Triangle Shelves

I've been obsessed with the new Triangle or Mountain Shelf trend! These things just look SO great covered in plants and candles. I know an amazing guy who made me some of these shelves.

If you're interested in buying some, check out his site: http://johnfranckdesigns.com

Here's how I chose to decorate them. Basically any plants or home decor from Anthropologie looks great on shelves like these.

Tips For Hiring a Social Media Manager

Social Media. It's a big thing now. I sat down and realized the other day that my job didn't exist just a few years ago. Social Media Marketing or Social Media Manager wasn't a thing! But a lot of businesses are now hiring to fill this position and I'm glad they are!

I have been doing Social Media Marketing and Managing for over 3 years now and I love it. But I often find that, since this is a new job position, people are unsure of how to direct those they hire. I have definitely been left alone to make many crucial social media decisions. On the complete opposite end, I've had people monitor my work SO closely they might as well be doing it themselves. There's a reason you hire people for jobs. It's because they're good at it and you are not.  

So whether you over-monitor or don't even know where to start - here are some of my tips for you when it comes to hiring a Social Media Guru! 

1) Hire someone with lots and lots of social media experience 

This seems obvious but I find that a lot of the older generation just assume that the younger generation knows everything about social media. Honestly most people in their 20s are pretty efficient at sharing their opinions on Facebook and sharing their most recent meal on Instagram. But do they know about Social Media Analytics, Promoted Pins on Pinterest, Paid Advertising on Facebook? You need to hire someone who's familiar with these things. And in order to hire someone who's familiar with these things, you need to know about them so you can ask!

Here's a great article on basic Social Media channels for Business. - The 7 Best Social Media Channels For Business Marketing

I recommend you familiarize yourself with the position you're filling.

2) Once you hire a Social Media Guru, don't assume they need no guidelines 

Before you hire for a social media position, you should create guidelines. Or, if you're absolutely unsure where to begin, have the Social Media Guru make a schedule they think would be most beneficial. You can review the guidelines and approve them so you can make sure the person you hired is sticking to them. At least for the first few weeks of social media posting and managing, you should be aware of all that is being posted. Unless you knew the person you hired quite personally, you need to make sure they are reliable. 

3) Don't over-manage your Social Media Guru 

The reason you hire someone who has experience and knowledge in Social Media is because you want them to come and do something better than you could. I personally have had people watch and direct me like a hawk. I went to school for Marketing. I took classes in Social Media Marketing. I have managed over 50 different social media accounts for over 10 different types of businesses. The reason you hired me is because I should know what I'm doing. If you truly want your business to flourish sit down and let the Social Media Guru tell you what they think would be best for all your accounts. I recently worked for a business and tried to fix their Pinterest account. They were quite angry when I finished and they discovered I had deleted a lot of (ugly) pins. Their Pinterest account, in all honesty, wasn't super attractive visually. The photos were small and blurry. That's the point of Pinterest. It's visual. It's about how the pin looks. They didn't quite grasp the concept of Pinterest. This is a situation where you need to let your social media guru do what they think is best. Because I'll be honest - I will quit social media jobs where the people want to stick with their same old ways and don't want to grow their social media accounts. My purpose is never to disrupt but to grow and improve social media accounts. 

4) Hire someone who has a passion or interest in your business 

I've turned down a lot of social media managing jobs because they were businesses I had no interest in or had little knowledge in. I have a lot of social media knowledge, but I have little car knowledge - so I probably wouldn't do social media for a car company. When you're hiring, make sure the person you're interviewing has some sort of passion or interest in what you're doing. I do so much better at my job when I'm passionate about what I'm posting! 

5) Explain your brand to the person you're hiring 

One important thing with social media is creating a consistent voice. When I post to social media accounts I'm never posting as myself. For instance I recently started working for a whiskey company. Mind you, I am a 21 year old girl and they don't want their customers to know that it's a 21 year old girl telling them about whisky. For this account I definitely write with a more masculine voice. Make sure when you're hiring someone that they are able to be your business brand and voice in a sense. 

6) Explain your vision to the person you're hiring 

All business owners have a vision (or at least I hope they do)! Explain to your social media guru all your goals. Not your social media goals, but your business goal in general. Tell them the big picture. This will help them set social media goals for you. They can then sit down and brainstorm ways that Social Media can help aid you towards your big goals. For instance you probably don't just want more social media followers - you probably ultimately want more sales! Have the social media guru think of ways that they can increase sales through your social media channels. 

There you have it. Some simple guidelines coming from a Social Media Guru herself.

4 Ways to Style the Overall Dress

Overalls are showing up more and more - whether it's the traditional overalls, overall shorts, or my personal favorite, the overall dress! Though the overall dress may seem like a spring or summer piece, it's actually perfect for all seasons and can be styled endless ways. Here's how I style my overall dress (without breaking the bank)! 

For Spring I went simple with a floral t-shirt underneath my overall dress. Floral patterns are perfect for spring and add a nice contrast. I don't know about you but the second warm weather begins I'm ready to get the perfect shave and free my legs from those restricting tights, leggings, and jeans. 

$27 Overall Dress -  Forever21 

$15 Floral Shirt - Forever21

Check out this link if you're looking to purchase an overall dress: http://www.whowhatwear.com

For Summer I went minimalistic with a grey tank and comfy grey leggings under the overall dress. I love this look because I'd wear it for so many occasions - shopping. out to lunch. I'm also planning a road trip for this summer and I think this is a perfect road trip outfit. 

$10 Grey Tank - Old Navy

$5.99 Grey Tights - Forever21

Check out this Pinterest board for more inspiration: https://www.pinterest.com

My Fall look is more sophisticated! I went with a black turtle neck leotard over black tights. Leotards are back in style and are perfect for under overall dresses! The loose nature of the overall dress can cause shirts to bunch underneath. Avoid this annoying occurrence by investing in some cute leotards! 

$15 Leotard  - Forever21

$10 Tights - H&M

Here is some leotard/bodysuit inspiration: https://www.pinterest.com

Who doesn't love a good striped shirt? For the winter look I paired my dress with a long-sleeved shirt and burgundy tights for a nice pop of color. This look will go great with boots and a sweater to keep you nice and warm! 

$21 Striped Shirt - Forever21

$10 Burgundy tights  - H&M

Find a little more outfit inspiration here: https://www.pinterest.com/rindriany/overall-dress/

Now go rock your overall dress! 

Self Portrait Tips

Decided to start 2015 off with some self-portraits.

My mother calls me the master of selfies. 

Here are some tips on how I do my self portraits

1) I stand in front of a window 

No matter the lighting, my pictures always turn out best when I'm standing in front of a window 

2) I have the camera looking down at me

My pictures typically turn out the most flattering when the camera is angled looking down at me

3) I take multiple pictures in the same position

I do this because sometimes I really love the angle and position I'm in - but I moved or the camera wasn't focussed right. Also, the lighting can change. So always take a few pictures in each position. 

4) I don't pose as if I'm taking a picture

When I take my self portraits, I try not to act like I'm posing for a picture. A natural look is often best. When I smile, I pretend I'm smiling at a person not a camera. 

5) I take hundreds of photos but only keep a few

I'm not afraid to snap hundred of pictures in a matter of 30 minutes. It's a pain to sort through them but every single picture is different -the more you have, the more chance you'll take a perfect portrait

How To Avoid 'Headband Hair'

I cannot begin to tell you how many times I've put on a headband, left the house, and then discovered a few hours later that my hair looks ridiculous.

You headband-wearers know what I'm talking about- when you're hair starts to scrunch up or stick out.

Well I've discovered a solution. You don't have to avoid knit headbands any longer.

1) Start off with your hair styled the way you like it

(I went with wavy) 

2) Grab some bobby pins

(4 or more)

3) On one side, grab your top layer of hair

4) Bobby pin this layer of hair down 

5) Repeat on the other side

 6) I use 2 bobby pins on each side to ensure my hair stays down

7) Grab your headband of choice

8) Carefully pull headband on, covering up the bobby pins

9) Push headband up to make sure no hair sticks up 

(If it does, remove headband and pin that hair down. You may need to bobby pin the back layer of hair down as well as the sides)

10) All done and ready to fearlessly go out in public!

Knitting Basics: How to Increase/Decrease a Stitch

Knowing how to increase or decrease will help you accomplish more tricky knitting patterns.

HOW TO INCREASE/DECREASE a micro guide by Alexa Klopfenstein on How.Do

Tips for Knitters: Knit Gift Wrapping

With Christmas approaching quickly, I thought I would do a post on knit gift wrapping. Last year I did a post on knit gifts for the holidays which you can find here: http://lexalex-lexa.blogspot.com/2012

I love giving knit gifts but you can only give so many knit gifts. Sometimes you want to give someone cookies, or shoes for a change. Just because you aren't actually knitting a gift doesn't mean you can't use your knitting skills to beautifully wrap your gifts. Here are some creative ways to incorporate knitting with your gift wrapping!

1) Knit Clutch

This little bag is great for small gifts. You can stick some simple things in here like candy or nail polish. I sewed a button on the inside so it can snap shut like a purse. This is not only gift wrapping but it doubles as a clutch/wallet. 

 2) Knit Gift Bag

This knit bag is so easy to knit. The one in the picture only took my an hour to knit and sew. You can stick almost anything in here. I particularly like to use these bags for giving coffee or tea as a gift. 

3) Knit Jar Cozy

Giving something in a jar as a gift? Knit a cozy for it! I decorated mine with lace and buttons. You could also fill an empty jar with things like candy canes or pencils.

4) Knit Bow Garland

I used this bow garland in place of ribbon. It looks lovely on gifts and can be reused for many things. 

5) Knit 'Wrapping Paper'

It may seem like a strange idea but it actually works perfect for wrapping breakable items. In the picture below, I wrapped a little glass cup in knit 'wrapping paper'. 

6) Knit Bow Ornaments

I've used this idea in other posts. You can wrap little boxes with bows and they can double as ornaments or hair bows. You could knit any kind of ornament and use it to wrap another gift. (Some other ornament ideas include round ornaments, mini santa hats, knit snowmen, etc.)

Do you have any cool holiday knitting tips you'd like to share?

Long Hair Tips: 7 Things I DON'T Do to My Hair

Lately I've really loved my bangs. Also, my hair is finally longer than it was before I cut off my tips. So many people ask how I get my hair so long. It's not really about what I do, it's more about what I DON'T do! 

Here are 7 things I DON'T do to my hair: 

1) I don't blow dry my hair (except for like twice a year). 
2) I don't use a curling iron or straightener (I always put it in curlers or a bun to curl it)
3) I don't wash it everyday (only every other day)
4) I rarely use hair product in it (no nasty gel or spray)
5) I don't dye it (I did do my tips once but NEVER my roots)
6) I don't tease my hair 
7) I don't brush my hair more than once (maybe twice) a day 


I think these are the reasons my hair has no problem growing! I realize that these things can't always be avoided though. Sometime you just need to use your blow dryer so you don't go to work with wet hair! Sometimes you have to tame the frizz with those hair products. Sometimes your bangs decide to stick out and you need your straightener. 

Here are some simple steps to take: 

1) Put your blow dryer on low heat 
2) Start experimenting with no-heat curling methods
3) Try showering with your hair up when you don't need to wash it
4) Find some more natural hair products that won't kill your hair
5) Embrace your natural hair color
6) Try flipping your hair down and use light hair spray to get volume 
7) If you're having a tangly hair day but want to avoid brushing, put it in a messy bun until the next day

I encourage you to do your hair a favor and be lazy every once in a while. Let your hair air dry when you get the chance. Try out all those cool no-heat curling methods. Embrace your natural hair color. Give yourself and your hair a break. 

Tips for Knitters: Knitting on the Go

If you're anything like me, you hate taking a whole week off from knitting. I feel the need to be creative every day- even when I'm on the go! Here are some tips for those who love to travel and want to take their knitting projects along for the ride!

1) Try to take the minimum amount of supplies needed

I always try to keep my knitting supplies at a minimum when I'm traveling. I try to only take what I know I will use. If I'm knitting a shirt but I know I'll only be able to finish part of it, I'll leave the rest of my yarn at home.

2) Take supplies that won't easily get lost

When I'm traveling, I tend to leave my projects that involve four or five double pointed needles at home. Instead, I often bring my chunky round needles; they are connected and big so they won't easily get lost. I also don't bring any projects that'll need sewing.

You can buy round knitting needles here: TrickyKnits

3) Bring simpler projects 

I always bring simpler projects when I'm on the go. The best are ones that you don't need a pattern for. But if you do need a pattern, write it on a small piece of paper and keep it with your supplies.

4) Have a specific bag just for your knitting

You should have a specific bag just for knitting supplies when you travel. If I try to pack supplies amidst other things, I always lose something or my yarn gets all tangled (not pleasant). I know people who have even knitted themselves a knitting bag!

Here's a store on Etsy that has the cutest knitting bags: KellyConnorDesigns

5) Use a hair tie to keep your yarn together. 

Whenever I have a ball of yarn that keeps coming undone and getting tangled, I tend to put a hairband around it. This way it all stays together while your moving about. I'm pretty sure there's nothing worse than trying to untangle a bunch of yarn. (You could also use a rubber-band)

6) Invest in a pair of small folding scissors

This little pair of scissors has been extremely handy when I'm traveling. They fold up so you don't have to worry about them poking anything and they are small so they take up little space.

You can purchase them here: www.campbound.com

7) Knit while you're getting to where you're going

If you aren't the one driving, then you can always knit in the car. I always do this on long car rides. If you're on a plane or train (and you aren't afraid to knit in public) then you can knit there too.

8) Treat your knitting like a book

I often treat my knitting projects like a book. We all know those people (or are those people) who constantly have a book with them and no matter where they are, they'll read it. Do the same with your knitting. This way, you'll get lots done while you're away from home.

I hope these tips will help you know what supplies to take when you travel, how to travel with your supplies, and how to get the most done while on the move!