Link Love

Last week Chloe shared what was keeping her interest on the internet (besides her Latin course) and this week, it's my turn to share some Links I Love. From organizing & back to school, to fashion & beauty, to simply getting lost in another world, these are links I love and which caught my eye last week... and I am actually hunting one of them down this morning! Can you guess which one?

{1} These cute shoes have what I'm looking for this fall: a pointy toe and flat comfort. Plus I cherish red shoes. And that feminine dip just gives a hint of Moroccan slipper sexiness, which I definitely wouldn't mind having in my life.

{2} I obsess over each and every Claire Vivier bag because each one is impeccably ideal. The stripes, the monograms, the leather. But this leopard foldover makes me think I wouldn't have to carefully select what to carry and what would stay home. And the statement it would make is "hear me roar." In a delicate, prim way.

{3} Keeping with my black and white fashion obsession lately, this phone case makes me soooo happy on many levels. It's actually a true dark navy, but since I can't see the difference between black and blue, I'm oblivious and delighted! Plus, I say y'all. Always have, always will whether New York, Colorado, or at home in the South. It's a southern-ism that I can't (and won't) knock, y'all.

{4} Essie nail polish is my obsession. Perhaps hanging this enchanting Essie print on the wall would stop me from buying more colors? Perhaps since I have all 3 colors it could remind me to choose from one I have instead of being lured by a clever name or a adorable color? Nah, I'll always be looking for the next best because Essie always has it, but I'd love to look at this print daily!

{5} I binge on Justified on Amazon Prime whenever I can find the time. Why?  Four words: addicting, adorable, accents, action.

{6}  These very simple and clever tape ideas show how tape can spice up your home, office and school supplies!

Happy weekend y'all! ~kim

Instagram Tips

Instagram has started to become my favorite social media platform. You might be asking yourselves how I like it better than Pinterest, and there is only one answer - it’s more personal. I feel like my personality can shine through more on Instagram, plus it’s kind of a game with the likes and comments :lol: . The only thing is, there are so many new editing apps that are created everyday, it’s hard to stay up to date with the cool things you can do. Most instagram tips will tell you how to take better pictures, how to show your personality, and how to use the filters. But no longer do the plain old Instagram filters suffice - you have to use an outside source. I’m all for it! I love me some editing. So I'm going to share my most recent Instagram find with you: I recently started using the VSCOcam app (available in the app store), and I love it. It replaces all the other complicated apps because it’s easy to use and it has some really cool features. So no complicated Instagram tips, just one big tip and how to use use my favorite tool!

Here’s a little peek on how I typically edit a picture....

This whole process takes about five minutes - that's including taking the picture itself. It’s not too slow which is why I love using just one app. I’ve heard of people using up to three separate apps per picture, but for me that just takes away from the insta in Instagram.

{1} Clearly you have to choose your picture. I usually take a bunch and then pick from the best one.  I have way too many pictures on my phone, but it just feels so wrong to delete them in case "who knows what" happens. And by that, I mean my little brother.

{2} I then open up my picture in VSCOcam.

{3} I love the filters that are already in this app. I almost always use the T1 filter  because I like the white wash it gives the photo. Choosing the filter is totally up to you, and remember: your personality should shine through! I also like G3 and M5.

{4} I then crop my photo so that it’s a square so I can make sure I will like it once I post it to Instagram. If you have a taller/wider picture and want white space on the edges, I recommend the app Whitagram, another one of my favorites.

{5} I then jack up the exposure, because I like the effect it gives the photo. Clearly this is where your originality starts to shine through, and your tastebuds do the choosin’.

{6} Depending on the picture, I either slide the temperature up or down. This feature either puts more color into your picture or takes some away. See how my photo is just... softer?

{7} Lastly, upload to Instagram! Follow us and check us out to see what I've been doing lately with our photos - I'd love to hear what you think!

I hope this helps you find your own style a little bit!  And I'd love to hear more...

How do you typically edit your pictures? Are you a fan of VSCOcam?

Internet Loves

Hey y'all, it's Chloe and it's my turn to share my fave links I love this week. I spend waaaay too much time getting lost on my computer. Honestly, I don’t know where I would be without the internet; I could probably be found sitting in my room staring at the wall with nothing to do. That may or may not be an exaggeration. But lets just thank the technology gods that the internet is a thing I can enjoy... a lot. On to the links I love!

1} I am a lover of all things cute. Clearly, this Danielle Kroll print is no exception. As an aspiring graphic artist I love all of her original, simplistic, colorful prints. Anyone wanna buy me a couple to make an art wall in my room? I’m taking offers.

2} Any DIY that has “easy” in the title is my kind of DIY. I wish I was crafty, but I usually get so frustrated when things don’t look as perfectly as I know they can I just give up. *pathetic* However, I do think I could manage to make this star block. I’m also diggin’ the neon paint.

3} Some of y’all don’t know this, but I am a wannabe photographer (check out our Instagram). Amy Stone is basically who I would like to become as a photographer. I love how she can make the most simple thing into something that looks like an amazing time.

4} Clearly, I am obsessed with PopCosmo cute phone cases, and so are those of you who see me carrying them. I mean they’re just too darn cute not to include. Wink-wink!

5} Apparently “twerking” is the new trendy dance move. This YouTube video basically sums up all of my feelings towards this dance - in elder’s points of view. I have tried twerking though, and no, I can not, nor will ever be able to, twerk. My butt just doesn’t move like that.

3 simple steps to make a round picture

Have you seen all those cute round avatars or round pictures on sidebars? It took me forever to make ours until I learned how simple it could be! So I'm sharing the simple way to make a round picture with you. The secret is... my favorite photo editing tool: PicMonkey - and if you aren't using it then I suggest you start. If you are, then you already know it rocks. (And no, they are not paying me to say this - but I'd say the same thing if they were! I just love them, plain & simple.) PicMonkey is a very simple photo editor and is quite intuitive. Chloe uses PhotoShop and loves it, but it's complicated to simple folk like me. And there are rumors of a rental fee now, so it doesn't seem like a great time for me to start learning it.

Something I learned recently is that it is quite simple to take any online photo and and turn it into a round picture. I should have learned this a long time ago, but just wasn't experimenting enough! Not only can you make a round picture, but you can also make it look fun and funky in an instant.

Here's how: 1. Drag a picture to the PicMonkey editor.

2. In Basic Edits CROP the photo to make it square by simply making the actual size of equal length and width.

3. in Frames under Rounded Corners, round them until you have formed a circle by dragging the corner radius to 222 degrees. Click "transparent corners." And then you have your round picture!

To get funky with your round picture... goto Effects and play!

Well now, that's as easy as... 1, 2, 3! So what are you waiting for? Jazz up your photos and start making them round pictures! It's not hip to be square :)

Any questions? Leave them in the comments! Or do you have another way to make round pictures -- I'd love to hear!

GIVEAWAY + Girls in Glasses

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Rivet & Sway.

I'm at the age of acceptance + I'm living in the age of acceptance. Curly hair is "in" and glasses are chic! Who would have thought the banes of my existence when I was a child would both be so trendy... and at the same time! I'm embracing it head on. (pun intended)

My hair will take forever to grow to a length I'm happy with, but at least it's finally long enough to let it be curly without looking too much like Little Orphan Annie. But for now, I'll thank hipsters and focus all my energy on enjoying glasses. I've been sporting Harry Potter-esque wire rimmed glasses and my Ray Ban type hipster glasses, but hadn't wanted to splurge on a new pair, although I desperately need them. I haven't bought new glasses because:

1. Cost. My simple prescription costs over $400 because after frames, there's the cost of coatings and thin lenses, and god knows what else to keep my eyes from looking like bug eyes. 2. Trying on. I hate it. It's almost as bad as swimsuits. Ok, not even close. But I'm in a store. In bad light. With strangers' opinions. Ugghh. 3. A long wait. Always. No matter what time I go, it takes forever. Maybe because I can't ever decide between a few pairs of glasses and want everyone's opinion. But I can't take them with me.  Or can I??

Rivet & Sway makes it easy - you buy your glasses online and it's the only online glasses boutique exclusively for women. So you better believe that they understand eyewear is an accessory, like handbags or shoes (uh, yeah!). And forget the upselling like in stores: every single pair of glasses on the site is only $199 and that includes ultra-thin Rx lenses, fancy coatings, and free shipping. They solved all 3 of my issues!

You simply go online, pick your 3 pairs and have them sent to you. Rivet & Sway will even help you select a pair glasses online. I emailed for a recommendation and had suggestions within the hour!

After you try on your 3 pairs, you ask all of your friends for their help deciding which one you should keep. Or your kids, because they tell the truth. Then send the 3 pairs back to Rivet & Sway in the same box and let them know in which pair you want to put your prescription. A few days later, you have new glasses. Who knew ordering glasses online would be hassle-free?

Here I am in the 3 pairs I've ordered. Let me know in the comments which pair YOU like (those are hand signals to tell you the pairs  :lol:)

And remember when I told you that Rivet & Sway understands that glasses are accessories? They really, really do! 1 lucky winner will be sporting the Marc by Marc Jacobs "Too Hot to Handle" Medium Hobo in Cement ($428 value) and one pair of frames in their choice from Rivet & Sway ($199). Total value is over $600!

Winner will be announced on August 1, 2013 on Rivet & Sway's Facebook Page and on Twitter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway Rivet & Sway is the only online eyewear boutique exclusively for women whose purpose is to make women feel more beautiful in glasses. Through Rivet & Sway’s Home Try On selection process and the assistance of a free personal stylish, women can select three pairs of glasses that will be shipped directly to them so they can try them on. All Rivet & Sway glasses include a frame and ultra-thin Rx lenses.

To encourage YOU to try them out, Rivet & Sway is happy to offer an exclusive discount: $99 per frame (save $100) through August 15, 2013. One pair per customer. Use code SUMMERSPECS99 at checkout.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Rivet & Sway.

Blog comments: why, how, and the #1 tip you have to know now

I must confess, I've debated a while whether to write a post about blog comments. Seriously, everyone comments and everyone knows how to comment... right? {Obviously that's a rhetorical question or we wouldn't be here!} I finally decided to write this after (1) I realized that it took me a long time to learn what I've learned, and (2) I thought I knew the "1 tip you have to know now" and realized I was still making the mistake. Whoopsy-daisy!!  I thought to myself, and out loud to Chloe, "Well, if I'm making this mistake, at least I can save someone else a bit of frustration & trouble!"  Sooooo, here are our top blog comments tips!

1. You can build a community just by commenting on other blogs.  If your comments are non-existent to sporadic, start sharing the love. Find some blogs you truly like and leave heartfelt comments. Not a simple "nice" or "cute" but a comment that adds to the post and shows you actually read it. If the blogger has time, is curious, and is interested in building relationships, they will pop over to your blog and likely leave a comment if they like your blog. I've built fantastic purely online relationships with people such as Jen of PinkWhen, Meghan of Meghan Silva, Alicia of Spashionista, and so many others simply by enjoying their blogs and leaving comments. Chloe has made great friends online through blogging. We can always count on our blog friends to check out our new posts, and we try my hardest to the same with them and so many other fab supporters of ours.

2. Don't ask people to follow you in your comments.  If people like your blog, they will follow you. If they don't, they won't. Asking them to follow is akin to following them around in real life and asking them to be your friend. Nobody would do that after kindergarten, so why do it online?

3. If you don't have something nice to say, then don't comment.  It's that simple. It's like seeing a friend in an outfit you don't like. If they don't truly want your opinion, you really don't have to give it to them. Mom's keen advice still holds true.

4. If a blogger asks a question, answer it. Unless you don't want to. I try to because it shows I read the post, but sometimes it's just a prompt for the blog reader. However, if you have something to say (see #1) then go ahead and leave your interesting and heartfelt comment!

And the #1 tip you must know:

5. Make sure your comment links back to your blog!! So simple, yet... We always visit every blog that leaves a comment on ours. Always. Well, ok, almost always. We alway try to visit, at least! Yet, I'd say that 50% of the blog comments leave links that are dead ends. Test yours. If you leave your name, but no link, it's difficult to reciprocate and visit you, and we all know what happens when something is difficult. It's not personal, but on to the next blog or comment, right?

If you are leaving a google/blogger link, make sure it links to your blog. If you are leaving a Disqus link... make sure it links to your blog. For instance, if your comment link to Twitter, then you are telling me to follow you on Twitter and not to visit your blog. That's fine, but you  might be wondering why people aren't visiting your blog after you went on a blog reading spree and left bunches of comments. Log in and check your settings and profile!! Almost every blog has a different type of commenting system - so test each system out AFTER you leave the comment! Click your link and see where it goes (you may need to log out to see.) If your comment doesn't show up right away (due to a spam filter) write the name of the blog down and visit later. Once you've checked all your comments for a week or so and they are linking back to you, you should be golden and receiving tons of comments back from all of your friends that you are visiting!

Questions people have asked me about blog comments:

Should I leave a signature (and how do I do it) with my blog name?  Sometimes we do, and sometimes we don't. If Popcosmo is highlighted when I leave a comment,and it's obvious that you can click on it to access our blog, then we typically don't leave a signature unless it's the first time we've visited that blog. If it's not highlighted, then do it! Plus, if you are not sure if the link goes directly to your blog, then do it. Once, you can confirm which commenting systems link back, you can stop leaving signatures. We don't like to be repetitive & redundant, haha.

How do I leave a signature? Obviously it's personal, but ours is: xox ~kim & chloe @ popcosmo.com  which is typed in as: xox ~kim & chloe @ <a href="http://www.popcosmo.com">popcosmo.com</a>  We used to have separate ones, but we are starting to become one person, it seems!

How exactly does commenting build a community? I should clarify that obviously 1 comment won't build a community. It takes time & you have to visit your list of blogs regularly! A great way to remember which blogs to visit is to build a list in Bloglovin' and set up a group for your commenting BFFs. Check it regularly and comment regularly and you'll see the love returned.  Let me know if you need help with Bloglovin' and I'll address that in another post!

Should I leave my email address? I never do, but if you have asked a question that you want to have answered and won't be returning to the blog to check the answer, then you should let the blogger know you'd like an email, but they might not always have time to respond! In Blogger, under Edit Profile, you have to check "Show my email address," in Disqus, I receive an email address. We have had plenty of conversations on our site when readers ask for information, especially pertaining to our DIY and Beauty posts. But, we've also responded to emails, they just take a lot longer.

I hope you found this helpful!

Do you have any questions about commenting or Bloglovin'? Let us know!