Have you ever wanted to put your writing out there? Make a published portfolio for your literature? Or even just give your friends a way to read your thoughts? There is a simple way to do that: a blog!

Writing and making a blog these days, is an easy and free process… the main difficulty is making a blog that you will keep updated and that you are confident that people will bother reading it.

1. Think of A Blog Idea

The first step to succeeding in making your blog is to come up with your blog’s idea.

I just recently went through this process. I was looking at my favorite’s folder on my web browser and really wished I could share all the cool things that I found. After deciding that a blog would be most ideal for me, I had the troubles of figuring out what the heck I wanted to write about. I actually wrote several types of articles and designed several themes until I knew what I wanted.

In order to brainstorm what the heck to write about, it is helpful to list your likes, hobbies, what you are interested in and things that you would read yourself, if it was already on the internet. My list looked something like this: “Hairstyles, makeup tricks, natural products, DIY that are actually pretty cool and not weird or expensive and generally things that make life a little easier while having a good time.” And then BAM! It hit me… Just like it will hit you.

Examples of blog ideas can range from any topic in existence… you can blog about cooking while you are cooking, or just recipes (Similar to the movie Julie and Julia). You can blog comedy like the man who wrote the book “I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell”… who also blogged about his sexual adventures. Anything is up for grabs as long as it’s you and it’s what you’re passionate about.

2. Pick An Idea And Make It Unique

Eventually you will get your idea. The next thing will be to decide what makes your blog different than any other website that is in any way similar to it. I made the choice that I wouldn’t write about anything that I personally wouldn’t read and let me tell you, that really narrows down the list.

3.Choose A Blog Program/Host

After you have your idea, and your brilliant uniqueness to that idea, it is time to choose where and what hosting site you wish to give the opportunity of holding your special thoughts and dreams. Common sites that people choose are: LiveJournal, Blogspot, WordPress, Blogster and Tumblr. If none of this really draw you in, then there are tons more. WordPress fit my idea and worked well with my goals.

4. Create/Personalize Your New Blog

After you have chosen your host site, then you follow the directions that the site gives. Those directions will include having you set about a background display, choosing fonts for your posts and creating an overall theme for your blog. My advice is to choose a theme that actually fits your idea. The theme will end up setting the mood for people who become your avid readers. The same thing applies when you are asked to choose a domain name, it should be appropriate to your topic. I had a HARD time finding the right name. I actually bought a .com name before Born to be Blonde but I could never remember what it was. That is not a very good marketing tool when you are just starting out. Then one day at work…. it hit me…. borntobeblonde. I typed it into GoDaddy and I was shocked to find that it was free. I cannot imagine a name that would fit me better than that.

5. Begin Writing!!

After your blog is created, feel free to write your first post. It’s acceptable to write an introductory post describing to your readers what your goal is while you also give them a feel for how your writing style will be applied to your new portfolio. Also, don’t be afraid to let your friends know about your new creation. Every bit of support helps.

If you need an example, or just want to see how my blog turned out then please visit borntobeblonde.com….but wait… you’re already here! Yay! Good Luck with your quests and have a lovely day

What Do You Think?

Have you started a blog before? How did it go? What advice can you share? Leave me a comment and let me know!

Picture found on Pinterest 

I have always wished that I could use my free couple minutes here and there to earn money online. Let’s face it though; most online money makers are S-C-A-M-S. Please…. I am not going to spend money on your program that tells me how to earn money. Besides, if I did how long it would take me to come out even before I lost interest or until I realized I actually couldn’t make money without flooding my inbox full of CRAP?

Believe it or not folks but I actually found some keepers. I signed up for each one and I have actually made a tiny bit of money. It actually took more time to sign up then it did to earn the money. Most of the “Chores” are very meager in pay, think $.30, but it only takes a minute to follow the instructions. That’s $18 bucks an hour. I could def sit down and do a couple at a time multiable times a day. I at least want to earn enough money to get a new pair of shoes or stock up on all of my favorite long last lip wear by Chanel.

Site name: Microworkers

Type of site: “Micro jobs” – get paid to complete tasks

Minimum payout: $9 (starting bonus $1)

Payment dates: Place a withdrawal request whenever you want, it will be processed within 30 days maximum

Tell me more: Microworkers is a site on which individuals/companies can request tasks they want people to complete – anything from leaving a review, answering a question on yahoo answers, leaving a comment, clicking on an advert or posting about their site/project. You select individual tasks you want to complete, and once you’ve completed it they credit your account with the money. Once you reach $9 or more, you can request a withdrawal. They’ll need to send you a pin via snail mail first though, so I’d request that as soon as possible! This site was actually my favorite and I think I will get the most use out of it.

Site name: Mylot

Type of site: Paid to post

Minimum payout: $10

Payment dates: 15^th of every month

Tell me more: Mylot is a discussion site, which pays you for participation. For every conversation you start, or respond to, they’ll pay you. After hitting a certain number of posts, you can also upload photos, for which you’ll be paid. The pay is pretty poor – something like up to 3 cents per comment (and a mystery amount for photos), but you also earn bonuses for using the search engine, or completing tasks.

Site name: Helium

Type of site: Writing site

Minimum payout: $25

Payment dates: 15^th of every month, last day of every month

Tell me more: Helium is an article writing site, which pays you using the earnings from adverts they place on your article pages. You can search for titles they’ve suggested, and write based on those, or you can submit a title of your choice and write whatever you like. Articles do have to be a minimum of 400 words though.

Site name: Triond

Type of site: Writing site

Minimum payout: $0.50

Payment dates: 15^th of every month

Tell me more: Triond is another article writing site, where you can write about anything you like. This makes it seem more flexible than helium, but it does say you can’t post articles that are written anywhere else online – i.e. you can’t post a recipe that you’ve already posted on a blog. Triond pays you using their advert earnings, the same as Helium, and so far as I can see, there doesn’t seem to be a minimum length for articles.

Site name: Unique Rewards

Type of site: Multiple opportunity site

Minimum payout: $20 (starting bonus $5)

Payment dates: The Monday after requesting a withdrawal

Tell me more: Unique rewards has a number of different ways you can earn money – filling out surveys, using the cashback shopping section, using the cash offers section (which mostly seems to involve things like signing up for competitions and mailing lists) and the ‘click cash’ section, where you get paid for clicking adverts. They also apparently pay you to read junk emails “Open the email and click on the message to be directed to the advertiser’s website. You’ll earn cash just for confirming that you’ve read the email ($0.01) and you can earn even more cash when you complete the offer from the advertiser! This will be between $.25 cents and $50.00+, depending upon that particular offer”

What do you think?

Do any of you have experience with trying to earn money online? Will you be joining me on the challenge to earn some shopping money? If you have any online earning experience with other websites, feel free to share them below!

I’m going to bust a myth right now – everyone can be photogenic. A lot of looking your best in a photo comes down to lighting, angles, and letting your true self shine through. While the last part is totally up to you, here are a few tips and tricks to show off your best sides in every picture.

Embrace makeup primers

Makeup primers may seem a little excessive for the day to day, but for bigger events when pictures are a necessity a primer is a full proof way to keep your makeup in place.

Primers help to avoid smudging, and keep oil production at a minimum. Urban Decay makes an eye potion primer that is a cult classic, and if you feel that a face primer is too heavy, just apply your facial moisturizer and let it set for five minutes before applying foundation.

Keep your skin matte

Oil is the arch nemesis of profile picture-worthy photos. As someone with skin that has oily tendencies after a long day, the most full-proof ways I have found to keep my skin matte and natural looking is to use oil blotting pads or apply a little matte translucent powder, Laura Mercier makes a great one.

If you need a quick fix and are near a bathroom, the wax paper toilet seat covers that some restrooms offer are great! Just take one, tear out a small square, and dab your T zone. It’s a trick I swear by, and great if you need a quick fix and are unprepared!

Take pictures outside as much as you can

Natural light is an easy way to promote your best features. Photographers like to arrange shoots for when weather is slightly overcast or mildly sunny, as rays don’t overpower the camera. Any natural light will do, let the sun do the work for you!

If it’s a really sunny day, make sure to stand with the sun facing you instead of behind you. Though it might make you squinty for a few seconds, if you stood with the sun behind you it would make you appear in a shadow in the photo.

Use powder with yellow pigments

Disclaimer: as long as yellow pigments don’t clash with the pigments in your skin. But for the most part, yellow tones can be very complimentary. Foundation powders with yellow pigments also look much more natural than shimmery powders. Shimmery or heavily translucent powders can give you a washed out look or make you look shiny in pictures because light will reflect off of them.

Highlight your best features

I believe that you always look your best when you’re the most you, in your most natural and confident state. So highlight your best features that make you feel your best – curl your eyelashes, use a little highlighting gloss on your lips, or toss your hair around until it’s messy and just go with it. I’m not kidding, that’s my favorite part of photographs.

But in all seriousness, the real trick is just knowing what works best for you. If you have great eyebrows and want to show them off, use a little highlighter under your arches. For showing off plumper lips, use a lipliner that matches the natural shade of your lips, giving a nude but fuller look. If you’re all about your legs, lotion with a little shimmer or a few drops of baby oil goes a long way.

What do you think?

What are your favorite tips and tricks to look your best in pictures? Let me know in the comment area!

Picture from Pinterest

Slutty Brownies

Now I don’t want to over sell this, so I’m going to be conservative and simply say, that these are…
The Best Brownies In The WORLD.
I know, big statement.
They’re called Slutty Brownies because they’re oh so easy, and more than a little bit filthy.

They’re best served warm from the oven, with good quality vanilla ice cream (devastatingly I didn’t have any in the freezer this time, so I guess I’ll just have to make them again).

They take about 45mins to make, including baking time.

The ultimate comfort food, whipped up within the hour.

You will need…

1 Box of cookie mix,

1 Box of brownie mix,

2 Eggs,

2 Packs of Oreos (double stuffed ones are even better if you can find them)

Some oil

& your favourite ice-cream (optional)

Preheat your oven to 350°F, 180°C, gas mark 4.

Line a baking tray with grease proof paper.

Follow the instructions on the cookie mix box & stir furiously until you have gooey cookie dough, I usually add a little extra water and oil to what they suggest, it just keeps it moist as you’ll be baking it for longer than suggested. An extra teaspoon of each is just right.

Squidge (technical term) the cookie dough into a lined baking tray, until it covers the bottom.

Cover this layer with your Oreos. Don’t use the broken ones, eat them as you go. This recipe is too glorious to use substandard Oreos.

Mix up your brownie batter. Just stick to the recipe on the box for this one.

& pour over your Oreos.

Bake for 30mins.

Remove from the oven and leave to cool.

When its still a little bit warm, use the paper to lift your creation out of the tray and rest it on a chopping board.

Use a large, sharp knife to cut it into manageable chunks, sections, slabs… depending on how many calories you think you can handle in one sitting.

Drop onto a plate and scoop on your ice cream.

Enjoy, and don’t forget to lick the bowl!

Thanks to The Londoner!

I have yet to meet a person who doesn’t like Oreo cookies or Cream Cheesecake Cupcakes.  Who could resist cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookies?  Not Me!  Especially the double-stuffed Oreo cookie, it’s one of the best cookies for dunking into a cold glass of milk.

I went out yesterday to do my weekly shop, came home, and before I was able to bring in the first grocery bag Matt was hunting for the cookies and cream ice cream. Much to his disappointment I forget to put it on the list and came home without it. Luckily I remembered the Oreo cookies.  I could have made my own ice cream but unfortunately my freezer is jam packed and haven’t been able to fit the ice cream bowl into it for weeks.

One of Matt’s favourite desserts of all time is cherry cheesecake and I thought to myself why not Oreo Cookies and Cream Cheesecakes, that should satisfy his craving.

Plus these cheesecakes are super easy to prepare, everything comes together in one bowl and there’s no crushing chocolate wafers with a rolling pin, then melting butter, baking the crust first and then baking a second time when filled.

Drop an Oreo cookie into each muffin tin, make filling, add chopped cookies, bake, and enjoy, how easy is that?

One tip I will leave with you, keeping in mind this will be difficult, you must chill them for at least 4 hours, but if you can muster up the willpower, they are at their best if you can chill them overnight.

These are the perfect individual-serving delights for an office party, school treat, and would definitely be a hit for a kid’s birthday party.  You can serve them plain or add a dollop of sweetened whipped cream and top with a small Oreo cookie or sprinkle with crushed Oreo cookies.  When I’m hosting a kid’s party I always have at least one Oreo cookie treat.  These Oreo chocolate cookie pops are always a huge hit too and they are so simple to make.

Just a little warning, once you try these Oreo cookies and cream cheesecake cupcakes, there’s no going back, absolutely mouthwatering and scrumptious!  If you enjoy Oreo cookies as much as I do you may also want to try these mini Oreo key lime pies or for chocolate lover’s, Oreo chocolate truffle tart with chocolate glaze.

I can’t wait to try my hand at homemade Oreo cookies.  I was searching for recipes the other day and it was a bit overwhelming there were so many to choose from.  I finally bookmarked two, Jamie’s homemade Oreos and Patricia’s chocolate sandwich cookies with vanilla cream filling.  I couldn’t believe my eyes and I’m sure you can imagine my surprise after going through so many recipes I learned both Jamie and Patricia used the same recipe from Retro Desserts written by Wayne Harley Brachman.  Both posted rave reviews and I’m looking forward to baking a batch soon.

Thanks to La Vita Mia Dolce!

Well these naughty little treats are well….naughty but oh so necessary.  They are so good that I just had to share them!   They are simply prepared in cupcake liners.

Hope you enjoy this ultra sweet little cake

Ok, I have to brag about this brownie mix from Trader Joes for a second.  I know not everyone has a Trader Joes near by, however if you do, get a load of their ready to pour baking mix.  I am in love!  Other than a brownie mix, you just need some of your favorite peanut butter and some Oreos.  You can even use the Trader Joe’s Jo Jo’s

Break out 24 Oreo Cookies.

Some of your favorite peanut butter.

Spread a teaspoon of peanut butter over Oreo #1.

Press a second Oreo right on top

One more teaspoon right on top.

Place the little stack right into a cupcake lined muffin cup.

Like so

Take your brownie mix….

…and spoon a couple tablespoons right over top, letting it run around the edges of the cookies.

Mmmm!  Time to bake!  350 degrees F. for 18-20 minutes.

Ahhhh, wait until you cut them in half.  Too fun!

Makeup Looks and beauty beauty trends come and go, we love crackle nail polish one minute then we are totally obsessed with clip-on feathers in our hair. While it’s unlikely that either of those Looks will make a huge comeback anytime soon, we can always count on Classic Makeup looks to always be in style. Whether it’s the definitive red lip or defined eyebrows, we can all take a cue from old Hollywood and incorporate these classic makeup looks into our beauty routine to feel like a silver screen siren and who doesnt want to feel like that?

Regardless of your skin tone, you can rock a red lip. The Hollywood stars of yesteryear had flawless skin to complement their crimson pout but the key to getting this makeup look on point is to choose a color that matches your skin tone. Apply concealer around the outside of your lips to further define them.

2. Flawless Matte Skin

Using the right combination of foundation, concealer, and pressed powder will ensure that you look picture perfect. Start with moisturizing your face, then use concealer to hide any blemishes or dark circles. Next, apply foundation and powder for a flawless finish.

3. Cat Eye Eyeliner

 

This Classic Makeup look is one of my favorite makeup looks. It’s fun to create and Looks great for just about any occasion. The key to a great cat eye is a great eyeliner — cream or gel liner works best — and creativity. You can do the standard swoosh, or winged, eyeliner, or get fancy like Evan Rachel Wood with her artsy lined look.

4. Defined Eyebrows

 

Having a set of dark and defined eyebrows can make your makeup look polished and accentuate the eyes. Old Hollywood had it right when all of the stars had a well-defined and dark brow. Use a dark brow powder to fill in and shape your eyebrows. 

5. Neutral Eye Shadow

 

Don’t overwhelm your otherwise picture-perfect makeup look with overpowering eye shadow. Use a cream or vanilla color on your eyelids so they aren’t competing with the rest of your face. The neutral palette will also draw more attention to your pretty peepers. 

6. Rosy Cheeks

 

After applying your face makeup, use a rosy cream rouge or a powder blush on the apples of your cheeks. This will give you a nice glow and balance out your vintage inspired makeup look. Think porcelain doll, but don’t go crazy with it — you don’t want to look like you have a fever. 

7. False Eyelashes

 

This step is optional but a must for those who want to add drama and an air of mystery to their look. Try using a kit which will include lash glue and eyelash strips. If you find the lashes are too long, simply trim them. Use Kim Kardashian as an inspiration when trying out this makeup look. 

8. Lip Liner

 

No Classic makeup look would be complete without lip liner. Use a red liner to fill in your lips and ensure that your ruby red lips stay beautiful while you blow kisses to your adoring fans. Consider tip number one with this one, too. 

9. Vintage Hair

 

Why not go all-out glam and rock a vintage inspired hairstyle along with your new look? Pin curls or finger waves are beautiful and can be done at home before your night out. If you’re short on time, try some hot rollers and get some bouncy curls. 

There are so many classic makeup looks from which to choose, you just have to decide what works for you. With these tips, though, now you are ready to rock the red carpet or your shag carpet with your Old Hollywood classic makeup look. I see a Facebook profile photo opp! What are some of your favorite makeup Looks, both new and classic?

Source: weheartit.com

 

There are some things a Friend Should not do, no matter what. True friends should always behave just as they would want to be treated; besides which, friendship is meaningless if you cross the line and do things a friend should not do. We’ve all known the kind of person who pretends to like you but then stabs you in the back, but here are some other things a friend should not do …

1. Steal Your Man

It’s unethical to make a play for any man who is in a relationship, but there’s something particularly nasty about doing that to a friend. You sure won’t be friends for long if someone steals your man! Yes, we know that it´s his fault as well, but anyone who can do this is not your friend. Dating someone that a friend used to date is treading on dangerous ground as well – not many people would be cool with that.

How to be a Lady? This question has plagued our grandmothers and great-grandmothers, but many of us don’t give this a second thought… until we have a special event to attend, or until we discover that holly golightly in “breakfast at tiffany’s” is exactly who we want to be when we grow up. Well, my darling, if you’re wondering how to be a lady, I can help! I’ve been spending a lot of time being a lady for more than a decade, and I have loads of Tips to share… here are 7 tips on how to be a lady.

1. Don’t Sleep around

Don’t get me wrong. Sex is fun, and there’s nothing wrong with experimenting and seeing if the shoe fits before you buy it. But love, don’t sleep around. It’s not lady-like, and it’s not safe besides.

2. Don’t Smoke

 

Smoking used to be considered very lady-like and glamorous, but now it’s known to be unhealthy, dangerous, and smelly. If you don’t smoke, don’t start, and if you do smoke, quit. There’s something ladylike about persistence, too!

3. Don’t over-drink

 

Are you getting a trend here? Over-doing anything isn’t lady-like, and that includes over-drinking, which may make you less inhibited, and more likely to smoke or sleep around. It also makes you look sloppy, which I’ll talk more about below.

4. Don’t Be a Slob

 

Ladies aren’t slobs. It’s that simple. Dress neatly and keep your car and your house tidy. I’m not saying you and your house and car have to be spotless, but tidy, not sloppy.

5. Don’t Curse (too Much)

 

I am a true fan of the f-bomb, but I know it’s not Lady-like to curse too much, so I try to save it for when I know it’s perfectly appropriate. Most other times, I use other words, either mild curses or simply other words that aren’t naughty.

6. Dress The Part

7. Be Polite

 

Ladies are also very polite. Yes, we have tempers, and it’s appropriate to be angry, but it’s never acceptable to be rude, to anyone, ever. Be polite to everyone, even when they don’t deserve it. This is one way how to be a Lady people tend to forget, but it’s so important!

Now that you’ve read my list of how to be a lady, do you feel more lady-like already? Which of these ways to be a lady do you like best? Or is there another tip you’d like to share? Please do!

Top Photo Credit: pinterest.com

Nothing is more refreshing than a summer spritzer when its hot outside.  If you live in the Midwest you will know that we will skip spring and step right into 110° weather.  Summer is a great time to enjoy being outside hanging out with your friends and having a drink.  Unfortunately, because it’s so hot, alcohol will make you feel like your boiling from the inside out.  These summer wine spritzers are light, delicate and not heavy and even better when you don’t have to choose just one!  So gather up all your girlfriends and find your perfect spritzer for summer.

1. The Classic White Wine Spritzer

The fundamental thing you need to know before delving into more complicated wine spritzer recipes is how to make a classic white wine spritzer. It’s really simple to do – you just mix half a cup of club soda with a cup of white wine. You can make red wine spritzer this way as well!

2. Strawberry Wine Spritzer

This is a delicious recipe that will take the dry bite out of a simple white spritzer. You mix 5 ounces of dry white wine with 2 ounces of soda water, along with two strawberries, a teaspoon of sugar, and crushed ice. Ideally, you should mix it in a cocktail shaker that’s been filled with the ice, then garnish with a slice of orange.

3. Cranberry Spritzer

This wine spritzer recipe is quite easy as well. Using a pitcher, mix in two cups of your choice of cranberry juice, a cup of chilled white wine, and a cup of chilled club soda – and there you have it! This batch should make about six large glasses.

4. Citrus White Wine Spritzer

Courtesy of Rachel Ray, this recipe is absolutely delightful! In a glass, insert 2 lemon slices and 2 lime slices, with ice cubes between them. Then, add in 4 ounces of your preferred white wine and 2 ounces of lemon-lime seltzer. Voila! A cool, refreshing summer treat!

5. Magic Spritzer

This recipe for Magic Wine Spritzer is also simplicity itself. It’s made by the glass, and all it requires is 6 ounces of your choice of white wine – preferably Zinfandel – and 6 ounces of 7-Up. That’s it! It’s an easier take on number 4 up there.

6. Fresh Peach Wine Spritzer

What could be better than a Peach spritzer? Even looking at the name is delicious! First off, you’ll need six quartered peaches and 2 tablespoons of honey, which you mix in a blender and puree. Sieve It afterward, into a pitcher, then let it chill. Once it has, simply mix in a bottle of white wine, stir it well, and then add a liter of cold sparkling water. Garnish with mint and extra slices of peach, and you’re done!

7. Grapefruit White Wine Spritzer

This wine spritzer is sure to pack a pleasantly tart bite, which is ideal for a hot summer’s evening. Begin with 4 cups of pink grapefruit juice cocktail, a bottle of Chardonnay, and 2/3 cups of sugar, all of which you need to stir together until the sugar has dissolved. Then, add in two cups of cold club soda and pour over ice cups when you’re ready!

8. Blue Cran-Apple Spritzer

This one’s sure to be a treat, but it’s so easy! What you need is 60 milliliters of blueberry wine, along with 60 milliliters of cranberry juice, and lemonade to top it all off. Mix the first two together, top it with the lemonade, and enjoy!

Wine spritzer really is an easy drink to prepare, no matter what recipe you’re using. I tried to keep away from humdrum wine spritzer recipes and give you some exotic, flavorful options ideal for summer evening cocktails. My favorite is the Peach Spritzer! Do you have any scrumptious wine spritzer recipes or tips to share?