How To Come Up With Blog Content Ideas

Hi everyone!

Today I decided I wanted to talk about generating blog topic ideas. Writers block gets to all of us, but there are a million and one ways to overcome it.

Here are some tips and tricks for generating blog topic ideas:

1. Keep a notebook/binder and a calendar for your blog.
I love the idea of having a notebook strictly dedicated to blogging. In my notebook I simply record ideas depending on the season. For example, during February most of my post ideas revolve around Valentine's Day- The Boyfriend Gift Guide, Valentine's Day Lookbook, etc. 

If you don't want to keep a notebook, utilize Google Drive- it's your new best friend! I use it for everything. I have different documents dedicated to different seasons, therefore when I get an idea I can record it with ease. Once I have that method down, I then start plugging it in to the calendar to keep a constant posting schedule. It works like a charm!

2. Use the Katie method.
Here is a way to simply begin generating ideas. Next to these titles fill in the "last(s)." I have a ring of index cards that I use for the Story Idea Generator. It really helps me come up with ideas. For exaple, for the last website I was on I could do a wish list. As for the last thing I ate, I could find a recipe online and share it with my viewers.

Watched: Women's World Cup

Website: ModCloth.com

Place: Florida, Target, CVS

Bought: Clothes from Roxy, 

Ate: Chocolate chip muffin, 

Lightening Round: Taylor Swift style inspiration, makeup collection

3. Read everything: blogs, magazines, newspapers, etc.

Inspiration is everywhere. When I'm looking for new and exciting ideas I check out some of my favorite blogs. I always find an idea, whether they're talking about their everyday lives or a fashion haul. Here are some of my favorite blogs to gain inspiration from:

Boston Beauty Buzz- http://www.bostonbeautybuzz.com/

The Fashion of Craft- http://thefashionofcraft.blogspot.co.uk/

Yukova's Fashion Blog- http://yukovadesign.tumblr.com/

The Little Chatter Boxes- http://thelittlechatterboxes.blogspot.com/

I'm so lucky to be able to collaborate with other members from The Little Chatter Boxes. They always have such fantastic ideas that I can modify for my own blog! I also love so many other blogs!

4. When all else fails do the 20 minute challenge.

When I'm running low on ideas I open a word document and start the timer. During the twenty minutes I come up with 20 different blog topic ideas- whether they're seasonal or not. Then I plug them into my calendar depending on where they would workout best. I love doing this because coming up with a blog post idea on such short notice is difficult. It helps me plan out my ideas better- sort of. (I will admit to procrasinating some posts, most of my posts.)

Here are some ideas that I came up with on the fly:

• Summer Playlist
• Summer Fashion Essentials
• Beach/Pool Bag Essentials
• How To Stay Organized During The School Year
• DIY: Inspiration Board
• The Sister Tag
• Beginner's Guide To Makeup
• How & Why I'm Confident

*Chances are you'll see some of these posts in the future. I really like the idea of an inspiration board. (My friend just snapchatted me a picture of hers. See? Inspiration can come from anywhere!)

I hope this post helps you when you're in a pickle trying to post new content on your corner of the internet. How do you come up with new content topics? I'm always looking for better ways. Comment below!

Thank you so much for reading,

Guilianna

Summer Morning Routine

Hello everyone! xx

Lately my summer mornings have been a little busier than usual because I'm currently enrolled in a college class to help ease my course load when my time comes.

Here is my summer morning routine:

6:00 A.M.

Right now my alarm sings "Welcome To New York" at 6:00 a.m. in the morning. It's a true struggle. I showed a picture of my journal because as soon as I wake up because I record my dreams. This book holds everything: my dreams, poems, colleges I hope to visit, future aspirations, etc. I hold it near and dear to my heart.

6:15-6:45 A.M.

Some sort of workout takes place. Usually on Tuesdays and Thursdays I do a full hour workout using PumpUp, but on Mondays and Wednesdays, I do 30 minutes of a quick activity- just to wake me up. Today my sister and I decided to kick the soccer ball around in our yard. (Fun Fact: This past spring season was my last soccer season. I'm quitting because my school course load is going to be insane!)

6:45-7:30 A.M.

I try to shower for less than 20 minutes, but it usually doesn't happen. During this time frame I shower, wash my face, moisturize, and anything else that involves prepping my skin. 

7:30-8:00 A.M. 

Breakfast time! While my skin is absorbing the ingredients (and my hair is drying), I like to make a pot of tea and make myself breakfast. Here I'm having cereal and a granola bar- it's healthy and energizing enough for class!

8:00-9:00 A.M.

Sometimes this process can take 10 minutes, other times it can take 2 hours, either way this is my time to get ready. Click here to view "My Everyday Summer Makeup Routine". 

9:00-9:30 A.M. 

Catch up time! In this 30 minutes I spend time reading, blogging, watching YouTube videos, or just browsing social media. Typically I spend this time prepping for my college class. On Thursdays, the last day of the week I have class, we spend time discussing current events in which The New York Times covered. I love, love this part of class. It's so much fun, especially since I want to become a journalist in the future. 

That concludes my morning routine. I hope you enjoyed it!

Thanks for reading,

Guilianna xo

My Swimsuit Collection + Wishlist

Hi everyone! x

Today I wanted to do a fashion-like post because I haven't done one in awhile. Since it is summer I wanted to show you my swimsuit collection, as well as some swimsuits I'm loving right now.

*Similar match

Here is my collection:

Core Solid OTS Sweetheart Mio in Black by LA Blanca Swimwear // $119
http://www.lablancaswim.com/one-piece/core-solid-ots-sweetheart-mio

Last summer, I initially bought this bathing suit because my mother refused to send me to pool parties with a two piece. I did feel slightly uncomfortable being the only girl in a one piece- most of the girls wore a two piece- but now I don't really mind. It's super flattering!

Women's Foldover-Waist Bikini Bottons in Lost At Sea Navy by Old Navy // $15
http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=79877&vid=1&pid=448117012

*Women's Stars-and-Stripes String- Bikini Top in 4th of July by Old Navy // $10
http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=79877&vid=1&pid=448117012

I love this bikini! The price was a little low so I was concerned with the quality of it, but it's held up wonderfully!

*Kenneth Cole Tribal Beat Tankini Top // $55
http://www.swimoutlet.com/ProductDetails.asp?subscribe=Y&ProductCode=8118868&color=9325&size=9325&gclid=CjwKEAjwt_isBRDuisOm1dTQqGISJAAfRrEAQPX2A8UO1flxRNGD_kgM1pTjY0zTdyz6QdY8U0VrfBoCsIHw_wcB

I love this tankini by Kenneth Cole New York. It's the perfect blend of colors. Unfortunately, I could not find an exact match. I would highly recommend checking out TJ Maxx or Marshalls for some super cute suits like this one.

*Women's High-Waisted Swim Bottom by Abercrombie // $22

http://www.abercrombie.com/shop/us/womens-swim-clearance/high-waisted-swim-bottom-4111572_01?ofp=true

I love, love, love this bathing suit. I wear it way too often. It gives the perfect balance of classy and fun. Sometimes bathing suits can be way too revealing. (I'm sure you're aware of the thong bikinis I'm referring to.) The top has a great amount of support to! Overall it's the perfect bikini for your wardrobe. I always gravitate towards it for any occasion. 

*Arizona Flounce Bra & Hipster Bottoms // $28-32

http://www.jcpenney.com/arizona-flounce-swim-top-or-hipster-bottoms-juniors/prod.jump?ppId=ens6005270120&catId=cat100630334&&_dyncharset=UTF-8&colorizedImg=DP0324201517020146M.tif

The bikini is kind of old, so I couldn't find an exact match. Just because it's 1-2 years old, that doesn't mean I don't wear it. I love wearing it to the beach! It really makes a tan pop instantly.

I had two other ones, but I decided to throw them away because they were faded and "falling apart" to a degree.

Here's my swimwear wishlist:

Betsey Johnson Retro Navy & White Rose Gingham Halter Bandeau Swim Top // $62

I love the high waisted trend of bathing suit bottoms. It's super flattering for all body shapes. 

Gazebo Swim Dress // $104

I've never opened my eyes to swim dresses before. I always thought that they were for "older" women. Forget that! This is super cute for sitting by the pool while flipping through Vogue.

Lisa Marie Fernandez Yasmin Seersucker // $445

Never, ever would I pay that much for a swimsuit, but I love, love, love the style. I've definitely been on a navy blue kick these past few months. Navy is such a beautiful color for the summer months. I'd definitely wear this suit on a boat while drinking sparkling water.

Black Edge Cutout Back One Piece Monokini // $23

While browsing on Polyvore, I came across this gorgeous monokini. I love the abstract look to it, yet it's so classy looking. Apply some red polish to your fingers and feet then you're good to go!

Where is your favorite bathing suit from? I'm planning on purchasing a new suit during an end of the summer sale.

Thanks for reading,
Guilianna xo

Full Body Blaster Workout

Hello everyone! xx

I've never felt so confident in my entire life with this workout routine I've been doing. This routine covers every part of your body which is something I love. I'm working my abs, arms and legs- all in one shot!

Gear up!
Having cute workout clothes is a must. Recently I went to a Roxy store at The Florida Mall. They were having an amazing sale; I couldn't resist picking up this two piece workout set. I also wear adidas ankle socks and Nike kicks.

Get your playlist ready!
Spotify is one of my favorite apps to save artists, make playlists and share music with friends. I specifically have a playlist for this workout.

1. "All The Way" by Timeflies
2. "Want To Want Me" by Jason Derulo
3. "Paperweight" by Bella Thorne 
4. "The Night Is Still Young" by Nicki Minaj
5. "Emotion" by Carly Rae Jepsen
6. "2 Hands On Deck" by Tinashe 
7. "Bad Blood" by Taylor Swift ft. Kendrick Lamar 
8. "Sparks" by Hillary Duff
9. "Bitch, Please!" by Jessi Smiles
10. "Bloodstream" by Ed Sheeran ft. Rudlmental 
11. "Double Tap" by Jordin Sparks
12. "Lovin' So Hard" by Becky G
13. "Should've Been Us" by Tori Kelly 
14. "I Don't Wanna Let You Go" by Stephanie Scott
15. "Good For You" by Selena Gomez ft. A$AP Rocky

Warm up your muscles.
I like to spend approximately 10-15 minutes on my treadmill while maintaining a light jog. Afterwards, I do some dynamic stretching to keep the blood moving around in my body. PumpUp includes the warm up in the workout.

Warm Up:

• Vertical Arm Swings (30 Seconds)
• Leg Swings (30 Seconds)
• Lateral Squat (30 Seconds)
• Horizontal Arm Swings (30 Seconds)
• Seal Jacks (30 Seconds)

The PumpUp app plans my workout; and I do it.
I typically rotate between workouts every Tuesday and Thursday. This is my go-to workout when I have time and I'm feeling motivated. (Plus, you can modify the workout to fit your abilities.)

Strength:

• Glute Bridge (2 Sets x 6 Reps)

Conditioning:

• Seal Jacks (3 Circuits x 30 Seconds)
• Prisoner Squat (3 Circuits x 30 Seconds)
• Burpee Push-Up (3 Circuits x 30 Seconds)

Core:

• Oblique Crunch (3 Circuits x 30 Seconds)
• Crunch (3 Seconds x 30 Seconds)
• Oblique Mountain Climber (3 Seconds x 30 Seconds)

Cardio:

• Treadmill (9 Minutes)

Cooldown:

• Glute Stretch (30 Seconds)
• Pec Stretch (30 Seconds)
• Lying Quad Stretch (30 Seconds)
• Shoulder Stretch (30 Seconds)
• Quadriceps Stretch (30 Seconds)

Treat yourself.

It's important to stay motivated, therefore you continue to want to workout. Afterwards, I treat myself to a smoothie or hot bubble bath. Either way, I think it's important to reward yourself for your hard work. 

This is such a great workout. Yes, you do feel the burn after the first several times, but it makes you feel amazing afterwards. I felt so confident just after doing it twice. I was dying to go to the pool and show off my body. 

What does your workout routine look like? Comment below!

Thanks for reading,

Guilianna x