Resolve to Create An Annual Social Media Calendar in 2016
For busy authors -- or anyone building a brand or a business -- one of the most daunting tasks we face every day can be sitting down to post to social media. Wouldn't it be phenomenal to sit down every day knowing exactly what you're going to blog, post, and Tweet? And hitting "enter" with the confidence that what you post will reflect your personality and interests, appeal to your fans and move you toward your business goals?
If you're resolving to do better with your social media in 2016, an annual social media calendar is the key to making your New Year's resolution a reality.
Resolving to Find the Fun in 2016
In 2016, I want to focus on being happy again. I believe happiness takes a certain level of mindfulness, and at my age, I know joy doesn't consist of just vacations and mani/pedis. True joy is found in your day-to-day, in taking care of your family, partnership, health, work, friends and home. So, to succeed in this year's theme -- "Find the Fun" -- these are the New Year's resolutions I've made to be responsible for my happiness and to kick the blahs out the door.
The Perfect Virginia Hiking Trail for the Holidays
A perfect holiday outing when you have an onslaught of guests is one that takes very little effort on your part but delivers spectacular "oohs" and "aahs." The Buzzard Rock North hiking trail in the George Washington National Forest provided that for me and my family the day after Thanksgiving.
Feeling Overwhelmed by Social Media? This One Simple Statement Will Help...
Overwhelmed. It's the number one reason small business clients call me for social media help. I have a magic statement to calm hyperventilating clients.
10 Ways To Help Those In Mourning
Swimming in the blissful good fortune of someone who reached her forties without losing a close loved one, I was horrible when it came to helping others who were dealing with death. But recently, I joined the club. My dad was killed in August. In honor of all those people who spoke and hugged and emailed, I want to remember how I would like to behave the next time someone I know is grieving the death of a loved one.
Visit Baltimore Museum of Art's New American Wing
With the new opening of the American Wing after a two-year facelift, and the re-opening of the original entrance to this beautiful Classical Revival building (the entrance was closed in 1982 because it was not handicap accessible), I now have lots of motivation to visit.
Off the Beaten Path in Nashville
If emerging hip cities were like the new kids at school, then Nashville would be the fascinating girl with the cool outfit who shows up at homeroom. With its vibrant music scene, emerging foodie status, streets full of the young and bearded and very own TV show, Nashville is the place to be.
Go See Old 97's. My Brother Said So.
My brother, professional choreographer Michael J. Lopez, sent me a photo that Old 97's posted today.
How to Have Fun With Crock Pot Recipes
My slow cooker allows me to get all of the goodness out of home cooking with none of the stress of cooking at the end of full day. I'm a year-round slow cooker advocate, but these are some stick-to-your-rib recipes I like to pull out for the winter months.
4 Ways to Laze Away the Day at the Georgetown Waterfront
During a recent lazy stay-cation, my husband and I decided to cross the river to the beautiful Georgetown Waterfront to relax the day away.