Keep The Momentum Going
June 2, 2020
Although it has been extremely helpful and enlightening to see the constant flow of information for where to donate, sign petitions, what to read, watch and listen to, it is overwhelming to keep track of it all. So to help, I have categorized everything along with hyperlinking what I could! Okay, take it away. (The following information is courteous of the Home From College Instagram.)
Donations:
3. Unicorn Riot
Petitions To Sign:
1. Text FLOYD to 55-156
5. George Floyd
6. George Floyd
Numbers To Text & Call:
1. Text JUSTICE to 66- 8336
2. Leave a message for the numbers below demanding that Derek Chauvin (Badge #1087) and Tou Thao (Badge #7162) are arrested for murder:
- Call the Minneapolis Mayor, Jacob Frey: (612) 673- 2100
- Call the District Attorney, Mike Freeman: (612) 673- 3074
3. Text ENOUGH to 55- 156
4. Leave a message for Louisville Mayor and demand justice for Breonna Taylor: (502) 574- 2003
Organizations to Follow:
1. @colorofchange -> Color of Change
2. @theconsciouskid -> The Conscious Kid
3. @ncaap -> NAACP
4. @showingupforracialjustice -> Showing Up for Racial Justice
5. @fams2gether -> Families Belong Together
6. @unitedwedream -> United We Dream
7. @mpowerchange -> MPowerChange
8. @civilrightsorg -> The Leadership Conference
9. @eji_org -> Equal Justice Initiative
10. @sistersong_woc -> SisterSong
Podcasts To Listen To:
2. About Race
3. Seeing White
5. Code Switch
Tv & Films To Watch:
1. 13th -> Netflix
2. American Son -> Netflix
3. See You Yesterday -> Netflix
4. If Beale Street Could Talk -> Hulu
5. The Hate U Give -> Hulu
7. Clemency -> Amazon
8. Fruitvale Station -> Hulu
9. I Am Not Your Negro -> Amazon
12. The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution -> Disney+
13. Green Book -> On-Demand
14. When They See Us -> Netflix
15. Dear White People -> Netflix
16. Little Fires Everywhere -> Hulu
17. Hidden Figures -> On-Demand
18. When They See Us -> Netflix
19. Detriot -> Hulu
18. When They See Us -> Netflix
19. Detriot -> Hulu
Books To Read:
This list may seem long but your learning and allyship doesn't end within the next couple weeks. It is a lifetime journey; these resources will hopefully keep you well-stocked for the rest of the year and years to come.
Till next time, cheers!
Clo
It Wasn't Curiosity; It Was Superiority
May 29, 2020
Circa 2019 Summer
In case you haven't heard, we're currently in a global pandemic all thanks to the beloved COVID-19.
Now, you would think after watching the devastation that occurred and continues to infiltrate those in China, Italy, America, and the rest of the world, anyone with eyes, brain, and heart would understand the severity of the virus. But alas, we do not live in a perfect world.
Though I am fortunate to live where I do, have the opportunities and resources that I have, it is challenging to feel proud of my country- especially in times such as these. (Disclaimer: this was written prior to recent events- a discussion that will be discussed next.) People claim that the division within society and current social issues only arose back during the 2016 election but in reality, things have never truly been all that great, to begin with. It was only great for a select group of people. A category I most certainly do not find myself within if we rewound to the past.
Now we can argue about the specifics of when superiority came into play in America- such as when the Native Americans' lost their land to foreigners but regardless of when it happened, this complex has yet to retire. Don't believe me? Tune into any news channel.
Now, I do feel that since I have seen the drastic statistics of my home state, Illinois, and have been placed under extreme measures by my state, I cannot help but be completely gobsmacked by the rest of my country.
People have the right to freedom of speech but since when did your right to speech, which has taken physical form such as protesting, turn into the right to harm. This is in no way dramatizing the situation; by going out into large groups regardless of abundant health warnings, you have become a carrier of a virus that may not harm you but can and will harm others less fortunate than yourself. I don't believe it was your intention to turn into the grim reaper, was it? But regardless of it all, you have.
It is your right to freedom of speech but for the love of the big man upstairs, stop using him to aid your negative ways. Those who claim to be the most faithful are often the biggest hypocrites.
Recently, I saw a sign that said, "Take your mask off because God's got you covered." I cannot stress how sick I am of people who claim to be faithful followers as they use the bible as a crutch and twist his words. I too agree that everything happens for a reason because he has a plan for all of us. But I also believe there was a reason he gave us scientists', why he provided scientists' with the resources and minds to relay privy information to us to explain why it's important to use PPE, how to stay safe and so on. Just as he guided those to these medical discoveries, he also gave you a brain. He gave you a brain to use; to absorb, digest and rationalize the situation at hand.
(Side note: as a general tip, if you're going to protest do your due diligence. It's your right to stand outside a government building but understand that there's been a quarantine and a majority of the nation have been working from home. A little counterproductive to protest to an empty building if you ask me. Which speaking of that, also understand that you cannot shoot a virus- it is not visible nor would a bullet do any damage anyways. It's oftentimes such as this that I find it interesting that it's suddenly your body and your choice. How handy. And with that, I digress.)
People have the right to freedom of speech but since when did your right to speech, which has taken physical form such as protesting, turn into the right to harm. This is in no way dramatizing the situation; by going out into large groups regardless of abundant health warnings, you have become a carrier of a virus that may not harm you but can and will harm others less fortunate than yourself. I don't believe it was your intention to turn into the grim reaper, was it? But regardless of it all, you have.
It is your right to freedom of speech but for the love of the big man upstairs, stop using him to aid your negative ways. Those who claim to be the most faithful are often the biggest hypocrites.
Recently, I saw a sign that said, "Take your mask off because God's got you covered." I cannot stress how sick I am of people who claim to be faithful followers as they use the bible as a crutch and twist his words. I too agree that everything happens for a reason because he has a plan for all of us. But I also believe there was a reason he gave us scientists', why he provided scientists' with the resources and minds to relay privy information to us to explain why it's important to use PPE, how to stay safe and so on. Just as he guided those to these medical discoveries, he also gave you a brain. He gave you a brain to use; to absorb, digest and rationalize the situation at hand.
Understand and empathize with the notion that you cannot be selfish during this time.
This has been the ultimate test of peoples' true colors.
PPE isn't for you, it's a barrier that is meant to shield others from possible harm you may carry.
Quarantine was not a punishment, it was to stop the spread of a deadly virus.
This was never just about you; the danger comes when you put yourself as the main character and forget about your fellow co-workers, extras, and staff.
Now let's say prior to this whole COVID-19 sitch, you had to go into the hospital for surgery. You're all set and ready to go when your doctor strolls into the operating room. As the surgeon descends towards you, you notice they're not wearing gloves, a mask, or any type of typical surgical gear. Um excuse me, this is not the proper protocol of a sterile environment nor what you have become accustomed to while watching Grey's. When you assertively exclaim to them that you're not letting them operate on you without their gear on, they simply ask what you could possible pass along to them while you're out? They may get something from you but you're mainly concerned with what they will give to you. Their PPE is not solely meant for them, it's mainly meant to protect you. A simple selfless act.
I do want to make it clear that I agree with all of our constitutional rights, obviously, I am currently utilizing the first one, but just because it's there doesn't mean you have to be greedy about it.
Freedom is like a buffet; an all-you-can-eat service. But with that comes great responsibility. You may grab as much as you want because you are free to do so but what about the consequences of overindulgence? An overstuffed ridden bellyache that will leave you comatose for hours. A lesson some learn from while others don't and will continue their ways until they get food poisoning.
Our founding fathers constructed the Bill of Rights during a precedented time of extreme lack of rights and rules set upon themselves, not created with their best interest in mind. The given rights we have now, have, in turn, lead us to become a lustful place for those who yearn for nothing more than basic human rights.
The rights that came from this have since turned into a power trip for some. It went from a social binary construct where at least one group benefitted but now, it has since turned into an egotistical circus. Every man for themselves. We flipped the switch from empathy to selfish needs real fast. This is not what the flip the switch challenge meant by the way.
You may be out of your mind bored at home, overcome with sadness about not being with your friends and going out to the bars but you could also be on a ventilator or having to spend last moments with loved ones via Facetime.
The pandemic isn't over just because you're bored. (Thank you Twitter for that line.)
And it is not gone just because the world is reopening.
And it is not gone just because the world is reopening.
Per usual, it's never a group as a whole that is rotten, just a few in the bunch but nevertheless, that's not how it's seen. To the rest of the world, America is yet again the selfish ridden has-beens who slapped a Gucci belt on and called it a day. To say we have a lot of work to do is an understatement of the century but everyone has room for growth but in order to evolve, being selfless, listening, and being empathetic must improve immensely.
It wasn't curiosity that killed the cat, it was its superiority complex.
Till next time, cheers!
Clo
Till next time, cheers!
Clo
Rising to The Occasion
May 21, 2020
Say hello to Charles
Thanks to quarantine and Mrs. Tisbo, I have become a little sourdough baker. A fun new pastime that I have happily added to the evergrowing hobby list.
I received my sourdough starter kit bb, commonly known as Charles, at the end of April and have been baking ever since. He truly is like a baby because I have to feed him every morning and night; 1/2 cup of flour and 1/2 water.
Thanks to Charles, I have been able to make homemade chocolate chip cookies (which are heavenly by the way), chocolate banana bundt cake, pancakes and bread. Half have been a great victory, while others have been a great disappointment.
So you don't have to waste time and go through the same heartbreak as me, here are the two recipes thus far, that have risen to the occasion:
Holy Grails
1. Chocolate Chip Cookies: Recipe by Home Grown Happiness
- As I said before, these are the best damn cookies I've ever had and I've eaten a lot of cookies in my 23 years of life. But besides the cookie itself, the dough is *Chefs Kiss*
Next,
2. Fluffy Sourdough Pancakes: Recipe by Tastes of Lizzy T
- Simple yet very effective; there's just something about a fluffy pancake that makes it automatically superior to any other pancake. Checkmate.
It's Probably Me, Not Them
1. Chocolate Banana Bundt Cake: Recipe by Lynne Curry
- I want to say it was me but I followed every step, it turned out gorgeous- exhibit A down below, but the lack of any type of flavor was astronomical. My hopes crashed and burned so fast with this beauty.
Next,
2. Basic Sourdough Bread
- Okay, this one was definitely on me but in my defense, this was the first time I ever made homemade bread. Not a bad start but definitely not a strong one either.
- No recipe link since well, this is a pretty generic recipe that can be found anywhere!
My baking successors and fails have definitely been a split 50/50 but practice makes perfect. Time to pick out my next conquest. Oh and by the way, I'm open to taking orders. With the constant feeding of Charles, this means I have to constantly utilize him and bake. It's a full-blown bakery over here.
More recipe reviews and suggestions to come.
Till next time, cheers!
Clo
Back At It
May 18, 2020
Well, it has been a minute, or perhaps I should say a month since I last posted.
During this time, I have been able to read my new books without disrupting my sleeping pattern that much since well, I have nowhere to go. With my book recommendations this time around, I will only be sharing 4 books rather than 10 since I may have gone overboard last time... Sue me, I got excited- I just love books.
So, without further ado, here are four must-reads of this month:
Clo's Book Recs
- The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez
- Now you must read The Friend Zone before reading Jimenez's second book.
- This book is a continuation of the first book but now focuses on Sloan as she continues to heal from losing her fiancé, Brandon. I have been waiting since December for this book to be released- counting down the months, the days till I was able to order it on Amazon. Back when I had read The Friend Zone, death and heartbreak were a subject I had been fortunate, at the time, to not have experienced but much has changed since then. Rewinding back to last year, my heart broke for Sloan; I couldn't fathom that type of pain. But now, fast forward to the present, I understand. I lost one of the most important people in my life and the healing process is still very much in motion. Some of the situations Sloan had to deal with when it comes to moving on hit home this time around making it difficult to read thus resulting in a 2 am sob fest but you know, nothing feels better than a good cry sometimes. Initially, when I started this book, I had forgotten what to expect and where this story would lead but with each page turned, I quickly remembered why I became enamored with Jimenez's writing. You'll go from crying of sadness to happiness all while simultaneously rooting for Sloan. The plotline may not have been what I was expecting but it definitely did not disappoint. Now I can't say anything else about this book without giving away the story but what I can do is stress how much you need to read her two books!
- This is Not a Fashion Story by Danielle Bernstein
- For my autobiography lovers, boy do I have a book for you. Danielle Bernstein is one of the many influencers amongst Instagram but one of the few who has gone beyond just linking items she recommends. First and foremost, she is a businesswoman who took a passion and made it into a career. Initially, when I first followed her, I was there for the fashion content but since then, I have grown to admire her for her work ethic and authenticity which in turn, allowed me to trust her when it came to supporting her brand recommendations and products. Yes, she is a fashion person and her book covers the growth of her business but it also focuses on life. She shares personal stories that provide a good laugh and important life lessons for all young women that are extremely valuable. Time flew by with this book; when it ended, I couldn't help but wish there was more!
- Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling
- This autobiography genuinely made me laugh out loud. Kaling takes her readers on a ride as she discusses her life story while also providing situations and questions that are beyond relatable. If you're in the mood for a laugh and a quick read, give this book a go! (Can we take a minute to admire how short this review is please.)
- The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
- Back at it with another rom-com rec. Now this story is definitely a light-hearted read that follows Olive and Ethan; Olive's sister is marrying Ethan's brother. They are the only two at the wedding who don't get food poisoning which in turn has Olive's sister forcing the two to go on her honeymoon so the trip doesn't go to waste. Oh and the twist, these two 'hate' each other. See, classic rom-com. Have at it fellow cheese heads!
Till next time, cheers!
Clo
Oldie But A Goodie
March 20, 2020
Spring cleaning is off to a strong start. In addition to cleaning my room, I've decided to clean through my phone too. During this, I found an old note I made where I jotted down my thoughts seeing A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. First off, If you haven't seen ABDITN, omg go watch that now- I mean you do have time after all. Honestly, what a perfect movie to watch now.
In times of despair, Tom Hanks always serves as a beacon of light. A person that symbolizes hope if you will. Just as Julie Andrews is a grandma to us all, Tom Hanks serves as our grandpa. With each movie, the underlying lesson is how we can be the greatest and kindest humans.
Growing up, I have faint memories of watching Mr. Rodgers. I remember the puppets and Mr. Rodgers's red sweater but that's about it. When it came to the ABDITN movie, I was not jumping at the chance to go out to see it. My hesitation came from my preconceived notion that it would be a memoir of his life that didn't pique my interest- no offense Mr. Rodgers.
Though it wasn't my first pick, I'm so glad my grandma recommended it when she came for Thanksgiving. This movie is a feel-good, warm hug, consumed by love type of movie. The happiness that radiates off the screen will make you yearn for that eruption of positivity all day long.
Regardless of any life situation, big or small, the humanity lesson taught and can be translated into everyday life is what everyone can utilize.
By understanding humans from a new perspective, that's how you're able to learn about your fellow peers, friends, family, and strangers. Learn that what's shaped them, good and bad, is why they act the way they do. Though this isn't always positive, it means there's room for them to learn from present mistakes for future growth. This movie not only retaught a lesson on humanity, but it also reinstated my love for journalism.
How words transcend time and resonate with readers as their eyes dance along with each sentence, from word to word, absorbing the context for later reference. How articles can stop time, evoke emotions and ignite fires to start change, understanding or empathy and compassion. Writing is an act of communication; a common human interaction that's been negatively altered.
Now that humanistic traits have been mentioned, let's manage it. Manage it by not only being able to verbalize our opinions and thoughts gracefully but also by taking the time to hear the other person out, process their perspective and see why they feel that way. Listening, understanding and gathering facts is the only way we can properly comprehend what link hasn't been connected during translation to get to the point of understanding.
Though there were a lot of takeaways from this movie, there was a quote at the end that struck a chord in me:
"If it's human, it's mentionable. If it's mentionable, it's manageable," (A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood).
Some problems seem too big to manage but every problem has a solution. Every tunnel has a light, you just have to hold onto hope and when you start to stray, hold on tighter. Lean on your people and strangers, you can be surprised when people ban together.
So what do you say? Let's be human again.
Life is not ideal, it's an uneasy time but can I be honest?
If you're reading this and being bored is your biggest issue at the moment, take that. Boredom versus the other possible issues you could be facing at the moment is a blessing.
Now as a general thought, I would much rather be dealing with (let's call COVID Carol), Carol in this year than during any other time. Why? Our news stations, both local and national, have worked round clock- round of a freakin plause to their suppressed emotions and hard work, to provide information on how to stay safe and healthy, what steps we need to take to flatten the curve, etc.
Not only that, but our advanced technology can assist with the brilliant minds hard at work trying to find a cure, the medical staff to try and treat as many as they can, and small businesses to stay connected with customers on how to order from them. Technology has also been able to provide a way for those fortunate with the option to work from home. Its also been an outlet for ways to stay busy such as happy hour with friends, shop online and more! We may be bored inside but I would take staying quarantined over having our civilized duty being going to war like our grand and great-grandparents.
Couch time >>> War. I mean...
We are not the first to go through a pandemic, those have occurred many times prior. Not that that makes things better but understand it took longer for news to travel for the public to understand what was happening, how to stay safe but also, as I previously said, to find a cure.
We are living in a time where everything comes to us in a matter of seconds. Our patience is close to none it seems which is adding to the wave of anxiety that has consumed the public.
Our society has very solemnly had to deal with the unknown. It's nerve-wracking but the specialist who have been called to discover a cure can only work so hard. They want a cure soon- if anything, more than everyone else.
It's their job to help and cure, which is what they're trying and going to do.
Now I get it, Carol has put a dent in many life events for us all and has wrecked the economy and a list of a whole lot of things which is beyond heartbreaking but things will be booming once the pieces of the puzzle come together. Understand, the economy was the best it's been, Carol just caused a hiccup; a downfall that will soon rise high again.
You may not be living the life you want right now but you're living. If you're fortunate to work from the safety of your home this means you also have some additional downtime. Take this as an opportunity to plan your future either in your career or where you will travel after this is over, reconnect with the people you haven't spoken to in a minute, catch up on sleep, binge that series you were craving to see or stretch and master that yoga pose you've been meaning to master.
The medical workers, first responders, selfless and hardworking citizens who have gone to the frontlines, aka their jobs, 'common' jobs that make our world run. Our local grocery store workers, UPS and FedEx drivers, mailmen would give anything to be home bored. Actually, just to be home.
They are doing what they're doing to keep us safe and stay comfortable inside.
Isn't there only so many times you can complain before the people your quarantined with vote to kick you off the island? So stay optimistic by looking ahead to the rest of the year- where you go and what you'll do. Stay working, coloring, reading, or bored. As long as you're bored and feel like nothing is happening, that means you're doing your job.
Nothing is good whereas something is bad; something is what we don't want Carol to do.
Oh and turn off the news. Watch it in the morning to stay in the know and if a major announcement with new news is being announced but other than that, turn it off. You will go blue in the face. If you or a loved one is now addicted to watching 24/7 news coverage that's going to be a long journey out of the rabbit hole they've dug themselves in. Good bless trash television, amiright? Can I get an amen!
Life won't always be like this. Stay safe, wash your hands, call your loved ones and remember to stay kind and positive.
Till next time,
Clo
The following are examples of story content I produced for Love Natural Luxe. The reasoning behind this content was to continue to bring forth the aesthetic of the feed and company through on the stories too. They were interactive with followers to keep them up to date on announcements, sales, and general self-care information.
LNL Instagram Stories:
1. Example One:
*The two last photos of the sequence have a plain bottom because that was the location of the polls I inserted via Instagram*
2. Example Two:
3. Example Three:
4. Example Four:
4. Example Four:
5. General Examples:
The following are examples of story content I produced for G&G Women's Boutique during Halloween. The reasoning behind this content was to create sales traction by providing customers with new ideas on how to make their purchases relate to the current holiday and beyond.
Halloween 2019 Instagram Story:
Document Example
March 5, 2020
The following social media proposal is an example of one I had sent to a potential client. Within my document, I outlined what my client can expect from me, my rate, as well as the vision that I have for their social media aesthetic and why I believe this would work as well as how it ties to the company. I also included photographic examples to further display my vision.
Explanation of who the client is, what type of service I provided, along with photographic evidence of after shots- along with an explanation of how and what type of theme and content I curated.
Client One: A Parisian fashion consultant who is now based in Chicago, Mademoiselle De Paris, Maud Lemercier.
When it came to working with Maud, I started off with a blank slate. She had purchased a website template off of GoDaddy.com and from there, we worked together to create the website she envisioned for her company. Since she is originally from Paris, France, it was important to included elements of her home country within the website.
Throughout the website, I curated the Copywrite for each and every page. At the bottom of each page, there is a link to each of the social media platforms that she runs. With each tab, they dive into the various services she can provide with her clients. This said, on the homepage, there is also a feature that directly links potential customers to a new tab with further information about pricing and the ability to book a date on the calendar with Maud.
Throughout the website, I curated the Copywrite for each and every page. At the bottom of each page, there is a link to each of the social media platforms that she runs. With each tab, they dive into the various services she can provide with her clients. This said, on the homepage, there is also a feature that directly links potential customers to a new tab with further information about pricing and the ability to book a date on the calendar with Maud.
Photos of the website after production:
Explanation of who the client is, what type of service I provided, along with photographic evidence of before and after shots- along with an explanation of how and what type of theme and content I curated.
Client Two: A Business Instagram account for a boutique G&G Women's Boutique. G&G is a boutique based in a NorthWest suburb of Chicago who needed a social media manager to manage the account, assist with creating a unified aesthetic, daily postings on both the feed and stories, as well as curating and photographing fashion photos.
The main goal of this account was to create an online aesthetic that matched the physical branding of the store. In order to do so, the account only required a small amount of tweaking when it came to the edits of the photos. Through the white, light and mix of flat-lay and model photos, this helps customers have a unified image of who G&G both in-person and online.
Photos of the Instagram feed before and after I worked with Client 3:
BEFORE
AFTER
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