn’t think about it. I checked back about an hour later to find 14 new followers. I actually did a double check to make sure I wasn’t on my company’s Instagram account, which has been gaining a pretty steady flow of followers.

Nope, it was mine.

I started going through the accounts, and as I was going through the ones that followed, notifications kept popping up that more were following. After about an hour, I saw about 30 new followers on my account. While this probably seems minimal, we’re talking about an account that barely gains 5 a month. So seeing this uptick in just an hour was a bit insane, and cool, all at the same time.

However, it didn’t last.

Welcome to the Instagram Games where 30 people will follow you, and 25 will unfollow you a mere 4 hours later because you didn’t reciprocate their follow.

PC: NeONBRAND, Unsplash

It’s an endless battle, especially when you’re trying to build a following. I see it all the time on my photography account. In fact, I stopped following back accounts that I didn’t have a genuine interest in. I’m not in it to play games, and follow for follow. I want to follow people because I like their content, or what they have to say. Not because they are willing to follow me as long as I follow them back.

It just seems like you’re saying, “We can be friends, but only because I say we can be friends. If I don’t want to be friends anymore, than we’re not going to be.”

When did Instagram become like middle school?

Instagram is supposed to be a community, at least that’s what I use it for. I’m not out there to gain 1000 fake followers. I’d rather have 15 followers who have an interest in my content and what I have to say, then see my numbers go through the roof.

How should we play the Instagram Games?

Round 1 – The Numbers

Stop focusing on the numbers. Seriously. I know everyone is obsessed with being “instafamous.” We see it everywhere. Every other day there is another story about someone who became an “Instagram girl” or another up & coming teenager or young adult literally making a living because of their large followings on social media. Yes, it would be nice to be a success story like that, but we have to stop trying to build our platforms the wrong way.

Round 2 – Be Authentic

Be authentic. I know every Instagram course will tell you this, but it’s true. The more authentic and genuine you are, the more likely others will be to reciprocate and engage with you. Follow someone because you like their content, you like their message, and/or you’re interested in way they have to say. Don’t follow someone expecting them to follow you back. Comment on images with actual comments. Not a bunch of emojis. Things like “God, this bouquet is absolutely stunning.” Or “I love that outfit, where did you get your shoes?” Make your comments seem personal, and not content generated from spammy bots.

Round 3 – Followers & Following

Don’t follow for follow. We’ve all done it, whether we think we have or not. An account follows us. We like what we see, but we’re not 100% invested. They have a few pretty pictures. Okay, sure. We follow them back. We think we’d like to see their content every day. When they decide to unfollow us a day later, we also unfollow them. Why? Because we really only cared about the number, not the account itself.

I’ve done it without even thinking about. Now, I try to focus on following accounts because they appeal to me. Not because I hope they follow me back. If someone follows me, I take a good look at their account before decide if it’s someone I want to follow. If it isn’t, I don’t, and typically they unfollow me a short time later. Does it make me sad? Nope. They weren’t someone truly interested in my content.

Bottom line, let’s stop this whole follow for follow game. It’s not helping anyone, except grow our accounts with a bunch of followers who don’t truly care about the content their following. Let’s be honest, while the number may look pretty cool, wouldn’t it be far better to have people who actually care about your posts?

Round 4 – Invest

I’m not talking about paying for followers, or buying ads. Invest the time to growing your account the right way. Spend the time getting to know the accounts you like. What are they doing to grow their accounts organically that you could be doing? What hashtags do they use? Comment on accounts you love, like photos, be real. You may not see your numbers grow fast, but overtime you will see your engagement grow, and that’s the most important thing.

Round 5- Cheating (inevitable in any game)

Don’t pay for followers. Okay, the fact that this is even a thing really irks me. This is like the ultimate cheat in the Instagram games. It’s like paying a judge at the Olympics for all 10s. Okay, that’s a bit exaggerated, but still. Paying for followers? Just don’t do it. I don’t care how “instafamous” you want to be. That’s just dumb, and you deserve to be considered a “spammer” on Instagram. And I don’t care how harsh that sounds.

Round 6 – Winning

Create an Instagram account you are proud of, no matter the number of followers. Enjoy and connect with your tribe, and be real. Have no expectations for any of the accounts you follow to follow you back. Put out content that is you, that is true to you and your brand, and be authentic, and you will win the Instagram Game.

Millennial Is Not a Dirty Word

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For years, I’ve denied being a millennial. I hated the label. I was SURE I wasn’t one, until my husband pointed out that I was. Even he is.

In case you didn’t know, the millennial generation is considered those born in the 80s through to the mid-90s and 2000. The most exact dates I’ve found are 1981 to 1997, but they tend to vary depending on where you look.

Millennials have a bad reputation. People think they are technology obsessed (I’m pretty sure most are), narcissistic (selfies for days…), lazy, high maintenance and expect everything to be handed to them on a silver platter. In fact, this article on HuffPost discusses how many young Americans don’t want to identify as millennials, which I can completely relate too. Google “bad traits of millennials” and you’ll see thousands of results pop up. I know this because I googled it for this piece.

As more stories are published on how millennials are literally the worst, the more I cringe to be part of such a hated generation. I mean, I am part of that generation whether I want to be or not.

Most of the descriptors that people use to describe my generation don’t really apply to me or most people I know for that matter.

PC: Melinda Pack, Unsplash

That’s because many of us that are in the millennial generation don’t feel entitled and we aren’t lazy. In fact, there are plenty of us that are extremely hard workers. We listen and we respond, we try to read things carefully, we’re always looking for new ways to learn and grow, and we know how to disconnect and put our phones down (well most of the time.)

We remember a world before we had technology at our fingertips, and I mean that literally. Think about it. The iPhone came out 10 years ago. Since then, technology has exploded. Even before the iPhone came out and smartphones reigned, people were already carrying cellphones everywhere they went. Remember flip phones? Or the Nokia phone everyone had, and the endless games of Snake?

I got my first cell phone at 16 (Nokia 3310 for the win!) and I shared it with my mother, even thought I kept it with me most of the time. Most of my friends were getting them when they started driving. Now it seems like people are getting cell phones younger and younger.

Many of us have been working since we were legally able to at 16, and in some cases, even 14. It’s taught us the value of money, how to save and budget. It’s taught us hard work, how to interview for a position and land a job even if it was at the neighborhood pizza shop or gift store, and it taught us how to interact with colleagues, accept criticism and praise when it was dealt, and how to provide good customer service, and deal with the public. It’s helped us learn what professionalism looks like in the workplace and how to interact with everyone from your equals to your superiors.

Most of my friends and fellow millennials bust their butts EVERY SINGLE DAY just to make a living. Which for many, is just enough to pay the mortgage/rent, buy some groceries and pay the bills. I know a good majority that work second, and even third jobs, just to get by. And people say millennials don’t work hard.

Personally, I have three jobs. THREE. I have my daily full-time job, my photography business, and I teach riding lessons once a week.

Side note: read this article from Inc. that discusses the bad habits that many millennials today have that make them look really unprofessional.

I’m not here to criticize the younger millennials, but rather point out that there are some millennials that don’t fit the stereotype. In fact, there’s a good amount of us who are the antithesis to the “modern” millennial.

If you’re a millennial, and you’re reading this, you’re probably thinking one of two things.

The first: “I’m definitely not a millennial. I’m not lazy. I hate selfies and I work hard.”

Great, that was my first thought too.

The second: “I’m definitely not a millennial. Millennials are lazy, and I worked for a few hours today. My hair was on fleek, so I had to take a selfie, but I don’t selfie all the time. I mean, that’s just annoying. And I work hard, but only when I feel like putting in the effort. My parents said I didn’t need to find a job right away after college/over the summer, so I’m not. I’m just going to chill by the pool for the summer and see what comes my way.”

If the first is you, and you were born between 1981 and 1997/2000ish. You are a millennial, whether you want to believe it or not. Embrace it, and let’s change the stereotype.

If the second is you, you exemplify the stereotype of a millennial. Work on changing that. You’re giving the other millennials a bad reputation.

But there are a few important things to remember, no matter what kind of millennial you are.

We all have a unique voice. It’s important to know and understand this, and for many of us, we just want it to be heard. We all feel that we have something important that needs to be said, some more so than others. If you really feel passionate about something, or just need a place to write, start a blog. It seems to be the thing to do.

We are the first generation to see and use the various social media platforms that we’ve been provided. Hell, you can major in social media marketing now (I was the first graduate class at Southern New Hampshire University to get a graduate certificate in it!) Sure, some overdo with social media (Selfies every day, all day are overdoing it – no one needs to see you 24/7), but others are finding ways to raise awareness, offer support, and use the platforms for bringing about change.

We should “follow our dreams”. As cliché as it sounds, and it’s definitely the cliché motto for this generation, we set goals and we strive to reach them. I’m not talking about being instafamous either. That’s the narcisstic side of the millennial generation.

I’m talking about finding something you’re passionate about, whether it’s a career in law, owning your photography business or making blogging your full-time job. We work for what we want. We continue our education. We make our dreams and goals a reality.

We should take criticism, constructive or not, and learn from it. We need focus on how it will make us better. Well, most of us.

We should work hard and learn to be independent. A work ethic can be created, even if it’s something you’ve never had. Relying on yourself to live is a game changer.

Most importantly, we should remember that millennial is not a dirty word. There are plenty of millennials out there, proving day in and day out, that they are more than what their generational description says they are.

I know I’m trying too.

PC: Jordan Whitfield, Unsplash

The Beers of Summer – 10 Beers That Always Have a Place in My Fridge

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For me, nothing says summer like an ice cold beer. Enjoying a cold brew, or a few, on my deck is one of my favorite ways to spend the hot weather. It’s also my favorite way to spend the spring with the windows open for the first time, the fall watching football and the winter curled up with a good book. And I love that there are so many different beers for each season!

Okay. I just really enjoy beer. In fact, it’s always been my adult beverage of choice. I really didn’t get into wine until I worked at a liquor store, and actually learned what good wine is (no more Arbor Mist for this girl!) For the record, I worked at a liquor store in college (Arbor Mist for the win!) and right after I turned 22, so it’s not like I didn’t discover wine until I was well until my 20s. I just didn’t discover good wine until about a year after I turned 21.

However, this post isn’t about wine. That’s for another day.

Summer beers are, by far, my favorite beers. I’ve always been a fan of fruit beers, and this is definitely the season for them. We’re lucky we have many great beer & wine stores around us, so I’m always able to purchase new kinds to try. Now some of these beers may be considered spring seasonals, however, I’m just as content drinking them in the summer months as I am in the spring. While there many different kinds I enjoy, here are my top 10. This are ones I purchase over and over, as well as some that I’ve loved, but can no longer find (maybes the company or the distributor will read it and bring it back for me…)

The Beers of Summer

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Tropical Mango Pale Ale – St. John Brewer’s

I first heard about this right out of college. My chiropractor’s buddy moved to St. John’s and started a brewing company. I was envious. I wanted to start a brewing company in the Caribbean. Only problem? I was a broke young adult, right out of college, with no knowledge of brewing beer, or craft beer in general. So, instead, I tried to find this beer and only a couple stores in the area sold it. I managed to get the liquor store I was working at to start carrying it, and I’m pretty sure I was the sole buyer of it. Besides my chiropractor and a few of his close friends.

Unfortunately I can’t find it anywhere around here now. Which makes me sad. Because it still tops the list of one of my all-time favorite beers.

St. John’s Brewers – if you read this, let’s get the beer back in the distributors around here. Or at least to my local liquor store.

Aloha Traveler Pineapple Shandy – The Traveler Beer Co.

This was one I just discovered this past late winter/early spring, but it’s become one my go-to beers. It’s light, refreshing, and just the right amount of pineapple without tasting too much like a pina colada. As long as it’s still available, this will have a home in my fridge this summer.

Melonhead – Shipyard Brewing Co.

After no longer being able to find St. John’s Tropical Mango Pale Ale, this quickly took the top spot. I love watermelon anything, and there is nothing than this ice cold in a frosty glass, complete with a watermelon slice. I clearly have an obsession with watermelon.

Samuel Adams Summer Ale – Samuel Adams

I feel like this just has to be on the list. It’s a summer staple. And I’m from the Boston-area, so a Boston area brewery should end up on my list. But it truly is one of my favorite beers of summer, even though last year’s batch was not too good and I only bought one case. Or at least the case (and keg) we got was not.

Hopefully this year will be different.

Blue Moon Belgian White – Blue Moon Brewing Co.

This was my first legal beer with my Dad. This will always be one of my favorite beers, summer or not. But, it’s definitely a refreshing drink for the summer time. Especially during cookouts.

Corona Extra

I know. You’re probably wondering why this is on the list when they are way better beers available. Well, to be honest, this is my list and I’ll put on whatever I want.

Corona is a summer cookout steady eddy at our house. It’s not summer without Corona in the cooler. We even bought a lime slicer to make lime cutting easier.

Mango Pale Ale – Kennebunkport Brewing Co.

Another that I just recently discovered this spring, purely because the big beer & wine outlet near us had it on blowout. Which tells me that probably got a good deal on it. I bought two (or three?) cases of it. I can’t remember, but I do know I still have a case sitting in my basement waiting to be chilled for a hot summer day.

I’m also hopping that they come out with it again so I can buy more. It reminded me a lot of the St. John’s Brewery one, and made me really happy to find another Mango beer that I loved.

Hell or High Watermelon – 21st Amendment Brewery

I first discovered this beer during my best friend’s wedding weekend. We happened to go the Irish Pub next to our hotel in Annapolis the day after to watch the Patriots game. They had this beer so I tried it. It was made even better by being served in a Mason jar. Needless to say, I may have finished off their supply that day, but I also discovered one of my new favorite beers.

It was hard to find at first, but now most of the stores around us carry it, and I’m thrilled.

Citradelic Tangerine IPA – New Belgium Brewing Company

My husband accidentally bought this beer for me one weekend recently. He meant to grab a six-pack of Traveler’s Pineapple Shandy, but this was next to it and he accidentally grabbed this instead. I wasn’t worried – I’ll try anything once.

It was a really positive mistake though because it’s a very delicious IPA. I like a good IPA every now and then, but sometimes the bitterness gets to me. This doesn’t have that at all. It’s smooth with just a hint of the tangerine and citrus. It will be a good addition to my summer beer lineup.

Summer Shandy – Leinenkugel Brewing Company

Lemonade and beer, combined. Nothing says summer more than this beer. It’s really refreshing, if you like lemonade. Perfect for those beach trips and lazy days in the pool (or on the boat!)

Sure, there are plenty more beers that I love, but these are the ones that had to make the list.

What is your favorite summertime sipper?

Blogging Is a Time Suck

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I’m going to be real honest for a minute.

Blogging is a real time suck and I mean that in the nicest way possible.

Between the writing, the scheduling, the sharing, the connecting… it takes up a lot of time. It’s a full-time job, which is why for many, it is their full-time job.

I don’t have enough hours in my day to think about blogging, especially with all that comes with it.

And yet, here I am. Blogging.  I promise, this isn’t a “I’m back after a blogging break” post. Technically, the one before this was. But after I posted, I never wrote anything. But that’s okay because I never made any promises to write.

I digress.

After helping a friend prepare for the soon-to-be launch of her blog, it inspired me to get back in the saddle and start doing something I truly enjoy again. I know I mentioned it in my last post (you can find that here) but I really mean it this time. You probably won’t find any regularity here, but you will start seeing some posts again.

Blogging Is a Time Suck

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I mean, I did give the blog a fresh new look. I have to get some content up in here to show it off.

And yes, I do stick by my “not a lifestyle blogger” stance. Sure, I guess technically I am because I post about things in my life, like being an anxiety warrior, but I still hold my ground that the hubs will not be on here, nor will my town or my house, or my weekend recaps, or anything like that. So, It’s Eryn E is not a lifestyle blog, but rather “a blog by Eryn Eaton” and a place where I express my thoughts and share things that I want to share.

Do I have high hopes for my blog this time around? Nope. The last time I was blogging consistently, I was obsessed with the numbers, the ads, all of it. It made blogging a really crappy experience for me. I’m sure I’ll add in some sidebar ads at some point, and include some Amazon links here and there. But, I really just want to enjoy writing and sharing content that is important to me.

Do I care if anyone actually reads my posts? Not really. I mean, I hope at least a handful of people will. In reality, if my posts inspire a small number of people, then I’ll be satisfied. I’m really just doing this to write again.

Do I want to be blogger famous? Well, still kind of yes. But in the sense that someone just stumbles across one of my posts, and shares it, and suddenly all of the major writing sites want me. Not the kind of blogger famous you actually have to work for. Okay, that sounds terrible. I basically want to reap all the benefits with little to no work. Huh. Kind of sounds like a lot of millennials these days.  Hmmm… that sounds like a potential blog post.

So, if you’re reading this now. Hey! Welcome back. I’m glad you’re here. I hope you can hang out for the ride.

If you’re new here, hi! I’m glad you stumbled across my little page on the internet. There are some good posts already on here from 2015 (when itseryne.com was born).

If you just happened to land here for no reason, hopefully you’ll have seen something you like enough to come back. Or don’t. And if you don’t, thanks for stopping by!

Welp. I made that “official back to blogging post” that I definitely didn’t want to write, but did anyways. I guess that means I should probably start putting some blog posts together…

I Am Not a Lifestyle Blogger

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It’s been nearly a year since I’ve written a word on this blog. I  lost all creativity. I was bored. I lacked the time and dedication. But most importantly, I had lost my passion for writing. I felt like I had to post on here, instead of wanting too. It was becoming a chore, more than it was a creative outlet and a hobby. I was too focused on the numbers and not focused enough on what I was writing. Part of it was a blog identity problem. Over the years, I’d been trying to turn it into something it wasn’t; a lifestyle blog.

I had lost sight of why I started blogging to begin with. Simply, to write.

What are the first three things that come to mind when you think of a lifestyle blogger?

I can guarantee those three things probably are not found on my blog (okay, they might be… but I don’t know what you’re thinking.) In case you’re wondering, I think of fashion, food and parenting. Definitely three things you won’t find here.

Lifestyle bloggers share their lives. They share fashion tips, recipes, advice on how to get your baby to sleep, how their weekend was, perhaps a tour of their new home, their health and fitness, or their latest DIY project.

I don’t. And I won’t share every aspect of my life.

I rarely mention of my husband’s name. You will almost never see a picture of my home (unless it shows up on Instagram). You won’t see mention of the town I live in or the surrounding towns.

It’s not because I don’t love my life. I’m just not that kind of blogger. My blog life is separate from my life-life. I found myself straying from that one very simple reason I decided to blog in the first place – a love of writing.

But as 2016 comes to a close, and 2017 arrives, I decided that I missed writing. I missed having a creative outlet where I could write when I wanted to write. And writing the occasional rant when it needed to happen.

So no, you won’t find health posts here, you won’t find recipes, house tours or my weekend recap. But you will find books I’m reading, maybe a poem or two (if I feel like writing one), my continuing battle with anxiety, maybe a short story, tips for inspiration… essentially, I’m not holding myself accountable for posting anything. But rather, keeping this a place where I can write when inspiration strikes. I need this.

I’ll be keeping my previous posts up on the blog. However, you should expect to find some different things popping up from time to time. I’m not out to become a well-known blogger. I simply want to write.

Writing has always been a part of me. I crave being able to put pen to paper, or in this case, fingers to keyboard.

Having my creative outlet back in 2017 is exactly what I need.