Popcosmo

Chloe gordon

Byte Me

Chloe GordonComment

I’ve always been obsessed with packaging. Obsessed. I don’t know if everyone is like this, I highly doubt it, but the way I see products is by their packaging. If my dad asked me to purchase pulp-free orange juice I knew exactly which color that specific orange juice packaging was. If someone asked me the name of the brand I wouldn’t know, but I would know exactly what color and shape the logo were.

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In fact, I have this weird thing with colors. My mom loves to tell this story, so I’ll tell it here so it’s forever in the universe.

When we moved to Louisville, KY we wanted to paint the walls of our living room to very closely match the color of the curtains. We had these specific curtains in our last house so I was very familiar with them. When we got to the paint store to match the paint to them, my mom realized she left the curtains at home. I was able to go to the tan section of the paint colors (you know how they’re all lined up together on the wall?) and grab the exact shade of tan. She called me a color prodigy from that day forward.

I don’t think I’m a prodigy by any means; I do, however, think I view color and color theory a lot differently than your average gal. This means I’m definitely in the right field as a graphic designer…

All that being said, I want to introduce you to a brand that I recently discovered by way of Instagram. I was instantly attracted Byte Bars because of their packaging so reached out to see if they would be interested in partnering together. They said “yes”! Not only is the packaging to die for, but the bars themselves are gluten-free, vegan, and the perfect mini-sized for a snack on the go. My favorite flavor is far and away the choco-chip bar, but they are all seriously so great. Can’t go wrong, plus HELLO!! the packaging is cute enough to carry as an accessory.

Byte Bars PopCosmo
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If you’re in the market for a plant-based snack on the go, I highly recommend these Byte Bars! If you’ve tried them or try them, please let me know how you love them!

xo
Chloe

Investing

Chloe GordonComment

While I’ve always loved seeing what influencers and YouTube-rs received for the holidays, I’ve never really felt super comfortable sharing what I received for either my birthday or Hanukkah. I think it makes me nervous because I never want to come across as if I were bragging or showing off, and to be completely honest and transparent, the best part about the holidays isn’t ever the gifts I receive, but instead, the people I spend it with. Also, the food during this time of year never disappoints ;)

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However, this year, one of the best gifts I received from my parents was a little bit of money to invest in the stock markets. I started investing using Robinhood during the initial days of quarantine because I wanted something to learn and focus my time on. I honestly wish I had started when I was in my early days of high school or college, even if it were just a few inexpensive stocks here and there so I could learn how the markets really work, flow, and change.

As I was learning, I tried to find resources that were good for beginners and used words that I could actually understand and follow. It can be EXTREMELY intimidating at first, but once you realize that no one really knows anything it helps you out. I started by investing in inexpensive stocks that I could afford but still knew the names of. For example, I bought one share of Snapchat when it was around $18 and now it’s worth $48. In hindsight, I wish I bought more shares, but also, I’m glad I didn’t because I had no idea what anything meant at that point and it’s fun to watch single shares grow so exponentially.

It’s been such a fun experience, and Robinhood makes it VERY simple to buy and sell stocks. This is not a sponsored post at all, but if you’re interested in trying it out yourself, click here for a link to signup for Robinhood and receive a free initial stock. My brother invited me and I got a free Ford stock that I still have and has grown ever so slightly, and when you sign up with this referral code you have a 1 in 350 chance of getting Microsoft ($215.37), Walmart ($145.26), or Visa ($215.09) .. and you don’t need any money in your account to get your free stock.

I would just advise that if you do start investing, start small and start slow. There is such a big learning curve that it’s important that you only bite off a little piece at a time. I read some advice (I can’t remember where) that said something like “invest what you’re willing to lose.” As in, don’t invest your entire life savings, invest as if it’s the spare change at the bottom of your purse. This will allow you to learn without risk, at least in the beginning.

A few resources that helped and continue to help are:

Let me know if you do end up learning or if you already invest and how you learn!

Thanks for reading!

xo
chloe


Thanksgiving Recipe Roundup

Chloe GordonComment

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and it’s making me think about how fast these past few months have flown by. I mean, March seems like it was ten years ago, but July?? I swear it was just July fourth, like, yesterday. Since Thanksgiving is sneaking up on us faster than you can say “green bean casserole” I’ve decided to help you out in compiling a list of recipes that are bound to be a hit. I’m sure you have your ride or die recipes that your family makes every year, for us, it’s the stuffing and sweet potato casserole, but maybe this year you want to try something new out for those Friendsgiving festivities or smaller scale Thanksgiving dinners you’re having this year — I, for one, am going to miss my great aunt’s cranberry sauce. So good.

You can thank me later, or just say you’re thankful for this blog when you’re going around the table saying what you’re thankful for. Word of mouth advertising is what I’m going for here. Kidding…. kind of.

I’ve categorized the links based on the type of dish it is, but if you need me to point you in the direction of something specific, don’t hesitate to leave a comment! I’m no chef or recipe master so they’re all links to outside sources. Sharing the love! Some recipes might be classic Thanksgiving dishes and some might be a little different spin on Thanksgiving foods. Thanksgiving is all about appeasing the masses and staying away from politics, right? Right! Also, please note, I tried to list everything that seemed do-able for me. And I’m not a chef. I burn all pans and most foods, but these items all looked like something even I could manage. That being said, I’ve only shared sides and desserts. Turkey is something I just know I would never be able to manage alone.

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Whew! That should at least cover a few of your bases. I’m not sure what I’ll be cooking this year, but I’m sure I’ll use this post as a toolkit if I need a few recipes handy. If you’re more in charge of the table scape and place settings than the actual cooking (aka me) I’ve linked a few cute items that I’m inspired by below.

That’s all for now! Stay tuned for Thanksgiving outfit ideas coming soon!
Thanks for reading!
xo
Chloe