Tag Archives: style

Jul14

Selfie Secrets

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Selfie Secrets
Hi everyone and TGIF! The day that selfies became a thing was the day that the internet changed forever. I bet you any money that you can’t scroll down the newsfeed of any of your preferred social media mediums without seeing at least one selfie in the process. And taking selfies? It’s a process. The selfie: AKA taking twenty minimum one hundred max pictures that, for all intensive purposes, look exactly the same yet so SO remarkably different.
Everyone has had those days when they’re really feeling themselves (ayyy!) but can’t take a good selfie to save their lives (booo!). It’s cruel and unusual and I’m just not going to stand for it. That’s why I’ve come up with a list of pro tips to keep your selfie game on point. No more bad selfie days for all!

Selfie Secrets

1) Find The Light: Okay, yeah I know I sound like Tyra Banks circa ANTM cycles 1-1 million but it’s so true. Half of the selfie struggle is finding good lighting and using it appropriately. That’s why I prefer to take a majority of my selfies outside or in a room where a lot of sunlight filters in.
So you’ve found the light – but are you really finding it? Lol, that sounds like some fake psychology mumbo jumbo but it’s a legitimate question. Finding the light isn’t just about taking a picture in good lighting. It’s more about angling your face so that the sunlight is smacking you right on your cheeks. While you’re having a selfie photo shoot, move your face in small motions until the lighting is just right (And I promise that you will know when that is.), and snap away you selfie queen.
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2) Chin Up: I can guarantee that a majority of the selfies that people take are deleted due to the illusion of a double chin. No one likes double chins. Okay, some people probably do. But, for the most part, a double chin is a major selfie faux pas. A killer selfie is all about the long, pretty neck, which can be easily achieved if you tilt your chin slightly upwards when you’re taking pictures. It’s going to feel unnatural, but your double chin days will be a thing of the past when you’re showing off your swan neck. Now, remember, chin up, shoulders back, and WERK. 
3) Smize: Okay, yeah I know I sound like Tyra Banks circa ANTM cycles 1-1 million but it’s so true. Dead eyes are a selfie no no. So, I want you to do an exercise with me. Go to the mirror and take a good hard look at yourself. Now, think about something happy and slightly sexy for that perfect “I have a secret” look in your eyes. A day in bed with Johnny Depp, perhaps? Hello! You should notice a visible difference in your face thanks to the newly found alertness and mischievous twinkle in your eyes. Thank you, Johnny Depp day dream!
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4) Quirky Cool: All selfies look the same. No matter who you are, from a super model to your average blogger (like me). It’s literally a picture of the camera on the flipped mode taking a shot of your mug. Cool. Now it’s up to you to make your pic unique so you don’t look like everyone else. When selfies first made their internet debut, a normal picture was just fine. But, now, standard selfies just don’t cut it anymore and absolutely nothing is worse than snapping a selfie only to have it be lost in the void of social media because it didn’t stand out.

Nowadays, selfies are more about fashion, quirk, and unlikely scenarios. Throw on a sassy Panama hat, tilt your sunglasses down your nose, and work like your life depends on it. And, bear in mind, that cool backgrounds are a must. What makes a background cool, you might ask? It literally could be anything – you just have to sell it. Take a selfie in front of a garbage can, label it with #ME, and watch the likes pour in. Be silly, be serious, be anything that you want, but for the love of all that is holy – be DIFFERENT.

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^^^ Being on top of the world is a pretty sweet background!

5) Give Me Face: Every selfie star has those little quirks that they do when they’re taking pics. Whether it be laughing out loud or giving duck face for days, find what expression works for your face and own it. I, personally, love an angular look. When I snap pictures I bite down on my jaw to give a more defined line. I also slightly suck in my cheeks to give the illusion of cheek bones to cut glass – but shh don’t tell! It’s a selfie secret! 😉
If you’re not keen on edgy cool but love a boho glow, inhale when the camera snaps for a “you just caught me picking flowers from the forbidden garden” face. Sounds silly? It is. But once you find that little quirk that works for you, your selfie game is about to change infinitely. Now, give me face, mother!
With these pro tips compliments of Lil Red, your next selfies are going to be so Instagram worthy that you’re not even going to be able to handle it. Just imagine what your followers are going to think! I taught you how to give face, but now, let Aura Frames teach you some tech savvy ways to up your selfie game even more in this infographic. Snap some gorgeous pics and snag yourself one of Aura Frame’s Digital Picture Frames for the perfect gift for your SO/parent/sister/friend or anyone else that likes looking at you!

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What are your tips and tricks for taking the perfect selfie? What is your preferred form of social media? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Bonus Tip: Always, ALWAYS include dogs in your selfies if you can!! My featured image photo can attest to that! 😉 ❤

Jul5

New Earrings Surprise

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New Earrings Surprise

Hi everyone and happy Hump Day! I hope that all of you are having a fabulous week so far. So this past weekend my mom surprised me and my sister with new matching earrings and they are SO pretty. She got my new little beauties from Target and I was pleasantly surprised because they are pretty hit or miss with their jewelry selection, in my most humble opinion. My mom hit the nail on the head with these dangling darlings so take a look and let’s discuss:

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^^^ Love.

It’s nice to know that my mom didn’t break the bank with these eight buck beauties for me and my sister. But, it’s even nicer to know that she saw these and thought of us enough to actually buy them. Little gifts and surprises like my new earrings make me so happy because everyone likes to be thought of every once in a while. To come home to my mom saying that she bought something special just for me automatically gave me the warm fuzzies. And I’m even warmer AND fuzzier considering that I’m beyond obsessed with my terrestrial themed earrings! :*)

I LOVE YOU, MOM!!!!!!!! ❤

So there you have it, my New Earrings Surprise compliments of my darling mama! What is your favorite gift that someone has given you? How do you like to surprise your loved ones? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun30

If The Shoe Fits: Lust For Life Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Lust For Life Edition

Hellooo everyone and welcome to the rest of my TJMaxx shoe haul in this edition of If The She Fits! And also, TGIF! You guys already know about my undying love for TJ’s so take a look at these two new beauties by Lust For Life and let’s discuss:

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I have been looking for heels with writing on them for what feels like a lifetime. The lettered shoes of my dreams always seem to be in flat or sandal form and we all know that Lil Red does not do flat feet. So when I saw both of these pretty *heeled* babies online, only getting one of them just wasn’t an option.

These ad-lib chunky heels give me life. Cher from Clueless is my spirit animal so when I saw the black pair with her signature phrase on them, they were as good as mine. And the royal blue “Blah Blah Blahs” are a fun change up from my normal all black everything preference. Frankly, if there were more different colors available, I probably would have bought those, too. Color me freaking obsessed.

The fact that my shoes can literally do the talking now is something that I am so in love with. I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for shirts with weird or funny slogans on them so having some sass on my shoes is a godsend. A godsend, I tell ya! These heels were a bit more expensive than what I usually pay at twenty-nine dollars a pop, but with the abundance of love that I felt for them, they were well worth the price. They both look and feel well made and their structure is sturdy, so I know that I will have them for a long time! (And, let’s be real, I’d have them for a long time anyways because I’m a total clothing hoarder! #smh)

My new Lust For Life heels are literally everything that I wanted from a worded shoe and I couldn’t be happier. Although they costed a little more than I would have liked, TJMaxx pulled through once again for their most dedicated shopper. ❤

So there you have it, the last of my TJMaxx shoe haul in this issue of If The Shoe Fits: Lust For Life Edition! Who else is rocking the worded shoe trend this summer? Where do you find the best shoes at? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun30

The Many Virtues Of The Rose Gold Makeup Look

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The Many Virtues Of The Rose Gold Makeup Look

If you’re shopping around for a new look, then we think we’ve found it. Well, actually, we didn’t find it – it’s been around for a while and has been especially used by makeup artists, but it’s finally come across our radar and now we’re ready to share with the world. We’re talking about rose gold makeup, which you can find just about everywhere: on the red carpet, the high street, in the clubs…everywhere ritzy and glamorous, that is. And that’s not all: this makeup is for everyone. That’s right: this makeup is transcending looks, financial status, job. Uniting the world with makeup…we like that idea!

The Virtues:

If you’ve never used rose gold makeup before, then don’t worry: we’re pretty confident that there will be a perfect match for you. In fact, this is one of its main benefits. It’s flattering, warm, romantic, and perhaps, best of all, it’s different. Far from traditional, it’ll make you stand out at any event where you rock this look. It also isn’t too much of any one color. It’s not too gold, not silver. It’s the Goldilocks of the makeup world, essentially and it’s fabulous, darling.

In Style:

If Pinterest is anything to go by, (And why it shouldn’t it be?!), then rose gold makeup is the style that everybody is clamoring for at the moment. Searches for this style of makeup has been up 190% over the last year. If you want to be part of a new wave of makeup that’ll shake up dance floors and events across the world this summer, it’s time to check out the best makeup tutorials and join all of the others who have fallen in love with this makeup style.

Celebrity Use:

Okay, we all know that it’s not the Average Joe on the street who can really send a makeup popularity soaring: it’s the celebrities on the red carpet. These superhumans, who usually look like a million dollars at the worst of times, take it to a new level when they hit the red carpet in their rose gold best. Of course, these celebrities don’t do the makeup themselves: they get their makeup artists to do it. Armed with RCMA makeup, they make their famous clients look their absolute best when they’re in front of the cameras. And with the right makeup in your bag, you can have the celebrity look, too.

A Face For Everyone:

Another reason for the ever increasing popularity of rose gold makeup is that it suits all face shapes. Whatever style your face happens to be, you’ll be able to play around with rose gold makeup styles and find the look that’s right for you. So perfect!

Getting The Best:

Of course, when it comes to makeup, it pays to do some research as to which products are worth investing in. You’ll want to make sure that you’re getting makeup that will look great when it’s applied to your face. If you buy the right products, then it’ll all come to your individual skills. You don’t have to go at it alone, however: check out some of the best beauty blogs and get a helping hand when it comes to getting the look that’s right for you.

How To Wear:

There are many ways to wear the rose gold makeup look. What will you choose? You can add a subtle but striking dash to your eyelids, let your lips do all of the talking by adding a rose gold lipstick to your lips, or give yourself a metallic glow by adding the color to the cheeks. This is one of the best things about the style: it’s versatile. You could go for the same color three days in a row but, if they were applied to different parts of the face, you’d have three completely different, though equally classy, looks.

Going Further:

It’s not just in makeup bags that rose gold is taking over. You can also change your look by having a rose gold hairstyle. There have been plenty of celebrities adopting this look in recent times, including Lady Gaga, Rita Ora, and Kate Hudson. That’s a pretty impressive list of beauties who thought it was the look worth going for!

Conclusion:

Clearly, with infinite virtues, celebrity endorsements, and quality makeup products available, it looks like the rose gold style is here to stay for the foreseeable future. Start playing around now and join the movement, you beautiful metallic GODDESS!!!!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jun29

If The Shoe Fits: Made Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Made Edition

Hellooo everyone and welcome to a new edition of If The Shoe Fits! As you guys know, I have a bit of a TJMaxx shopping addiction. I’m not ashamed of it, but actually rather proud. It feels SO good having a wardrobe full of beautiful clothes, shoes, and accessories that I didn’t pay full price for. I love the look of shock that I get when I’m wearing a TJ’s piece and people ask me where I got it from. I am a Maxxinista through and through and I wouldn’t want it any other way!

Now, back in the day, TJ’s didn’t have an online website. But, times have changed, and now they offer the full shopping experience from the comfort of your home. I may or may not have had a three pair shoe haul thanks to their amazing selection, But, like I said, I’m not ashamed. In fact, I DID have a three pair shoe haul and it was GLORIOUS. Check out these rad new shoes by Made brand that I got for twenty bucks:

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For the most part when it comes to my wardrobe, I prefer an all black everything approach. So, obviously these babies were no exception. I LOVE these shoes. And, better yet, I LOVE the price. Seriously, how can you say no to them when they’re only twenty dollars?!

I think that these heels are badass. The Velcro straps bring a really cool and unexpected twist, while the zigzag black and yellow offers a pop of visual interest to the shoe. These bad boys are so comfortable and the Velcro makes putting them on such a breeze! It brought me back to the Velcro shoes of my youth, but way more fashionable, of course! 😉

I cannot wait to wear these shoes with literally all of the things and they are sure to add an edgy touch to all of my outfits. This shoe haul would not have been possible without one of my darling blogging babes, Kate, from Ankhor You. I freaking love that girl and even though we’re states away from each other, we turned online shopping into a group activity. Thanks to communicating in three different mediums of Facebook messenger, text, and phone calls, Kate verified my choices as fabulous and gave me all of the motivation to hit that “order” button and throw caution to the wind! In conclusion, GO READ HER BLOG! ❤

So there you have it, the newest issue of If The Shoe Fits: Made Edition! Be sure to tune in tomorrow to check out the rest of my TJMaxx shoe haul! Where do you score the best shoes? Who else is a fellow Maxxinista? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun28

Movie Maven: A Lil Red Guide To Film Festival Etiquette

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Movie Maven: A Lil Red Guide To Film Festival Etiquette

Hello everyone and happy Hump Day! Summer brings about a variety of activities that some people spend the whole year looking forward to. Vacations, concerts, baseball games, and film festivals. I am sure that most of you already know that I am an avid movie lover. Of course, my favorite genre is horror by far but I love it all. Psychological thrillers, foreign films, comedies, rom-coms, the occasional Western, action, documentaries – you name it. The world of film is an all inclusive, creative, free for all with something for everyone, which is what makes it so beautiful.

Asking me about my favorite films always results in a five minute babble of my “I could watch this every day and not get bored” flicks. Every movie that you watch has the potential to become your new favorite and that’s what makes going out to the cinema, renting from the RedBox, and attending film festivals so exciting. You are twenty minutes in previews away with entering a new world for an hour or two. And even if the flick was the worst thing ever, you still got to eat popcorn and candy for the duration of the film. It’s a win/win for everyone.

A night at the movies is fun – but could you imagine a day at a film festival? A day devoted entirely to the up and coming films for the year? Talk about heaven! And another cool part about attending a film festival? The traveling! July 19th through the 22nd is the Anthem Film Festival in Las Vegas. And the movies that are seen in Vegas are sure to not stay there for long! Be sure to check out Vegas.com for the best hotel and flight packages for your stay and then let’s talk some film festival pro tips:

Be A Social Butterfly!

You already have one thing in common with literally every single person at the festival – a love for film. This sounds like the perfect icebreaker to me! Chat it up with anyone and everyone after the credits have rolled because you never know who you’re going to meet. From directors and actors to behind the scenes workers and industry professionals, a film festival is the best place to network if you are interested in any aspect of the vast world of cinema. Get your business cards ready and spread your wings, you beautiful and capable butterfly.

Dress To Impress:

You know how I said that you never know who you’re going to meet at a film festival? If not, let me repeat it: YOU NEVER KNOW WHO YOU’RE GOING TO MEET AT A FILM FESTIVAL!!! Dressing to impress is absolutely crucial for this reason. During the day, you can get away with a comfy cool look – an oversized button down, skinny jeans, and ankle booties are a great start. And don’t forget to bring a cardi for those chilly showing rooms!

The evening is a different story, though. Let your night time look transform you just as if you were walking the red carpet at a major premiere (Okay, maybe not that extreme, but you get the point!). Wear your best LBD and a killer pair of heels and then top it off with a bold red lip and a bejeweled clutch. And remember, it’s all about confidence and class with a heaping helping of personality when you’re strutting your stuff in your evening attire, honey.

Take Notes:

Having a notepad and a pen on you is a must. Keeping track of the films that you saw during your whirlwind of a day is vastly important when it comes to networking and the post film Q & A sessions. Write down your likes and dislikes, questions that you had throughout the screening, and important themes that you picked up on during the movie. All of your thoughts will make excellent conversation starters at the refreshment stand or while hanging around for the next film to start. Not only that, but surely you will want to remember such an exciting day, anyways, and jotting down notes throughout your experience is a great way to keep your memories fresh.

Tearjerker Tissues:

Alright, let’s get one thing straight: Literally no one wants to hear you with the sniffles after ugly crying when the handsome lead bites the dust, Linda. Do us all a favor and bring a travel tissue packet. THANKS!! (This goes for everyone – not just Linda!!)

A Good Attitude:

Are you going to love every film that you see? No. But raving negativity after the film ends is certainly frowned upon in such an esteemed setting. Differing opinions are fine, but voice your love or distaste appropriately. The movie that you hated could be the favorite film of the person sitting beside you. An appreciation for film in general and the time, money, and talent that’s involved in that world goes a long way during your chats in line at the ladies, the refreshment booth, or the post film Q & A. Remember that you’re in a professional environment and showing respect is always going to be a do as you go about your day at the festival.
If you’ve never attended a film festival before, the Anthem Film Festival in Las Vegas is a great place to start! What are your film festival do’s and don’ts? What are a few of your favorite flicks? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Featured Image By: JoeyBLS Photography
Jun26

Monday Update: TJMaxx Haul Edition

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Monday Update: TJMaxx Haul Edition

Hi everyone and happy Monday!! I hope that everyone had a super fun and fabulous weekend! So these past few days, I was a little naughty and went way too hard at TJMaxx. As you guys know, that store is my number one fave. It seems like I never fail to find something that I love there. Whether it be new shoes, beauty products, clothes, or purses, TJ’s always treats me just right! This week, we’ll take an in depth look at my haul (Because, believe me, there’s a lot!) starting with this sassy little skirt that I got for a whole EIGHT DOLLARS. Check it out:

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This fun jean skirt is Buffalo by David Bitton brand and the original price tag had it marked at seventy dollars. And once again, I GOT IT FOR EIGHT! I’ve been on the hunt for a cute jean dress or skirt for a while now but have never found anything that spoke to me on a spiritual level. This skirt is flattering, flirty, and totally fabulous and my only regret is that I didn’t find it sooner.

I love that this dark denim skirt features a zipper down the front instead of the normal buttons that have been littering the stores lately. The fit and flare shape is just right in providing a curve hugging silhouette while still offering a light touch of girly sweetness from the flared bottom. The golden stitching throughout the skirt also adds some extra pizzazz, which makes this little number feel fresh out of the 70’s. Freaking obsessed.

There is nothing better than purchasing a darling new piece to add to your wardrobe for under ten dollars. And knowing that I saved sixty-two smackers on this skirt makes the find even sweeter. I can’t wait to pair this high waisted number with crop tops, tucked in button downs, and a jean jacket for a sassy update on the Denim Tuxedo. And, of course, platform heels with this retro baby is a must!

So there you have it, this week’s Monday Update: TJMaxx Haul Edition! Spend your week here at lifewithlilred while I talk beauty and fashion compliments of my favorite store! Who else is totally TJ’s obsessed? What is your favorite store to shop at? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun25

New Tarte Lip Paint

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New Tarte Lip Paint

Hiii everyone and happy Sunday! For my birthday, I got a free Tarte blush and mini lip paint from Sephora for my birthday and I am obsessed. Both shades are simply gorgeous and I love using each of them. But that lip paint? It is something else, I tell ya! That stuff doesn’t budge. It is seriously the best food proof, kiss proof, fool proof lip product that I have ever used. Don’t get me wrong, the blushy nude shade that I got for my birthday is to die for but getting it in red was a necessity at this point.

Despite not being the biggest makeup girl in the world, I went to Sephora yesterday and was so happy to get the last tube available in the Tarte lip paint that I wanted. Although I hate the name of the color, “Bae”, it really is pretty. Take a look and see for yourself:

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❤ ❤ ❤

What I love about this shade, is that it is a pure red. With my skin tone, hair, and personal style, the true reds are the only shades that I feel “work” for me. Reds with orange-y tones look clown-like on me and the deeper, more ox-blood reds look super goth girl on me. Neither of which are the look that I’m going for! No, I just want a simple and elegant red lip.

I have many beautiful variations of a true red lippie in plenty of reputable brands – NYX, Loreal, and Urban Decay. So, obviously, this latest purchase wasn’t something that I truly needed. But, my god, I really wanted it. To have a lipstick that you literally don’t have to worry about reapplying is a godsend for any lippie lover. Having just that little taste of what could be with my birthday freebie gave me an insatiable craving for more and I am insanely happy with my purchase.

I went out to lunch with my sister and her boyfriend while wearing my birthday shade and after finishing a big meal, my sister asked me if I reapplied my lippie. Nope, it just literally didn’t move the entire time I was stuffing my face. That’s how you know you have an effective lipstick, darling!

So there you have it, my New Tarte Lip Paint! What is your favorite makeup brand to shop at Sephora? Who else is obsessed with Tarte? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun24

Have Some Pictures!

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Have Some Pictures!

Hi everyone and happy weekend!! So at the AFI concert, amidst taking pictures and videos, the worst thing possible happened. The “Cannot take photo. Storage is full.” or whatever message popped up. It sucked. To avoid this unfortunate happenstance again during my next picture taking event, I guess it’s time to start deleting unneeded pictures from my iPod. But, damnit, I need them all! What I don’t need, however, IS AN APP FOR THE STOCK MARKET!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyways, here’s some mirror pics of yours truly because I was really feeling my outfit those days:

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#feelingmyself (lol)

The above image was a summer fun ensemble while the bottom was a business cashe work attire get up. Normally, I’m not one for the mirror pics, but on those given occasions it just had to happen! AYYY!

How do you manage your iPod/Phone storage space? What are your plans this weekend? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun17

Vlogger Spotlight

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Vlogger Spotlight

Hi everyone and happy Saturday! So yesterday I mentioned that lifewithlilred is a platform for all voices, which is why I thought that there was no greater time than the present to talk about my darling friend, Matthew. I admire YouTubers so much because I am such a word girl that I could never picture myself making videos and really putting myself out there. That’s why when Matthew of the YouTube channel Casually Matthew hit me up about possibly being on my page, I couldn’t say no.

Matthew sent me over a video that he worked very hard on and is particularly proud of about how to create a minimalist wardrobe. And, like I said, anything video related impresses me so, of course, I was more than willing to share his video on my page! Take a look:

Thanks again to Matthew for not being shy and getting in touch! It’s always nice to gain new friends in the blogging/vlogging world! Do you prefer written words or videos? What is your advice for people just starting out in the vlogging world? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah