Good news everyone! This year I have decided to partake in Vlogmas! If you are not familiar with that term, Vlogmas is when you put up a video blog everyday from December 1-24th to celebrate Christmas and the whole spirit of the season! Each day in December through December 24th, I will be posting a holiday themed video to my YouTube channel. Here is my first Vlog for December 1st which I posted yesterday on the topic of my Christmas Tree! So make sure to check it out and to subscribe to my channel to follow along with all the festive fun!
Have you ever partaken in Vlogmas or followed YouTubers who have? What sorts of topics would you like me to cover in my vlogmas videos? I am open to suggestions since I have 23 more days of content to film! So, please share your ideas in the comments!
Some time ago I began realizing that some of my Instagram photos were not showing up in tag search results. It was a real bummer because I didn’t think my pics were getting the exposure they deserved, especially when I would work hard to compose an image and then spend time editing it on my iPhone! At first I thought the issue had something to do with a large amount of users on the server and figured that the app just “dropped” images from search results because of the traffic on certain tags, but after a while it was getting so annoying that I decided to research the issue. What I found out was quite a surprise to me, so I thought I should share the information with you in case you are suffering from the same issue! Basically, in order to fight against illegal or explicit photo’s (think pics of drugs or sexy photos), Instagram has blocked certain tags from their search (think tags with curse words or explicit language), but because people normally use more than one tag when promoting these sorts of images, if a picture has a tag that is blocked in the description, the image is automatically flagged and none of your tags will work so that your image is blocked from searches completely!
Now, I am sure you’re thinking to yourself, “I’m not posting explicit photos or using questionable tags in my description but my photos are still not showing up in searches.” Well, I’m sorry to tell you that Instagram’s approach to solving their naughty pic issues aren’t so cut and dry and seemingly innocuous tags like #iPhone have been blocked as well! In my instance, all my photos that weren’t showing up in searches included the tag #iPhone and I had no idea it was a blocked tag. So, if you are having trouble with your images missing from search results, I suggest you go through your tags and select them one by one and if your search results yield no images, you have found your blocked tag. When I went into Instagram and searched #iPhone, it indeed yielded no results, so unless you are using a totally unique tag or a misspelling and your search yields no results, your tag is probably blocked and causing your image to disappear in search!
If searching through your tags one by one seems too daunting a task for you, I have also found a link to A List of Blocked and Unsearchable Instagram Hashtags for your review. Just a warning, this link does show explicit language, so if you are underage or sensitive to fowl language, please don’t click the link. The link itself is to a reputable site, but I just wanted to give you a heads up because most of the list is bad language in hashtag form!
Have you had this hashtag issue happen to you? Have you been using tags that seem innocent enough but found that they were actually blocked by Instagram? Let me know your opinion on Instagram’s hashtag crackdown in the comments!
I have been honestly loving the recent designs that Kate Spade has brought out for their iPhone cases. Every time I see a new design I want it and that is a very rare feeling for me when it comes to cases because I am very particular about my iPhone! I may have mentioned this before but it bears repeating that the new resin design that Kate Spade is using for their iPhone 5/5s cases is beyond perfect. Not only are the cases super slim, but they feel fully protected. I know Kate Spade makes some other cases that are similar to snap on hard cases and also some softer cases, but I find that the resin cases are the most protective and stylish! A few weeks ago Kate Spade brought out their Holiday 2013 collection which included some absolutely beautiful iPhone case designs as well. The whole champagne theme done in light cremes and muted pinks is so feminine and sophisticated I want to own them all! Here are some of my favorite cases from the collection as well as a Nordstrom exclusive case that doubles as an on the go iPhone charger… LOVE IT!
Are you enjoying these cases as much as I am? Do you own a Kate Spade iPhone 5/5s case? Which case is your favorite? I’m also thinking about creating an iPhone and Macbook background set based on these designs. Would you be interested in something seasonal like that for your devices? Let’s chat about it in the comments!
Yep! I am still on my Disney World vacation with my husband for our Anniversary! So, today I thought I would share something cute and funny with you guys! Before we left on vacation, I ordered a set of Mickey and Minnie iPhone cases specifically for our trip! Last year my husband and I kept seeing Disney themed iPhone cases at every store and we really wanted to get them, but we decided that $40 each was a little too much for cases we only planned to use in the Disney Parks! So, I found these cute cases online from Amazon and ordered them weeks ago and they were only a few bucks each! I was really pleased with these cases because they are pretty tough and give a little bit of screen protection as well. If you happen to like these cases, I have included links to where I purchased these so you can check them our for yourself.
If you haven’t noticed, I really like to be organized, especially when it comes to my many gadgets. So, I recently ordered this cute little iPad mini portfolio that I thought would be perfect for traveling and would make an awesome little to go bag for my iPad mini when I am out and about. I bought it off MochiThings.com which has seriously been my internet obsession for months. It is made by the brand M. Humming, which I have never heard of beyond this website, but they are a Korean accessories brand that focus’ on work & life balance!
Before I get into my impressions of the bag itself, I wanted to take a moment to point out the packaging this bag came in. I half expected it to be wrapped in plastic with maybe a little info card attached, but it come in this nice sturdy box with some nice images of the bag printed on it.
The back of the box was pretty cool because it gave specs on the bag and illustrations on which sorts of devices would fit in the bag. I love the little illustration of the bag open showing that you can fit your iPad, smart phone, and lots of little accessories like pens, headphones etc.
Here is a close up of that portion of the illustration. I don’t mean to be going on and on about the packaging, but it was seriously impressive to me.
Okay, so back to the bag itself. As you can tell from these last few images, one side of the bag has a nice zippered pocket and the other side of the bag just has the company info embossed on the bottom. They called this color “pink” but I think it would be more accurately described as rose or claret red. Either way, I do like the color and the way it looks on the faux leather. It’s feminine and professional which is exactly what I wanted!
Taking a peek into the zipper pocket on the one side of the bag, you can see it has slots for credit cards and a nice deep pocket that could easily store cords, cash, change, whatever loose little items you need to keep contained. Like I said in the intro, I think this bag will be perfect for traveling and I am going to test this theory out next week on my anniversary trip with my husband. Since we are flying and actually bringing minimal tech with us, I think this bag will be perfect for storing my iPad mini, iPhone, travel documents, ear buds, charging cables, etc.
Now, for the main compartment. As you can see, this main section of the bag is perfect for an iPad mini (it even fits my iPad mini while it’s in a case although I didn’t take a picture of that) and the alternate side has two large pockets that will easily hold a smartphone, small point and shoot camera, paperwork, cards, cables, pens, and more! I’m excited because I can even get a small Moleskine in here or a larger one in the iPad mini pocket. You can really use this bag a number of ways which is awesome because I am thinking about using this as a mini bag while I work that will fit my notebook, some pens, my iPhone and a few little extras! It is the perfect size to take to a meeting or conference because you can easily carry around your necessities in one small bag instead of juggling them between pockets and free hands.
So, how do you like this little portfolio? Do you use anything like this for work? Have you ever been to the Mochi Things website? Isn’t it filled with the cutest things on earth?!? Let me know in the comments!
October is one of my favorite months. It’s usually the first month that is full on fall weather, pumpkin everything is totally acceptable, and leggings with boots become my fashion staple! I am so sorry to see it go, but here are a few of my favorite things that will help keep October close to my heart for the rest of the year!
1. Christian Dior, Cherie Bow Palette: I feel bad whenever I include an item in my favorites that isn’t really available anymore, but I have been loving this palette this month because of the nice neutral grey smokey eye I can create with it. Luckily for you, it looks like you can still get this palette online from some wholesale beauty vendors. Click image to link to available sellers!
2. Sparkling Silver Styrofoam Skull: Okay, so this is a little weird, but I am in love with this skull that I bought for Halloween. I love skulls (if you didn’t already notice) and skull print! Not really sure why, but I love the morbid glamour of these sparkling decorations. I picked mine up at a local retail store for a few bucks!
3. Wet n Wild Dollhouse Pink Lipstick: Lately, I have been obsessed with wearing a Barbie Pink lip! It’s a little more playful than my usually hot pink lip, and so bright. I think its been a fun change for me and this Wet n Wild Lipstick is so inexpensive there really is no reason why you shouldn’t give it a try!
4. Bath & Body Works Cider Donut 3 Wick Candle: I am always a fan of Bath & Body Works 3 Wick Candles, but I am crazy about this Cider Donut scent. It is the perfect complement to October and screams fall in the most delightfully spicy and sweet way!
5. I Heart KSNY iPhone 5 Case: I love everything about this Kate Spade NY iPhone 5 Case. The print is bright and fun and the case itself is pretty protective. I have a few Kate Spade cases right now, but this is by far my favorite one!
What were your favorite things from October? I know I usually do my monthly favorites as a YouTube video, but I am thinking about switching it to a blog post format from now on. Did you enjoy this post? Would you want to read about my monthly favorites on my blog each month? Let me know in the comments!
Earlier this month I rented The Great Gatsby from my local Redbox when it was finally released onto DVD. I totally missed watching it in theaters when it came out, so I was very eager to watch it! My husband had apparently never read the book in high school, which I found to be amazing because I thought it was required reading for every U.S. Student! So, he was not at all familiar with the story which was kinda exciting. Of course I had read the book multiple times and seen the original Robert Redford rendition so I knew what to expect ever step along the way. That didn’t mean, however, that I didn’t completely enjoy the film, because I did very much. I loved the way they filmed this movie and the way they used modern music and even some CGI to really turn the traditional story upside down and feel very relevant to today’s modern society.
The Great Gatsby Movie Poster
So, after I finished watching the film I was totally in the mood for all things roaring 20s! The heavy use of gold, scallop print everything and the slinky flapper style were roaming around my mind. Of course, I just had to turn this movie into an inspired iPhone background to share with you guys! I pulled one of my favorite Gatsby quotes and put together a modern scallop print in a gilded color for this Great Gatsby inspired smartphone wallpaper! I hope you all enjoy this as much as I do!
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Did you love the new Great Gatsby movie? How do you like this 1920’s film inspired iPhone wallpaper? Do you want me to continue to create more of these sorts of lock screen quote wallpapers? Let me know in the comments!
As you may already know, I have something of an iPhone case obsession! For me, it has never been a question that I would always need to use a case to protect my iPhone; a full glass screen + aluminum body = damage waiting to happen! Although I have a lot of cases, I try to focus on purchasing cases that are both pretty and protective! My iPhone is like an accessory for me that I always have with me, so its important that I get good coverage with the case, but also a good amount of style and flair. Your iPhone case can really say a lot about you (a topic I have already covered here) and there is no reason to have a boring, ugly case just for the protection. So, here are a few of my favorite cases that blend style and protection!
1. Kate Spade Literary Glasses iPhone 5/5s Case: You may have seen this stylish pattern on my blog earlier this month, but I am totally in love with the new protective Kate Spade cases. These cases are double layered, so there is an interior “bumper” style layer and then a nice hard but flexible plastic exterior. What I love is that is does have a lip around the front of the case, so if you place the phone face down on a surface the screen is elevated. I won’t say this is as protective as an Otterbox or Lifeproof case, but for a designer iPhone case, its a really solid option!
2. Otterbox Commuter Series 3D Case: I would venture to say that when you think of protective iPhone cases, your mind probably lands on Otterbox cases first and for good reason, they have been on top of the protective case market for a long long time now! The problem with Otterbox cases, however, is that although they are super protective and can totally save the life of your iPhone, they really aren’t the most attractive cases out there! With that being said, I am totally excited about these new Commuter Series 3D Cases! They are absolutely lovely for an Otterbox and I love the color options! Hopefully, we will see more cute cases like this coming from Otterbox in the future!
3. Custom Monogramed Otterbox Case: While Otterbox gets their act together with some more cute iPhone cases, one awesome option you have is to order one of these custom monogramed Otterbox cases from places like Lipstick Shades. Companies like these will basically make you a custom design on an Otterbox case with your choice of patterns, colors and personalization options! I think these are a great holiday gift idea because the case is totally unique and personalized to their owner so you always know which phone is yours! Don’t you love this custom teal chevron case I made up on their site?
Do you use a protective case on your phone? Which do you use? Are you a fan of Otterbox cases? How are you liking these protective but stylish choices for iPhone cases? Let us know in the comments!
It’s iPhone upgrade time! Yep, the iPhone 5s was recently released and although your new gadget may still be on backorder, you are going to need to outfit your new accessory (ahem, phone!) with a few extra trimmings of its own! Here are some must haves that you need to make the most of your new iPhone!
iPhone Case: I am a iPhone case addict, but this Kate Spade NY case is by far my favorite. Its the perfect mix of designer fashion accessory and everyday protection! I have always loved Kate Spade iPhone cases, but I feel like for the iPhone 5/5s, KSNY has really stepped up their game!
Microfiber Cleaning Cloth: Not only is this Toddy microfiber ridiculously stylish in the silver chevron pattern, but its also a must have to keep your iPhone’s screen crystal clear! With one plush side and one silky side, the Toddy microfiber and its antimicrobial coating will mean a few easy wipes will keep your phone clean in more than one way!
iPhone Dock: This Jonathan Adler Smartphone dock is a lovely, yet functional way to charge your iPhone. Although its not a charger in and of itself, it makes for a beautiful piece of functional art for your desk or side table! Read my review of the dock here!
Headphones: The Layla headphones by Frends is a stylish accompaniment to your new iPhone, especially if you sprung for the gold 5s. These feminine cans are the perfect mix of style and sound quality. Ban ugly headphones and pick up a set of these girls instead!
Backup Battery Charger: The Hub 3000 myCharge is a small but powerful backup battery that will charge your iPhone and up to two other devices at the same time! Its built in lightening chord is super convenient so you don’t have to worry about keeping (or loosing) a tangled chord as well!
Did you upgrade to the new iPhone 5s? Which of the three colors did you choose? What are your must have accessories for your iPhone? Let us know in the comments!
So if you haven’t noticed, lately I have been really into Kate Spade. This is mostly due to the fact that I am loving some of her more recent prints and designs, especially the new Literary Glasses Print! You may remember that I picked up the 2014 Agenda in the print in August and every now and again I have been getting glimpses of new products that are in the works! Just this last weekend I popped into my local Kate Spade NY Store, yes to visit the Beau, and I walked out with a beautiful new iPhone 5/5s case in, you guessed it, the literary glasses print! I was so excited to find it because I had not seen the case anywhere online. If you get the promo emails from Kate Spade you will know that yesterday they finally released some of their new bookish designs, including the case on their site! So, yesterday I was so excited to see all the new fun accessories that I decided to make some wallpapers based on the print for my devices. I made an iPhone 5/5s/5c background (that I am sure will work on other iPhone models and many other cellular devices) and also a desktop background for my Macbook Pro. After sharing the designs with some friends who also like Kate Spade, I decided that I should just post them to my blog because I know many of the ladies who read here also love her designs as well! I hope you guys enjoy!
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I should hope this goes without saying, however, the Literary Glasses Print, Kate Spade Logo and Quote are all property of Kate Spade New York. These images are not the creation of Kate Spade New York or anyone associated with the brand. These images are simply inspirational images created by the blog owner to share with those who love Kate Spade!
So, are you a fan of Kate Spade? Do you like the literary glasses print? Do you like the images that I have created? Will you be downloading them for your own devices? Let me know in the comments below!
