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IN: GirlBossing

What I’ve Learned Since Becoming a Full Time Blogger

February 15, 2019 By Melanie 2 Comments

Happy Friday, lovelies! Today is a super special day because I’m celebrating four different occasions! You ready for this laundry list? *Takes deep breath. Okay… here we go:

  • 5 years of dating Bay Phillips
  • Bay’s dirty 30 birthday
  • My 3 year blogiversary
  • 1 year since I put in my two week notice at my old 9-5 job to pursue blogging full time

If this doesn’t call for cake and champagne I don’t know what does. haha 

I honestly can’t believe it’s been three years since I’ve started this blog of mine. Sometimes it seems like I’ve had it for so much longer, while other times it feels like I just started it yesterday. One things for sure, it DOESN’T feel like a full year of being my own boss. It’s been a roller coaster of a ride with lots of highs and a few lows. I’ve dealt with my own insecurities and imposter syndrome has reared it’s ugly head several times. Despite the low points, it has been so incredibly fulfilling to make my own schedule and build my brand. I know it sounds cliche but damn… I feel blessed. So so so blessed and thankful. 

And I owe so much of this to you guys. My readers, whether you’re new to Headstands and Heels or have been here since the beginning, I can’t thank you enough. Every message, email, and comment of support has meant the world to me! It’s easy to let pride and ego get the best of us when we’re embracing the hustle, but let me tell you… it’s not lost on me that you all are the reason being an “influencer” is a sustainable career path. 

This year I’ve made it my mission to give back to you all in every way I can. This means hosting more free events, creating an e-book filled with branding tips (launching later this month!), offering more blogger consultations, sharing an IG Tips series on my Instagram Stories, and putting service above “likes” on all my posts. I hope that we can continue to grow and thrive together! I feel like there’s so much in store for Headstands and Heels, and I hope you’ll be along for the ride. 

In the spirit of service, I wanted to use this opportunity to share something with any aspiring bloggers out there. If your Instagram presence or blog has been your side gig and you’re thinking of taking the leap to make it a full time job, there are a few things I think you should know. These are all based on my own learning experiences from the past year. Some may not pertain to you and I’m sure there are many things that I’m accidentally leaving out. One thing’s for sure, it’s SCARY AF to leave a steady paycheck to embrace a freelancing lifestyle and we could use all the advice we can get. ๐Ÿ™‚ 

Organization is Everything 

Administrative tasks tend to be the hardest but most important part of any business. When you are acting as the head of every “departement” it can be easy to let things slip through the cracks. Invest in tools that will help you (like Freshbooks for invoices or Dropbox for storage) and become proficient in free tools like Google sheets, Google drive and Google Calendar for the others. It doesn’t hurt to have a daily planner where you physically write things out. I also think apps like Wunderlist or Evernote can really come in handy. These admin tools are going to be your BEST friend so don’t be afraid to get nice and acquainted with them all very early on. 

Prepare for Taxes

It is never too early to start prepping for taxes because let me tell you… tax season will come and it’s SCARY. Not only should you be keeping track of all your income sources but it’s crucial to put away at least 30% of what you earn each paycheck. Many bloggers will file quarterly instead of waiting for tax season to start. My suggestion is to open up a business account and use that to store all of the money earned from your brand. You can “pay” yourself (transfer money to your personal account) when needed but the majority should be kept separate. Get a filing cabinet and start saving all receipts related to business expenses so you can write them off later. I slacked on a few of these things and am paying the price now. 

Schedule Days Off

When you make your own schedule it can be tempting to work around the clock. You’re not bound by any office hours anymore and weekend work will become a thing. However, if you operate this way for too long it’s a super fast track to burn out. Do your best to set “working hours” for yourself. It may vary week to week but for the most part it’s helpful to give yourself structure and a sense of normalcy for your business. And please, don’t be afraid to take some time off and away from social media.  

Combat Loneliness 

If you’re coming from a 9-5 office job like me, it can be hard to adjust to the lack of company. You’re going from being constantly surrounded by people to being… alone. Without a boss to keep you on track, a direct report to delegate to, or a colleague to ask advice, the world of blogging can become super lonely. You need to find ways to combat this. Maybe it’s investing in a membership at a co-working space. Maybe it means setting up at a coffee shop twice a week just so you can be around more people. Or maybe it’s setting up meetings and in person co-working dates with other bloggers/influencers. The important thing to remember is that you’re not actually alone, you may just need to work a little harder to find your new “colleagues.” 

Know Your Worth

When it comes to negotiating rates with brands, it can be tough. Some will try to low ball you. Many won’t give you the time of day. Others may scoff at your price points. It’s important to remain respectful but stay firm in your negotiations. Don’t be afraid to turn something down if you don’t think the compensation is worth it. But also don’t be afraid to do things at a lower price point or even on an exchange basis if it means building a lasting relationship with a brand. It’s important to be very realistic in this department and remind yourself that whoever is on the receiving end is not your friend. When it comes to partnerships, you are one brand doing business with another brand. You need to do enough research on market value to come up with a fair fee while also being honest about how much time, energy and money it will take you to complete the agreed upon scope of work. 

Say Yes, Especially If It Scares You

As your brand grows, there will be opportunities presented to you that challenge you to step out of your comfort zone. Whether that’s being asked to speak on a panel, record an Instagram Live, lead a workshop, host a class, attend a cool event, fly somewhere solo, etc. There will be things that scare you and that’s 100% okay. You need to feel this fear, acknowledge and accept it for what it is, and then learn to let it go. Learn to say yes to the things that scare you because more often than not, these are the things that will change you in the best way. 

Invest Wisely

Don’t be afraid to invest in areas of business where you need help. This is no longer going to be your side hustle, it’s your full time job now. This means you might need things like: a better camera, an accountant, a lawyer, a go-to photographer, and maybe even an intern or assistant. No one wants to pay the big bucks in the beginning but it’s necessary! You have to be willing to invest in your business in order for it to thrive and grow. 

Build a Network

This business is all about who you know. It can be tempting to stay home and power through your workload but it’s important to prioritize networking. That means saying yes to events, finding other like-minded, local bloggers to connect with on Instagram, and creating meet-ups. I know it can be intimidating and somewhat exhausting to meet new people every day but trust me when I say it’s worth it! Building a network is a powerful thing to have in your toolbox and brands pay attention to how “in the scene” you are. 

Take Risks

Don’t be afraid to experiment. Want to write an e-book? Do it. Start a YouTube channel? Go for it. Try a new post series? Sounds great. The best of the best are constantly innovating and refining their craft. They aren’t afraid to try something new. Even if it fails, it’s a learning experience and they’ll move on. Life without risks is boring and businesses that don’t take risks become stagnant.  

Remember Your Why

On the days when you feel extra stressed or find yourself lacking direction or clarity, step back. Remind yourself why you started your blog/Instagram in the first place. Remember a time someone reached out and said that your post impacted them in some way. Ground yourself in your purpose and your reason for doing what you do. It’s not about money. It’s not about the “likes.” These things are so fleeting and should never be the reason why you do what you do. 

I hope all you aspiring bloggers find this helpful! And if you’re not looking to become a full-time blogger, well, I hope you at the very least found this to be entertaining! Maybe it gave you a little insight into my day to day life. ๐Ÿ™‚ 

I’m signing off and going to go pick up Bay’s birthday cake now! Cheers to 3 years and more years to come! 

Shop My Look (and head to my latest Instagram post for a chance to win a $300 Athleta gift card!):

Filed Under: GirlBossing

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. lina says

    February 15, 2019 at 7:09 pm

    This is so inspiring and so helpful I am on year 2, so many amazing opportunities have come my way and it is so easy to forget why I started. thank you and congrats you are doing so well

    Reply
  2. Raquel says

    February 16, 2019 at 3:53 am

    Always love your Tips go grow business and especially appreciate the reminder in this post to save for taxes. It’s so necessary and can be overlooked by newbies. Keep the TIps coming!

    Reply

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New Meet Melanie

New Meet Melanie

Hi and welcome to Headstands & Heels! I’m Melanie — a Digital Strategist turned Wellness Entrepreneur, certified yoga instructor (RYT 200), dog mama, and content creator based in NYC. I hope to encourage others to follow their dreams and cultivate a healthy, balanced lifestyle filled with mindfulness and positivity. ๐Ÿ’• Send me a note at: mel@headstandsandheels.com or Read More

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Iโ€™m def putting this โ€œglowing goddessโ€ smoothie on repeat over here because it tastes like a tropical dream and is super hydrating. โœจ๐Ÿ’—
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Spending so much time at home can be a little exhausting but Iโ€™ve been trying to take this time to freshen up the decor, reorganize some things and get rid of clutter thatโ€™s been piling up. 
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Cheerful colors, fresh flowers ๐ŸŒธ and a tidy space always fill me with positive and creative energy. Anyone else feel the same? ๐Ÿฅฐ  #HealthyAtHome #GreenSmoothie

PSA! @yesto just released their BRAND NEW #yesto A
PSA! @yesto just released their BRAND NEW #yesto Avocado Collection ๐Ÿฅ‘ and it's their FIRST fragrance-free line!! (Perfect for anyone with sensitive skin) ๐ŸŽ‰Swipe through to take a peek at some of the products you can get your hands on! 
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Everything is formulated with avocado oil and hyaluronic acid, which makes it perfect for the winter months when your skin needs a bit more moisture. ๐Ÿ’ง๐Ÿฅฐ
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I previously mentioned how I like to swap my products seasonally, and let me tell you, there is nothing better than a good cream cleanser in the winter! โ„๏ธ I've been loving how gentle and nourishing this one is and have been following it up with the eye cream every night before bed. 
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I linked the full cruelty-free and 95% natural collection in my stories so be sure to check it out! ๐Ÿ’•๐Ÿฅ‘ #yestoambassador @target

Back on that bougie bath game. ๐Ÿ› Whatโ€™s one t
Back on that bougie bath game. ๐Ÿ› Whatโ€™s one thing youโ€™re doing to treat yourself this weekend? ๐Ÿ’— #SelfCareSunday

{#ad} Letโ€™s share Positive Affirmations! โœจ๐Ÿ’—
{#ad} Letโ€™s share Positive Affirmations! โœจ๐Ÿ’— Do you have a favorite mantra that you like to repeat to yourself? If youโ€™re in need of more, I listed โ€œ10 Positive Affirmations for Stress Reliefโ€ on my latest blog post in partnership with @nordstrom and @shopstyle. 
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I love to incorporate these short phrases into my mindfulness meditation, especially on days when Iโ€™m feeling overwhelmed. ๐Ÿง˜๐Ÿปโ€โ™€๏ธ If youโ€™re new to meditating I shared a few tips on how to create a safe space in your home for your practice and linked these super cozy athleisure pieces from Zella that are perfect for yoga and meditation. ๐Ÿ’• 
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This set is so soft and I love how the bottoms resemble a mix between joggers and leggings. (Bonus: they have pockets!). Head to the link in my bio to see more! โค๏ธ #Nordstrom

INSTAGRAM VS. REALITY {swipe ๐Ÿ‘ˆ๐Ÿผ for a laugh}
INSTAGRAM VS. REALITY {swipe ๐Ÿ‘ˆ๐Ÿผ for a laugh}. Bay and I went to the William Vale rooftop โ€œGliceโ€ rink yesterday evening to celebrate ๐ŸŽŠ . 
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Sadly I should have read the reviews because it was impossible to skate on!! ๐Ÿ˜‚ Itโ€™s made with a synthetic ice that really just doesnโ€™t work... prob would have been better as a roller skating rink. 
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I think we hobbled around for about 15 min before leaving and going downstairs to Westlight for some dinner. 
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Luckily we had quite a few laughs over the whole thing and watched the most beautiful sunset over the city ๐ŸŒ‡ . Still a great way to end what was such a wonderful and historic day. โค๏ธ #IGvsReality

Cozy snowy morning vibes. โ„๏ธ Today feels like
Cozy snowy morning vibes. โ„๏ธ Today feels like the start of new beginnings and Iโ€™m here for it. ๐Ÿ’• How are you feeling today, loves? #MelsMeals

Traded sweatpants for sushi ๐Ÿฃ on last nightโ€™s
Traded sweatpants for sushi ๐Ÿฃ on last nightโ€™s date night venture at @sushilab.nyc. Itโ€™s no surprise that winter + Covid have made going out a rare occasion for Bay and I. 
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It does make moments like this, when you find an outdoor dining spot thatโ€™s so warm you can take your coat off, such a special treat. We savored every second of it. โค๏ธ 
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If youโ€™re in NYC here are a few other warm and cozy outdoor dining spots that weโ€™ve tried or have made reservations for: 
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โœจ @scarpettarestaurants
โœจ @boucherienyc
โœจ @thenomadhotel rooftop 
โœจ @lafayette380
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And two accounts that have amazing recommendations are @covid.date.spots and @nycdatenite. ๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿ’ฏ
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Out of curiosity have you all been dining out? Or are you eating most of your meals at home? ๐Ÿก #SushiNight

๐ŸŒฑ5 HOUSEPLANTS FOR BEGINNERS ๐ŸŒฑ Which one is
๐ŸŒฑ5 HOUSEPLANTS FOR BEGINNERS ๐ŸŒฑ Which one is your favorite? 
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You all know how much I love my plants and I really do believe they are a great way to cultivate more positive energy in your space. ๐Ÿก 
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If youโ€™re looking to add some houseplants to your collection but arenโ€™t sure where to start, here are some of my personal favs!!
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๐ŸŒฑ ๐๐จ๐ญ๐ก๐จ๐ฌ: vining plant that will visibly wilt when it needs to be watered. I water mine once a week 
๐ŸŒฑ ๐’๐ง๐š๐ค๐ž ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐š๐ง๐ญ: technically a succulent so itโ€™s super low maintenance. I only water mine once every 3-4 weeks
๐ŸŒฑ ๐‰๐š๐๐ž ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐š๐ง๐ญ: another succulent that loves bright light and requires little maintenance 
๐ŸŒฑ ๐‘๐ฎ๐›๐›๐ž๐ซ ๐ญ๐ซ๐ž๐ž ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐š๐ง๐ญ: needs medium to bright indirect light and you can water once every 2 weeks 
๐ŸŒฑ ๐™๐ณ ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐š๐ง๐ญ: the toughest plant ever and will survive anything lol mine is in low indirect light and I water it once every 3 weeks 
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I busted out my watercolors for this little illustration and it just makes me so happy. ๐ŸŽจ I love being able to share these with you all and I hope you enjoy seeing my more artistic side. ๐ŸŒฑ #plantillustration

Give me all the delicious plant-based snacks and a
Give me all the delicious plant-based snacks and a large glass of water after a workout and Iโ€™m one happy gal! ๐Ÿ… ๐Ÿฅ• Lately, Iโ€™ve been reaching for these Air Dried Veggies + Nuts by @dirtkitchensnacks and I think you all would LOVE them too. ๐ŸŽ‰
โ €โ €โ €โ €โ €โ €โ €โ €โ €
They are crisp, crunchy, and taste so good. This one is the Carrot + Zucchini + Roasted Peanuts pack and itโ€™s seasoned with spicy chili lime seasoning! ๐ŸŒถ USE CODE: MEL20 FOR A DISCOUNT.๐Ÿฅ•๐Ÿฅ’
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Bay and I are already planning to reorder the Variety Packs (linked in my story) because theyโ€™re one of those snacks that we both love and are beginning to become a staple in our house. ๐Ÿ™Œ๐Ÿป Who else loves snacking on veggies? #DigInWithDKS #Sponsored

Hey friends! Tell me โ€” where in this big beautif
Hey friends! Tell me โ€” where in this big beautiful world do you live right now? ๐ŸŒŽ 
โ €โ €โ €โ €โ €โ €โ €โ €โ €
I had one of those โ€œwow social media is really coolโ€ moments while messaging with a lovely gal from Singapore and another girl who grew up near my hometown in Florida today. ๐Ÿ 
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I know IG can be a bit overwhelming at times but Iโ€™m so thankful for how easily it can connect so many of us from around the world! 
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And since so many people have moved during this pandemic, Iโ€™m also curious as to where everyone ended up. ๐Ÿ—บ 
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Canโ€™t wait to hear from you all โค๏ธ๐Ÿฅฐ. Thanks for being in my small corner of the internet! #NYCblogger

Finding little moments of peace after a very tragi
Finding little moments of peace after a very tragic and heavy week. ๐Ÿง˜๐Ÿปโ€โ™€๏ธโœจ I had planned to share about my โ€œ๐๐ž๐ฐ ๐˜๐ž๐š๐ซ, ๐๐ž๐ฐ ๐ˆ๐ง๐ญ๐ž๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌโ€ ๐ฏ๐ข๐ซ๐ญ๐ฎ๐š๐ฅ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ ๐š ๐œ๐ฅ๐š๐ฌ๐ฌ in the spirit of kicking 2021 off on a positive note โ€” but now Iโ€™m using it as a way to create space for healing and self care. 
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YOGA CLASS INFO:
โ €โ €โ €โ €โ €โ €โ €โ €โ €
โœจ What: 45 min Open Level Vinyasa Flow
โœจ When: Sun, Jan 17th at 12pm EST
โœจ Ticket donation is $5
โœจ LINK IN BIO TO SIGN UP 
โ €โ €โ €โ €โ €โ €โ €โ €โ €
๐€๐‹๐‹ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐Ÿ๐ข๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐›๐ž ๐๐จ๐ง๐š๐ญ๐ž๐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐Œ๐ž๐ง๐ญ๐š๐ฅ ๐‡๐ž๐š๐ฅ๐ญ๐ก ๐€๐ฆ๐ž๐ซ๐ข๐œ๐š, a non profit organization dedicated to help those living with mental illness and to promote the mental wellbeing of all. ๐Ÿ’– 
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I hope youโ€™re all taking some time for yourself this weekend and I look forward to seeing some of you on your mat. ๐Ÿ˜˜ #MelDoesYoga #MyYogaLife

Are you team sweet or savory? ๐ŸŒ ๐Ÿ… Personally
Are you team sweet or savory? ๐ŸŒ ๐Ÿ… Personally I always have a hard time choosing, but when theyโ€™re both made with delicious ingredients, Iโ€™m all about having both. #WasaPartner
 
One of my favorite ways to create these simple snack stacks is with @wasausa Multigrain Crispbreads. ๐Ÿ™Œ  They are made with wholesome grains like oats and barley, have 0 grams of Trans Fat, no palm oil and are Carbon Neutral from field to shelf, making them a great choice for you and the planet! ๐ŸŒŽ  Definitely the perfect pantry staple to kick off the new year. 
 
Swipe ๐Ÿ‘ˆ to see how these snacks came together. The left has crunchy PB butter, bananas, honey and chia seeds while the right has mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, balsamic vinegar and basil. 
 
What healthy toppings do you think you would add to these? ๐Ÿ˜‹  #NewYearNewSnack #SnackWasa #SimplyWasa


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When your green smoothie matches your decor ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿฅ‘๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿ’ฏ. Swipe for the recipe!! 
โ €โ €โ €โ €โ €โ €โ €โ €โ €
Iโ€™m def putting this โ€œglowing goddessโ€ smoothie on repeat over here because it tastes like a tropical dream and is super hydrating. โœจ๐Ÿ’—
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Spending so much time at home can be a little exhausting but Iโ€™ve been trying to take this time to freshen up the decor, reorganize some things and get rid of clutter thatโ€™s been piling up. 
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Cheerful colors, fresh flowers ๐ŸŒธ and a tidy space always fill me with positive and creative energy. Anyone else feel the same? ๐Ÿฅฐ  #HealthyAtHome #GreenSmoothie
PSA! @yesto just released their BRAND NEW #yesto A PSA! @yesto just released their BRAND NEW #yesto Avocado Collection ๐Ÿฅ‘ and it's their FIRST fragrance-free line!! (Perfect for anyone with sensitive skin) ๐ŸŽ‰Swipe through to take a peek at some of the products you can get your hands on! 
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Everything is formulated with avocado oil and hyaluronic acid, which makes it perfect for the winter months when your skin needs a bit more moisture. ๐Ÿ’ง๐Ÿฅฐ
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I previously mentioned how I like to swap my products seasonally, and let me tell you, there is nothing better than a good cream cleanser in the winter! โ„๏ธ I've been loving how gentle and nourishing this one is and have been following it up with the eye cream every night before bed. 
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I linked the full cruelty-free and 95% natural collection in my stories so be sure to check it out! ๐Ÿ’•๐Ÿฅ‘ #yestoambassador @target
Back on that bougie bath game. ๐Ÿ› Whatโ€™s one t Back on that bougie bath game. ๐Ÿ› Whatโ€™s one thing youโ€™re doing to treat yourself this weekend? ๐Ÿ’— #SelfCareSunday
{#ad} Letโ€™s share Positive Affirmations! โœจ๐Ÿ’— {#ad} Letโ€™s share Positive Affirmations! โœจ๐Ÿ’— Do you have a favorite mantra that you like to repeat to yourself? If youโ€™re in need of more, I listed โ€œ10 Positive Affirmations for Stress Reliefโ€ on my latest blog post in partnership with @nordstrom and @shopstyle. 
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I love to incorporate these short phrases into my mindfulness meditation, especially on days when Iโ€™m feeling overwhelmed. ๐Ÿง˜๐Ÿปโ€โ™€๏ธ If youโ€™re new to meditating I shared a few tips on how to create a safe space in your home for your practice and linked these super cozy athleisure pieces from Zella that are perfect for yoga and meditation. ๐Ÿ’• 
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This set is so soft and I love how the bottoms resemble a mix between joggers and leggings. (Bonus: they have pockets!). Head to the link in my bio to see more! โค๏ธ #Nordstrom
INSTAGRAM VS. REALITY {swipe ๐Ÿ‘ˆ๐Ÿผ for a laugh} INSTAGRAM VS. REALITY {swipe ๐Ÿ‘ˆ๐Ÿผ for a laugh}. Bay and I went to the William Vale rooftop โ€œGliceโ€ rink yesterday evening to celebrate ๐ŸŽŠ . 
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Sadly I should have read the reviews because it was impossible to skate on!! ๐Ÿ˜‚ Itโ€™s made with a synthetic ice that really just doesnโ€™t work... prob would have been better as a roller skating rink. 
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I think we hobbled around for about 15 min before leaving and going downstairs to Westlight for some dinner. 
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Luckily we had quite a few laughs over the whole thing and watched the most beautiful sunset over the city ๐ŸŒ‡ . Still a great way to end what was such a wonderful and historic day. โค๏ธ #IGvsReality
Cozy snowy morning vibes. โ„๏ธ Today feels like Cozy snowy morning vibes. โ„๏ธ Today feels like the start of new beginnings and Iโ€™m here for it. ๐Ÿ’• How are you feeling today, loves? #MelsMeals
Traded sweatpants for sushi ๐Ÿฃ on last nightโ€™s Traded sweatpants for sushi ๐Ÿฃ on last nightโ€™s date night venture at @sushilab.nyc. Itโ€™s no surprise that winter + Covid have made going out a rare occasion for Bay and I. 
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It does make moments like this, when you find an outdoor dining spot thatโ€™s so warm you can take your coat off, such a special treat. We savored every second of it. โค๏ธ 
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If youโ€™re in NYC here are a few other warm and cozy outdoor dining spots that weโ€™ve tried or have made reservations for: 
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โœจ @scarpettarestaurants
โœจ @boucherienyc
โœจ @thenomadhotel rooftop 
โœจ @lafayette380
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And two accounts that have amazing recommendations are @covid.date.spots and @nycdatenite. ๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿ’ฏ
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Out of curiosity have you all been dining out? Or are you eating most of your meals at home? ๐Ÿก #SushiNight
๐ŸŒฑ5 HOUSEPLANTS FOR BEGINNERS ๐ŸŒฑ Which one is ๐ŸŒฑ5 HOUSEPLANTS FOR BEGINNERS ๐ŸŒฑ Which one is your favorite? 
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You all know how much I love my plants and I really do believe they are a great way to cultivate more positive energy in your space. ๐Ÿก 
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If youโ€™re looking to add some houseplants to your collection but arenโ€™t sure where to start, here are some of my personal favs!!
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๐ŸŒฑ ๐๐จ๐ญ๐ก๐จ๐ฌ: vining plant that will visibly wilt when it needs to be watered. I water mine once a week 
๐ŸŒฑ ๐’๐ง๐š๐ค๐ž ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐š๐ง๐ญ: technically a succulent so itโ€™s super low maintenance. I only water mine once every 3-4 weeks
๐ŸŒฑ ๐‰๐š๐๐ž ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐š๐ง๐ญ: another succulent that loves bright light and requires little maintenance 
๐ŸŒฑ ๐‘๐ฎ๐›๐›๐ž๐ซ ๐ญ๐ซ๐ž๐ž ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐š๐ง๐ญ: needs medium to bright indirect light and you can water once every 2 weeks 
๐ŸŒฑ ๐™๐ณ ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐š๐ง๐ญ: the toughest plant ever and will survive anything lol mine is in low indirect light and I water it once every 3 weeks 
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I busted out my watercolors for this little illustration and it just makes me so happy. ๐ŸŽจ I love being able to share these with you all and I hope you enjoy seeing my more artistic side. ๐ŸŒฑ #plantillustration
Give me all the delicious plant-based snacks and a Give me all the delicious plant-based snacks and a large glass of water after a workout and Iโ€™m one happy gal! ๐Ÿ… ๐Ÿฅ• Lately, Iโ€™ve been reaching for these Air Dried Veggies + Nuts by @dirtkitchensnacks and I think you all would LOVE them too. ๐ŸŽ‰
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They are crisp, crunchy, and taste so good. This one is the Carrot + Zucchini + Roasted Peanuts pack and itโ€™s seasoned with spicy chili lime seasoning! ๐ŸŒถ USE CODE: MEL20 FOR A DISCOUNT.๐Ÿฅ•๐Ÿฅ’
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Bay and I are already planning to reorder the Variety Packs (linked in my story) because theyโ€™re one of those snacks that we both love and are beginning to become a staple in our house. ๐Ÿ™Œ๐Ÿป Who else loves snacking on veggies? #DigInWithDKS #Sponsored
Hey friends! Tell me โ€” where in this big beautif Hey friends! Tell me โ€” where in this big beautiful world do you live right now? ๐ŸŒŽ 
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I had one of those โ€œwow social media is really coolโ€ moments while messaging with a lovely gal from Singapore and another girl who grew up near my hometown in Florida today. ๐Ÿ 
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I know IG can be a bit overwhelming at times but Iโ€™m so thankful for how easily it can connect so many of us from around the world! 
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And since so many people have moved during this pandemic, Iโ€™m also curious as to where everyone ended up. ๐Ÿ—บ 
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Canโ€™t wait to hear from you all โค๏ธ๐Ÿฅฐ. Thanks for being in my small corner of the internet! #NYCblogger
Finding little moments of peace after a very tragi Finding little moments of peace after a very tragic and heavy week. ๐Ÿง˜๐Ÿปโ€โ™€๏ธโœจ I had planned to share about my โ€œ๐๐ž๐ฐ ๐˜๐ž๐š๐ซ, ๐๐ž๐ฐ ๐ˆ๐ง๐ญ๐ž๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌโ€ ๐ฏ๐ข๐ซ๐ญ๐ฎ๐š๐ฅ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ ๐š ๐œ๐ฅ๐š๐ฌ๐ฌ in the spirit of kicking 2021 off on a positive note โ€” but now Iโ€™m using it as a way to create space for healing and self care. 
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YOGA CLASS INFO:
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โœจ What: 45 min Open Level Vinyasa Flow
โœจ When: Sun, Jan 17th at 12pm EST
โœจ Ticket donation is $5
โœจ LINK IN BIO TO SIGN UP 
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๐€๐‹๐‹ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐Ÿ๐ข๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐›๐ž ๐๐จ๐ง๐š๐ญ๐ž๐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐Œ๐ž๐ง๐ญ๐š๐ฅ ๐‡๐ž๐š๐ฅ๐ญ๐ก ๐€๐ฆ๐ž๐ซ๐ข๐œ๐š, a non profit organization dedicated to help those living with mental illness and to promote the mental wellbeing of all. ๐Ÿ’– 
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I hope youโ€™re all taking some time for yourself this weekend and I look forward to seeing some of you on your mat. ๐Ÿ˜˜ #MelDoesYoga #MyYogaLife
Are you team sweet or savory? ๐ŸŒ ๐Ÿ… Personally Are you team sweet or savory? ๐ŸŒ ๐Ÿ… Personally I always have a hard time choosing, but when theyโ€™re both made with delicious ingredients, Iโ€™m all about having both. #WasaPartner
 
One of my favorite ways to create these simple snack stacks is with @wasausa Multigrain Crispbreads. ๐Ÿ™Œ  They are made with wholesome grains like oats and barley, have 0 grams of Trans Fat, no palm oil and are Carbon Neutral from field to shelf, making them a great choice for you and the planet! ๐ŸŒŽ  Definitely the perfect pantry staple to kick off the new year. 
 
Swipe ๐Ÿ‘ˆ to see how these snacks came together. The left has crunchy PB butter, bananas, honey and chia seeds while the right has mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, balsamic vinegar and basil. 
 
What healthy toppings do you think you would add to these? ๐Ÿ˜‹  #NewYearNewSnack #SnackWasa #SimplyWasa
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