2021 Plans and Goals + Exciting announcement!

 

2020 - what a year it has been! Now that we are finally in the most awaited year, have you ever thought of what goals you wanted to achieve in 2021? Given the uncertainty of us getting over the pandemic soon, you might think that it is hard to set any plans and goals. But hey, setting goals gives us motivation and can make us look at the future with more hope and positivity. 

So, let me share some of my goals this year along with my action plans! Hopefully, it can inspire you to make some too. Plus I have an exciting announcement at the end of this post. So let's start!

1. Grow my Instagram audience. Despite so many hardships 2020 gave us, I appreciate that it also gave me my biggest Instagram milestone - reaching 10k followers. This year, my goal is to at least double it and make it 20k. I would love to reach more people to inspire and motivate through my content.

    Action Plan: Dedicate at least 1 hour each day to research my potential audience and engage with them. 

2. Have more outdoor photos. Most of my photos from last year has always been indoors. The excuse of course is that we are in the middle of the pandemic and I don't drive anyway. But last month, I discovered a nearby trail/park that seldom has people. It's definitely a perfect spot to take photos and the best part was it's walking distance from home. 

    Action Plan: Dedicate a day or two to go to the trail/park. Schedule and plan ahead of what products to bring for the photoshoot and include them in my planner.

3. Lose 21 lbs. According to a BMI indicator online, my BMI is 25 and it is considered overweight for my height. I am currently 141 lbs and my goal is to get it down to 120 lbs.

    Action Plan: Walk/Run on the treadmill or at the park for 1 hour a day this month then start a consistent workout by February. I am leaning towards starting another Chloe Ting Challenge next month!

4. Improved my mental health. 2020 took a toll on me. This year, I wanted to improve my mental health. I believe this is one of my important goals this year.

  Action Plan: Dedicate a social media break day and do the things I enjoyed offline like reading books and doing puzzles.

5. Close at least 20 paid collaborations this year. Last year was an eye-opener for me. Being an influencer is a totally fun thing to do but it requires hard work too. As an influencer, I learned to wear different hats - creative director, photographer, stylist, planner, copywriter, and strategist. Yes. It's a lot of work. This year, I am dedicated to only saying yes to collaborations that align with my mission and vision and to brand deals that can see my value and willing to pay the price.

     Action plan: Formulate a pitch template and start listing 5-10 brands that I wanted to send my pitch to.  Engage with each brand for a month before sending a pitch to start the connection. 

6. Dedicate more time to spiritual things. I feel like I have been so inconsistent on my spiritual goals last year so this year, I want to be more consistent. 

    Action Plan: Schedule a definite time early in the morning to do bible reading.  Block at least 1 hour for bible study every day and do at least 2 hours and 4 days in my volunteer ministry in a week.

7. Grow my TVPage affiliate sales to at least $80 each month. I was invited to be part of the Macys Style Crew last November and I earned at least 50 dollars on my store. It was not a lot but it definitely motivated me to do more.

    Action plan: Create consistent content and share regularly on my social media channels. Include a schedule on my planner.

8. Be consistent in planning. I made a decision last year to plan my content ahead but never really stick to it. This year, I wanted to do more planning. I started focusing on planning my day ahead. And my goal is to be able to plan at least a month of my social media content.

    Action Plan: Utilize planners and dedicate a day to just planning things out. Use planning tools like Planoly or Later for my social media posts. Write everything down on my planner and plan as far as 1 month ahead.

9. Take at least 2 classes about Social Media Marketing. When I quit my job, I told myself I wanted to focus on learning social media marketing like Facebook Ads, Google Ads, and SEO. 3 months later, it all ends in just starting out and I am back to NADA. Nothing. So this year, I wanted to focus on learning and taking as much knowledge as I can to be better in this field.

    Action Plan: Decide what course to learn and focus on one course at a time. Dedicate one to two hours each day to my chosen course and apply what I learned as soon as possible. Make sure to include it on my schedule and write it on my planner.

10. Grow my blog and have at least 2k subscribers by the end of the year. I was so happy I was able to relaunch my blog last year. However, nothing happened that much and I think I only gained at least 5 subscribers. I might sound ambitious with 2k subs, but I am going to work towards achieving that goal.

    Action Plan: Improved my content. Create a consistent email campaign that can relate to my subscribers. Create an interesting lead magnet by the end of January that will make others subscribe to my blog.

11. Start a business and launch an Etsy Store! This is what I am most thrilled about! I am excited to announce that my brother and I are starting an Etsy store this year and plans are already in place. We are finalizing our products and I can't wait to tell you more about them in my next blog post. Hint: it's digital and printables. Another hint: one of the products is going to help influencers like me to plan their contents. 

    Action Plan: Finalized the name of the store by the end of this week. Have the designs ready by next week and have the store ready for launch by the end of this month.

At the end of this year, I will be revisiting this post and see what goals I achieved and what goals I still need to work on. I will also be sharing what my struggles are and what things work and didn't work out.

I am so excited to see what this year will bring us all! And I can't wait to hear about your goals that you will be hustling to achieve this year. Please share them below!

Stay tuned for my next blog and I am going to share some business deets about our upcoming Etsy Store!

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20 Random Facts About Me - 2020 Year-End Edition

 

If you have been following me on Instagram for a while, you might already know some facts about me. As we end this year, I'd like to share more not-so-fun facts about me so you can get to know the person behind this blog better. 

1. My name means a doll or a puppet moved by strings but it's totally something that my parents didn't know when they came up with my name. They are just combining their nicknames. 🎎

2. I don't drive. In the Philippines, we have all sorts of public transportations and private vehicles are oftentimes a luxury. I did get a learner's permit here in the US but my husband is now too afraid to teach me because of one little accident we had while I was behind the wheels. 😂

3. I don't like taking medicines. If I can bear the pain, I will. 💊

4. I love crime movies, TV shows, and anime. I enjoy detectives and spy movies. 🚨

5. My superpower is that I can go on a day without eating or just eating once. Unlike many, I prefer sleeping over eating. 😴

6. I used to play guitar and write songs but now starting to have an interest in a Ukelele. 🎸

7. I am not a fan of horror movies or anything about zombies. 🧟

8. I have motion sickness. I can't read (even browse my phone) while in a moving vehicle. 🚓

9. I don't celebrate holidays like Christmas, New Year's, and Easter due to my Bible-based beliefs. You can check out this link for more information: https://www.jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/faq/jw-celebrate-holidays/. 🌲

10. I can always imagine what could happen in a certain situation and in a negative way. Like for example, I saw a nail poking out somewhere, my brain would immediately imagine myself getting poked in the eyes, bleeding and I can sometimes feel it. Yes, it's weird. 💁

11. I love giving gifts. There is truth about what Acts 20:35 in the Bible says: ‘There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.' 🎁

12. I wanted to be a band member when I was younger. I dreamed of being a lead vocalist or someone who plays the guitar or the drums. However, I don't really have the talent for it.😆

13. I think I have grown tired of working in a company setting or working for others in general. This year, I felt so lost in what I really wanted to do. And I am still figuring things out. 📴

14. I am a graduate of Business Management and I majored in Marketing but I don't really think I have used my course that much. 🥈

15. I am not good with math or numbers. Thank goodness for calculators and Google. 🔢

16. I love babies and kids but I prefer to not have my own. People don't understand that sometimes and it's totally okay. But, if ever I get pregnant along the way of my married life, I will definitely embrace motherhood.  👶

17. I am not really good at English grammar so pardon me if you see or hear me say grammatically wrong things. 😅Although English was taught in school at an early age, it is not my first language. Tagalog (Filipino) is my native language and I feel more comfortable reading and writing in that language. 🔖

18. My husband was my first and last boyfriend. We met on Facebook thru a common friend and the rest is history. We are celebrating 6 years of marriage soon. 💓

19. I had one minor surgery once to remove fibroadenomas from my right breast but I am a pretty healthy person. I dread going to the hospitals and getting blood work done. 😖

20. If I can go back to one place aside from my hometown in the Philippines, I wanted to revisit Monterey, California. I fell in love with the place when we had our Legal Summit / Team Building in Cannery Row years back plus it is where I first met my then virtual boyfriend (now husband) in person. 💨

If you reach this far, nice to meet you! Please leave a comment with your Instagram or blog so we can connect! I hope to see you more in 2021.💗

What's one thing you'd like me to write about here on my blog? I am open to suggestions! Let's get ready for 2021!

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My Top 20 Beauty Brands in 2020

2020 might not be everyone's favorite year right now. There was so much sadness throughout this year, but I can't help but to still be thankful. Along with everything that happened are some great realizations and discoveries for me. And although it might be a little early to say this, I will claim it already:

 "Hey, I am still alive and ready for 2021!"

But before we leave this super dramatic year, I would love to take this opportunity to mention the top 20 beauty brands that made my 2020 a little better. Shall we start?

1. PixiBeauty. This brand would be my number one on the list. If you read my previous posts, I never failed to mention PixiBeauty. Not only because I am on their PR list, but also because all their products are honestly incredible. So if you haven't check this affordable brand yet, you should start checking them out and see their wide range of skincare and makeup products. You might find a new favorite brand come in 2021. See my dedicated post for this brand here.


2. Good Molecules. Although I have only come to know this brand this year, it has quickly become one of my favorite. Their skincare worked so well for my skin and they have become a staple to my skincare routine. My wonderful 2020 skincare journey would not be the same without this brand. Learn more about them in my previous post here.

3. Fresh Beauty. This might be one of the most expensive brands I included in this list, nevertheless, they do deserve this spot because they have remarkable products that work. You can find something you will fall in love with from their variety of skincare, body care, and fragrance products. 

4. Rituals. Looking for something affordable but luxurious beauty products? This brand is for you! Their body care set is phenomenal. And I can't wait to try their perfume, skincare, makeup, hair care, kitchen essentials, and clothing products. Yes, they have it all.

5. Innisfree. Are you a k-beauty fan? This Korean beauty brand should be on your list this coming new year if you haven't already tried it. Aside from their cute packaging, you'll love their skincare, makeup, body, and hair product line up. 

6. Filorga. I have only tried two of this brand's products yet I might say they don't disappoint and it made me want to try all of their products. I am not even exaggerating. This brand is also on the pricey side but it's for a good reason. Their products are effective!

7. Kiss / Impress Manicure. I am not a fan of fancy acrylic nails but who doesn't like pretty nails once in a while? That is why I came to love this press-on manicure brand. Besides having a gorgeous line of beautiful nail designs, they are also easy to apply and are great for last-minute party calls. Yes, even the zoom parties.

8. Amika. What is beauty without beautiful hair, right? This brand has some astonishing hair care products. I personally love their Flash Instant Shine Mask. I didn't even have to comb my hair, let's leave it at that.

9. Eva-NYC. Let's talk more about hair care products. There's nothing more satisfying than a good hair day on quarantine mode. Ever since trying out their dry shampoo, this brand easily becomes one of my favorites.

10. Laneige. One of the keys to beauty is well-hydrated skin and lips. This is where Laneige comes into the picture. They have hydrating skincare and lip products that can make a difference in your beauty routine. 

11. First Aid Beauty. I was first introduced to this brand this year and I couldn't be happier. FAB created products for all skin types but has a specialty for dry skin. Their Ultra Repair Cream is a best-seller and is also a game-changer for me. Their products are one of my winter must-haves.

12. I Dew Care. This is a fairly new brand to me but swiftly became a favorite. They have adorable and fun packaging and their products are exceptional. They had me with dewy and glowy skin. Most of the time, that's all I wear.

13. Spongelle. Bath has been extra enjoyable with Spongelle products! Their body wash-infused buffers are my favorite. All of their products from body and bath, hand care, feet care, and candles smell heavenly. Need a bath? Make it extra with Spongelle.

14. Hum Nutrition. Would you agree that beauty also comes from within? I do! I was gifted some of Hum Nutrition products that help me look and feel good inside and out. It has been a very great help for my skin as I have noticed I don't experience troublesome breakouts like before.

15. Merci Handy. This brand has been a ray of additional sunshine amidst the pandemic. Not only do they have very fun packaging (and some lovely jokes to smile about), they also have a charming hand, body, and hair products.

16. L'oreal. This year won't be complete without some L'oreal products. To tell you honestly, most of my lipsticks are from them and who doesn't love lipsticks? It's my favorite makeup. Now that I stay home and do not wear masks, lipstick is the only color I wear on my face most of the time.

17. Pop Beauty. This is a rather new brand that brings a pop of color to the beauty world! Their products have interesting names that will certainly get your attention. They bring you "uncomplicated" skincare and "unapologetic" color through their quality products.

18. Buxom Cosmetics. They offer a variety of beauty products and my favorite was their plumping lip glosses. The shine of their glosses are gorgeous and provides that refreshing and cooling sensation. Let's keep that until 2021 and the years to come.

19. Joah Beauty. If you are looking for an affordable K-beauty and drugstore brand, this is a brand you should start looking at. You can find it at your local CVS and there are so many products to choose from. Take your pick.

20. 310 Nutrition. You might think, this brand is not a beauty brand and you might be right. But hey, beauty comes from within, remember? 310 Nutrition has been part of my health and wellness journey throughout my 2020. Their protein shake powder and collagen powder are something that I can say became part of my beauty journey. Their collagen powder helps support healthy skin, so that counts as part of beauty, right?

Thank you for making it at the end of the list! I hope you found some new brands to try this coming 2021.

What are your top beauty brands this year? Did any of mine made your list too? 

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Achievement Unlock - Celebrating an Instagram Milestone

 

A few months back, I was stuck at 4k followers on Instagram. I made it a goal to have 10k followers by the end of the year. And here we are, making that goal a reality! 

But you might be wondering, why is the Instagram follower count so important? As a brand, it shows your brand power and as an influencer like me, it shows my influence and my expertise. Also, it's easier for me to be noticed by brands that I might be able to collaborate with if I have that big 10. But don't get me wrong, as I mentioned before, a lot of brands don't look at follower count but rather than engagement. So smaller accounts can still collaborate with brands. 

Of course, as you may have already known from my previous posts about my influencer journey and how I became one, my Instagram started as a hobby. I love sharing my first-hand experiences with products and found a passion for skincare and beauty. The main reason I set the goal to hit 10k was because of the swipe up feature. Since I just started my blog up again this year,  I find it easier for me to promote a new blog post and direct my followers to the link on my Instagram story instead of telling them to check out my bio. It's unquestionably a game-changer!

The Journey to 10K

It was never easy achieving this goal. It's a series of trial and error - what techniques work and what don't. Plus, Instagram's algorithm has been all over the place lately, so you cannot honestly tell. But you know what's the biggest take away from me? Reaching goals can only happen when you have help and support. So I am forever grateful to all the people who believed in me and supported me all the way. For all the likes, shares, and saved from my family, relatives, friends, acquaintances, and from all the people who genuinely followed my page because of my content. A ten thousand or a million thanks won't ever be enough to show you how grateful I am. 

The Promise

Of course, the journey never stopped here. My mission to inspire, motivate, influence, and make an impact continues. I know that honest and genuine content matters and I will continuously strive to be better. I am still learning my ways of creating captivating video content and still trying to improve the quality of my photos. Believe me, I was never the creative type when I was younger and art is not my favorite subject, so I'm a bit struggling here. But all of you are my inspiration!

So, all that being said, let's take a look at my Top 10 posts!

Top 10 Posts according to Instagram's Insights

Top 10

Posted August 23, 2020

This Sunatoria Black Mask post is surely a hit. It might be the photo? the caption? or the results? I will forever wonder.😂

Top 9

Posted May 8, 2020

Another hit is my post about our humble coffee corner. I might know why this one was an attention-getter, most of my followers must have been coffee-lovers.

Top 8

Posted November 25, 2020

This post was a very recent one. It was Black Friday week and Lookfantastic actually has some pretty great deals so no wonder this post has been on the top 8 spot.

Top 7

Posted October 7, 2020

There's always something about my work corner/home office post that most of them do surprisingly well. I think it was because most of the people are working from home now since the pandemic and looking through WFH office ideas. 

Top 6

Posted August 5, 2020

Aside from my WFH office corner post, my health and wellness posts also do great. I know for a fact that a lot of people resorted to home workouts when the pandemic started, so that might have been the reason behind this.

Top 5

Posted May 25, 2020

My DIYs and home makeover posts were clearly a favorite. During the beginning of the quarantine, I have been the most creative and people love creativity, right?! 

Top 4

Posted August 31, 2020

I think this is by far the most creative video (if not the only one) that I have ever made. Although the screenshot is only showing the reach of 1,085, it's a paid campaign and was promoted hence the reach was actually 3,072. Nevertheless, I think it is safe to say that it deserves to be in the top 4 spot. What do you think?

Top 3

Posted November 22, 2020

This has been a very interesting post! Not everyone knows that LED face masks exist and I am fortunate enough to be able to try one and share about it with my followers. It truly deserves the top 3 spot.

Top 2

Posted May 10, 2020

This was one of my early projects starting the pandemic and it clearly got the attention. Maybe because the kitchen has been our favorite place during quarantine?😂

Top 1

Posted August 13, 2020

Who would have thought that this post will be the top 1? It must have been the living room or my nice tops and leggings maybe?

It was nice to see a variety of top posts in my feed. But I seriously wish I have a way of figuring out how Instagram's algorithm is working. Because when I thought I figured it out, it then changes.😆 But still, I can't help to be thankful for the platform that gives me a way to share my passion.

To you who have read this entire post, thank you. If you have been following me on Instagram, thank you. If you are just passing by, thank you. All of you have been part of my motivation to continue this journey. 

I know it has been a tough year, but what has been your greatest achievement this 2020? Your comments are welcome, appreciated and who knows, will be rewarded! Extra is when you sign up and subscribe to my email list. 😉 I always love giving back to my supporters. 😚

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Skin Update and Current skincare products

 

Hello! So today, we are not doing any gift guide post. Instead, I just wanted to share some skin update and the current products I am using on my skincare routine. Maybe, you can find something that you'd like to try!

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