A Few Of The Reasons Why I Love Internet Culture

Honestly where can I begin?  It's so hard to explain why I love something so much when there are so many different reasons.  I guess the underlying theme, the motif if you will, is that no matter where you are in your life the internet is always there.  Now you may be thinking: 'What the actual fuck?' and you do have a right to feel this way.  BUT, what I am talking about can be understood in a plethora of ways.  Whether you're at the highest high or the lowest low, the internet almost always is a place that can make you feel stoked, find something to accompany your crying, enforce you're 'turnt up nature' or quench any type of thirst you may be feeling (*lets minds wander*).

It may or may not come as a secret to my readers that I haven't had the easiest life, but I don't complain about any of it to anyone except for my father and my best friend.  I really wouldn't want it any other way to be honest.  But when I say the internet helps you when you're at the lowest of lows, really applies to me before anything else.  This topic is so complex that I don't claim to expel all of my emotions and thoughts about internet culture here, but I just want to feel that cathartic feeling for a moment.

I have such an undying, unbelievable passion for current events, politics, fashion and beauty.  This should come as no surprise.  Whether five or 5,000 people read this blog, I hope to inspire people with it.  I went into Journalism and got my degree because I have an amazing love for writing and giving the people what they deserve, knowledge.  They have the right to know whats going on.  

Back to my love for the internet.  Being that above mentioned passions can all be easily combined and found on all media, I've always experimented with print, online, radio, TV.  Anything else there could possibly be.  I have never discounted anything and I never will.  I truly hope that print journalism never dies.  But while all of this is true, the connection with constant access to up to the date information inspires me to no end.  

While there are lines to be drawn between blogs and news sources, often times I feel its evident that they do play off of each other.  If I, at any time, am able to have access to both a credible news source and a blog at the same time, to me, that seems like the most powerful thing in the entire world.  Think about the social media platforms that bring readers and curious minds to these news stories.  Why do you think publications and websites that are the biggest news sources in the world are on Twitter?  

Following journalists on social media is the best thing that you could possibly do to educate yourself other than reading.  This is much different than just following a news source because you get the raw, unedited thoughts of the journalist from the field at times.  Take for instance the unfortunate events of the second Malaysian Airlines plane that went down recently.  When I had heard about the event, I immediately took to Twitter, scoured for journalists that were there on scene and was able to see photos, read first-hand accounts and then juxtapose those thoughts and ideas with what was actually happening on news channels.  

Don't have a television in your room?  Unable to see things happen live on TV?  Where do you turn?  To the internet.  Often times reputable news sources will offer live coverage of exactly what they are streaming on live TV, right on their website.  This is how powerful the media can be.

Moving away from news for a moment (as I can go on forever), we turn to the world of fashion and beauty.  Although they are completely separate worlds, they bleed together in many different facets.   Blogs are the most amazing thing in the entire world when it comes to the world of fashion.  Whether its runway you crave or street style, there is always something for you.  Fashion culture dominates social media with its up to the minute style insight whether its an Insta-vid from backstage at fashion week, an OOTD post, an 'Inside this Chic Fashionista's Brooklyn Apartment' feature or a fantastic interview with a designer.  It's so simple to get lost for HOURS in your bloglovin' feed catching up on the latest and trust me, I've done it.  

There's really no better feeling than following designers, socialites, insiders and models during fashion week.  Do you want to know what type of bra the models were wearing during Marc Jacobs?  Make sure you follow Kendall Jenner, she'll be sure to let you know.   Cara Delevigne will inform you on the latest from DKNY, Burberry, Chanel and others.  Curious to see who is wearing what in this years Victoria's Secret fashion show?  Check out all of the models on their Instas.  There really is no stopping you when it comes to finding out anything you want to know when it comes to fashion.  The fashion world is your social media oyster.  

Beauty.  Where can I begin.  While some of the things I said above about fashion can be said about beauty as well, nothing compares to some of the beauty brands and how well they run their social media sites.  When I think about fashion social media, I think the brands do great on social media, but the bloggers tend to outshine the social media footprint.  With beauty, it's the other way around for me.  Two of my personal favorites right now are Benefit Cosmetic's Instagram and First Aid Beauty's Twitter.  I cannot explain how much I love them, but I will try. 

Benefit is great.  I love how they create UGC so easily with contests, post quotes to keep people motivated, makeup tips that you can take for yourself or share with someone else and a whole lot more.  Perhaps the best thing about their Instagram is the colorful nature.  Nothing makes me happier and puts me in a better mood, than seeing bright vibrance and Benefit delivers this for sure.  First Aid Beauty makes me happy on Twitter because they deliver the best customer service possible.  Their social media management team is the best.  I have mentioned them on multiple occasions and I think almost every time I mention them, they either favorite, reply or answer my tweets.  Not only this, but sometimes when I'm going through my timeline, I see RTs from other blogs that they've done and I get to discover other blogs to become obsessed with.  This is the way the social media world works.

I will definitely do another post to follow up on my thoughts here.  I want to also talk about YouTube and how YT culture is probably the best out there as well.  I hope you found inspiration in this post to become more active online, better your knowledge, become obsessed or whatever!  Think of the internet as immersing yourself in a world full of things you love.  A place where you can bring it all together.  You can get access to everything that makes you happy, all at once.  And in that, there is power.

Send me a tweet and let me know what your thoughts are on internet culture.  Be sure to stay tuned for my follow-up post full of thoughts that I may have missed, as well as my thoughts on YT culture.  -Brit.  

TWITTER IS MY FAVORITE!

Twitter is my all-time favorite social media platform.  As a social media professional, I work with so many different platforms every single day and aside from that, social media is also my passion/hobby.  For a plethora of reasons, Twitter has made me realize that something so small (yet so big) can establish such a powerful connection.  Whether the connection matters on a larger scale or a smaller one, it's still a connection and isn't that all we're after  in the long run?

Usually when running a twitter for a large company, local business or even for yourself, the bottom line or ultimate goal is to connect with people.  Whether you are trying to uphold or create a brand awareness or just communicate personally with friends or a celebrity you may idolize, it's all done through messages and connection.  Twitter makes it so easy to deliver these messages.

What I also cherish about the platform is the power that it has over you to try and make you think.  Should you be tasked with the objective to deliver a message for a company/brand that is so full of information, you may be caught off guard by the character limit.  Because Twitter obviously only allows the user to tweet 140 characters, you must invest more time in thinking about your message, which may in turn make it that much more meaningful.   Because you only have 140 characters, the message is full of that much more value.

Whether you're managing a corporations twitter or your own, you reserve the right to make a brand come alive.  Giving the brand a personality can be so entertaining and rewarding in many ways.  Searching hashtags or keywords in an area  allows you to enter realtime conversation about people that can be qualified and relevant to your brand, which makes the experience all the better.  Not only do you get enjoyment out of your accomplishments in making the brand come alive, but you have done wonders for the social media presence of said brand.  

Most reasons why people use social media can be attributed to multiple things.  Some use it to keep in touch, some use it to find out about brands, some use it to trust in friends about opinions.  No matter the reason, it's important to ensure that you are looking after your brand reputation.  On Twitter, there are so many opportunities to turn a not so favorable instance for a brand, into something that can flip it around and make it memorable. 

Twitter is just one step down from a conversation that is being had in real-time, face to face.  Short bursts of information back and forth.  Because of twitters simplicity index being so high, it is very user-friendly.  Being able to favorite a tweet that you have enjoyed and want to come back to later is a great way to organize.  Like a tweet someone sent?  Retweet it.  Simple as that.  You have the opportunity to share photos, but they count as part of your 140 characters, so chose the caption wisely.  I like this because the idea of a tweet remains the same, there's no exception.  I like the challenge for me personally and for a brand as well.

Although even sooner than later Twitter is looking at a complete redesign, I will still be completely in love.  And you know what?  The redesign thats coming up is not going to be the last one.  If I remember correctly, the platform has just recently changed to a more 'iOS' look which I actually kind of liked.  The new twitter really looks pretty cool and I can't wait for it to roll out for more people.  I love the fact that there really isn't a necessity for an intricate background for each user.  Who knows, there may be that need eventually with the new platform but I don't seem to think that the background is going to be as essential as it used to be anymore.  

I could go on forever about how much I love twitter.  I love that I can share my life with people, I love that I have the power to tell them where I am, or not.  I love that I can connect with people via short bursts of information and I love the challenge that I have when thinking about the tweet that I want to send.  Granted, I love social media as a whole so I don't really hate any platforms, but I just have to admit that Twitter is my all-time favorite.  My twitter feed is the feed of my life!  Let us not forget, twitter was the birthplace of the hashtag.  You're welcome for that reminder.  

Do you guys feel the same way?  What do you NOT like about twitter?  It would be interesting to find out more about what you think because I want to know what everyone else loves and hates about social media.  Like i said, I am impartial because social media just constantly makes me happy, but I know thats not the case for most.  Send me a tweet and let me know what you think.  You never know, we could be on to something.  Thank you for reading.  

Fun Links on Friday, 3/14!

via Cosmopolitan 

16 Ways Twentysomething Women Rationalize Spending Money via Cosmopolitan

So this story gives me life.  There are always times in your life when you feel like you just must spend money on something.  We all have to admit it.  For example, my ex-boyfriend has always been one to not spend any money on ANYTHING but even when he sees something come out, he spends the money immediately because he feels like he MUST have it before anyone else.  Everyone has the passion for at least one concept in their life that they feel is so important and thats where spending money often comes in.  While I admit that I do share that same passion for clothes, shoes and money, I don't always muse about why I should get said top or pair of jeans, I quickly rationalize and just make the purchase.  While a lot of these examples aren't exactly thoughts of mine, some of them make connections with the way I make my purchases and I couldn't help but share it with you guys.  After all, I did just have the busiest week at work EVER, so I do deserve $100 shopping spree at H&M, sign me up.  How do you rationalize spending money?  

via Buzzfeed

Sexiest Gif of Joe Jonas Ever via Buzzfeed

So everyone that knows me knows that while I was in high school I went through the hugest Jonas Brothers phase that you ever did see.  I skipped Senior Prom to get to a concert, I watch the live streams that they did, I learned as much has possible about the Road Dogs, I tried finding out everything there was to know about them living in New Jersey and a whole bunch more.  I wish I could say that I was embarrassed but I most certainly am not.  Being that they held such a soft spot in my heart for so long, I feel like at least Joe will never leave that spot and that's why I couldn't help but include this beautiful gif of the boy, ugh I love him.  Who was your favorite high school band?  

via Leaf tv

Rose Water Pudding via Leaf tv on Youtube

So what better way to welcome Spring than with trying out the recipe for something as magical as freaking Rose Pudding.  This video makes me want to go out this weekend and get the ingredients to make this ASAP.  Not only is the presentation of this adorable, but I feel like it will taste SO AMAZING.  I love anything rose flavored.  I remember when I tried Rose Water Macarons from Le Maison du Maraon in New York this summer I almost fell over they were so delicious.  

via a Fab Life

What To Do With Broken Jewelry via A Fab Life

I mean, let us be completely honest.  How much $2 jewelry have you purchase from Forever21?  I cannot tell a lie, I have way too much.  Granted, some of it is still holding up but a lot of it doesn't really last long especially if it's more statement-making or costume jewelry.  Leah and Mary always make 'Tipsy Tuesday' videos explaining some tips for random things in your life that you may not think to do and that's what sets them apart.  I love learning new things from them especially through their adorable storytelling videos and illuminating personalities.   They are adorable so go check them out and subscribe to their channel!

Chanel's Supermarket Chic via NY Times

Of course I can't let this go without talking about some of Chanel's latest.  I mean, as already a huge fan of everything Chanel, I can't really get over the fact that everything they do is perfect to me.  With this though, I felt fashionably touched.  Being that I used to work at a supermarket (most ridiculous, traumatizing seven years of my life), I felt like Lagerfeld reached deep into my soul and pulled out this fantastic connection.  Ugh, let me just sigh for a minute because even though I felt the connection, there are just more clothes that I probably will never be able to afford.  Strangely, I am still 100% okay with that.

What have you been loving this week?  Anything good?  You know I would love to see so feel free to share with me in the comments below or send me a tweet!  I hope you guys have an awesome weekend and I will talk to you soon!  Thanks for reading as always.

The Farmers Almanac, and dealing with drama.

Check out this Instagram photo that I took today :).

Today was a great day, except for the fact that I woke up extremely freezing cold!  I honestly cannot believe that it has been so chilly lately.  The summer was so hot, so I think the winter is going to be chillingly cold.  I haven't gotten my hands on a farmers almanac recently which is what I normally like to do, but I just have this hunch.  

Being that I live in New Jersey, I can truly say that we have all of the seasons tried and true.  I mean there are some places that just don't get each season in all of its form.  This year so far (which is almost over, OMG!), we have had an extremely mild winter from Jan-March/April.  From May-August, the weather was BEYOND hazy, hot and humid.  Now, as September approaches, the mornings and nights are getting chillier, the days are topping out at a brisk 75 degrees and fall is most definitely in the air.  

Thinking about the winter coming makes me sick though.  I really hate the cold which is kind of ironic because I was born in January.  I don't think the time you were born really has anything to do with that but the stigma always comes up in conversation.  The only thing I like about the cold weather is the fashion that comes with fall and winter, it's my absolute favorite.  NYFW just passed and I was just dying at what was coming out of the runways from almost every single designer for SS 13.  While this is true, I still can't wait to start wearing my riding boots.

I had work, it was my first day back after being on vacation for two weeks.  I cannot say that I was thrilled but people missed me!  I can't believe I walked in there and people were excited to see me, it was a really nice feeling.  I don't really know if I can take these people seriously or not because theres always so much drama at my work place and I really hate it.  It was just nice to see that some people were happy that I was back, take that as you wish.

Dealing with drama in the work place, or anywhere even, can be really hard.  I have a huge trust issue with almost every single person that I know.  There have been so many things going on in my life that I really don't know who to trust.  When it comes to getting older and knowing that you'll have to deal with drama in your life, just be strong and don't let anyone compromise who you are to be someone that you really aren't.  There is even going to be drama when you get older and you grow into your full time career.  Drama never really escapes you, even when you want to take on your own professional persona.

Aside from making sure that you remain true to yourself, there are a couple more things that you should probably do.  Before I started working where I do now, I never was the person who wanted to be involved with people who start drama and act like they know everything and nothing at the same time.  I hated those people, really despised them.  Honestly can you tell me that you act that stupid and pretend to be someone you are not all the time?  It just isnt worth it and its tiring of all things.

When I started working at my current location, I guess you could say I became "popular" because everyone knew who I was, I worked in a central location and a lot of things went through me and the people who I work with.  I still to this date feel forced into a lot of drama even though I am so passive and keep myself out of it at all times.  This is an example of how you get in the middle of it sometimes, but you just have to tell yourself its not worth it.  I am not going to lie, there have even been stupid rumors spread about me, but I know they aren't true, and that's all that matters.  The people that care about you and yourself, are the only ones that matter.  That's what I kept telling myself, and thats why I am so positive.

The day was short, and I came home, went for a run, and here I am watching, yep you guessed it, more 24.  As if I didn't say it enough, please watch the show if you never have.  We just started the third season and it is great.  The writing of the show is phenomenal and I don't want to go into it again, but you get the point!  Haha.  I just posted a facebook status saying, "If watching 24 was a job, I'd be a bajillionaire."

Okay, well this has been quite the lengthy post but I hope you guys were able to take that I had to say and turn it into something that makes sense to you.  Do you guys have problems with drama in the work place?  Anywhere else?  Send me a tweet and let me know, or leave comments below.  You can even do both :).