Browsing Tag:

chicks and salsa

The Juggle is Real

We have all heard about work-life balance, particularly now, but what can you do when work and home are happening all under the same roof!?!

As a work-from-home mom with a full-time career in digital marketing and two kids who have been virtually learning since March 2019, I have definitely had to learn a few tough lessons.  Thankfully, these have taught me to work smarter, not necessarily harder.  Read on to see how I am doing my best to pull it all off.

Cut Yourself Some Slack

I pride myself on productivity.  During the pandemic, my sense of accomplishment took a hit, and now, I am ok with doing just enough.  That means letting the laundry sit an extra day (or two), taking some shortcuts in the kitchen, and generally just chilling out.  

Harness the Power of Technology

I have been fighting the need to do this for years, but THIS YEAR, I have finally integrated all of my work and family calendars on Google and also picked up a few tricks to help with the clutter on my desk.  I recently purchased one of these cases for my iPad which has made doing work on the go much easier.  I also purchased an Apple Pencil to eliminate all the notebooks, notepads, sticky notes that clutter my desk.  Pro Tip: Good Notes is an app that has helped me clear my desk by allowing me to write and store them digitally.    

When my personal space is a mess, my mind is a mess.  So I have been doing little things to keep your physical and mental space tidy.

The WEE Hours

For the last few months when I wake up before everyone else, I make a cup of coffee and enjoy the peace and quiet.  The 30-40 minutes I have with my thoughts in the morning really set the tone for the rest of my day.  I use this time to JUST SIT, I look outside, check the news, maybe social media and within 30 minutes I already feel caught up and ready for whatever is in store for the day ahead. 

Chick Picks:

I am sure all of this seems easier said than done, but after doing these things for several months, they have become a habit.  A habit, I intend to keep long after things get back to normal.

Your Chick,

Rina

Pour Some Sugar On Me

Ok, so I am guilty of being a slave to fashion. I saw this Def Leppard sweatshirt and wanted it so bad despite not being an active fan. Usually, I am not a fan of the ‘bandwagon’ type mentality, but I could not resist.

Target’s new collection of nostalgic sweatshirts under $25 is just too good to pass up. With so many of us working from home and trying to keep things casual-chic with loungewear, these are simply a must-have!

Shop This Sweatshirt for $21.99 Here | I am wearing a Large

With go-to fashion finds that are mom-friendly, I have to give Target credit for these edgy and trendy options.

Shop These Chick Picks Here

Here is to keeping things cute in 2021! To be fair, here is a small tribute to Def Leppard.

Your Chick,

Rina

Chick Picks:

How to Land More Collaborations in 2021!

Gosh, it’s been nearly two years since I wrote this post about how bloggers make money, and already I have so much to add.

At the time I was knee-deep in affiliate programs and blog sponsorships. Since then and after joining many platforms that bring brands and influencers together, my opportunities (and cash) have multiplied month after month.

“It has always been my goal to either inspire, educate, or entertain with Chicks and Salsa.”

Many collaborations come through to my email. MOST I hustle for. The rest I get matched for on one of the platforms I am going to highlight below. Just as I did before I wanted to share all the platforms on which I have successfully landed paid and gifted collaborations with companies I love.

Here is a list of platforms that I highly recommend creating profiles on to get matched with companies looking for people JUST LIKE YOU. No audience is too small, engagement numbers are equally as important.

Once you have created your profile, it is easy! You just apply to campaigns you are eligible for or interested in and wait to hear from the brand.

NORDSTROM.com

Here they are:

I have worked with L’Oreal, Aveeno, Coola, GUIDE Beauty, Spa Science, KRIS Wines, and more via Aspire IQ.

I have worked with Hand in Hand, Hollywood Browzer, CVS, SIJO, Good To Go, and more via Cohley.

I can’t say enough about how much Fohr has taught me! They have excellent influencer-forward education that they share on a weekly basis on their YouTube channel. I also suspect that many of the emails that come to me with opportunities, come via Fohr.

I am new to this platform but they recently ran a campaign with BVLGARI and I was part of their KISS Nails campaign.

CLEVER has many awesome opportunities and works with many big names and familiar brands, however, I have been unable to land an opportunity with anyone yet (here’s to 2021!)

I discovered Shopping Links when we met with the founder at ThinkTank in Chicago in 2019. Since then they have partnered up with high-end brands like INTERMIX, NYDJ Jeans, Double Icon, and more!

MAVRCK recently partnered up with Express for their Winter Campaign, sadly, I was not part of this.

To learn more about affililate programs, please refer to my earlier post.

Denim Collaboration

For a referral to RewardStyle (it will help you get in), please email me [email protected]

NORDSTROM.com

As always, Your chick,

Rina

Chick Picks:

Gift Guide for Girls Ages 9-12

As a mom of two girls (ages 9 and 10) with totally different personalities, I am sure there is something on this list that will help make shopping for you a little easier this year.

We all want to do something for our kids to lighten things up this year. Books are always my go-to when it comes to gifting (my girls are currently obsessed with this series), but this year in particular the girls and I really got into crafting to help pass time at home.

Shop This Image Here

In particular, the hot chocolate bombs are the perfect stocking stuffer and with video games ruling my #momlife this year, a Roblox gift card is just perfect too!

For my artsy one, a tie dye kit and pottery set have been on her list forever!

I hope that this post was helpful. I know we all need ideas!

A while back, Sonia and I reviewed some games that also make for a good time with family and friends. Check them out below!

Your Chick,

Rina