From a recent trip to LA.

Over the weekend I had a three-day getaway with one of my oldest friends. Upon waking up after 10:00 AM on Saturday — which is embarrassingly late for me — I had somewhat of an epiphany, taking note of a few things that are vital to a relaxing, enjoyable vacation. With the summer season right around the corner, hopefully my mental notes will help you to0.

1) Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc…Let go of the social media for a couple days and take the time to be social, off-line.

2) Put your phone on silent. Unless it’s a loved one or an emergency, it can wait.

3) Take advantage of rest, simply put. 

4) Indulge in your favorite foods. If maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the norm for you, I promise a dessert or two on vacation won’t hurt your waistline. 

5) Make lists. Coming from a compulsive list maker, I can say with confidence that lists or loose agendas work better on vacation than a strict (and often stressful) itinerary.

What are your favorite ways to unwind on vacation? 

The other morning, when I took my little brother to school, he asked me, “Why did Macklemore wait so long to come back?”. I hesitated and asked him what he meant by that. He then told me that the Youtube video for “Can’t Hold Us” with Ryan Lewis and Ray Dalton dates back to 2011. I immediately explained how Macklemore started with merely an online fanbase and released music independently for years before scoring a hit with “Thrift Shop” — just this year — without a major label.

On any given day, sorting through Youtube often goes from a 10-minute experience to an hour-long adventure. The site allows us to find so many sources of creativity, humor and  inspiration from an amazingly entertaining assortment of people.

But the example of Macklemore is just one of many success stories from relentless hard workers (hello Justin Bieber) that used Youtube as a means to an end and thus, never gave up on their goals. It just goes to show you that the power of social media is real.

So, to my fellow social media hustlers (the bloggers, writers, graphic designers, producers, artists, and the like), if you’re ever in need of a little inspiration, or just a reminder that your hard work is not in vain, be sure to make time to browse Youtube for a little ingenuity and encouragement.

I’m back…

After blogging consistently since my freshman year of college, it felt really strange to not blog on my site everyday. However, since graduating in December 2012, I decided that I wanted to parlay my social media success into a career — also putting my degree in Communications and Journalism to good use =) Fortuitously, through prayer, hard work, networking and positive affirmations, I’ve been able to do just that!

For the past four months, I’ve been working as a freelance writer — and trying to piece together various sources of income — writing articles pertaining to women’s lifestyle, branding and fashion. All the while, I was building my portfolio (some of my writing samples are on the site), applying for journalism opportunities and thinking about the next step. I was grateful to have articles published and also write about subjects that I was passionate about, but still overwhelmed with writing assignments.

 I’m grateful for a dear family friend that hipped me to a firm in Chapel Hill, NC seeking a full-time writer and editor because  — after a series of interviews — I nabbed the position! Now I work at a desk decorated with pink adornments, in a lovely office with other young professionals.

But that’s not all. I have also been selected as the official blogger for Southpark mall in Charlotte, NC. This opportunity allows me to contribute to the Simon mall style blog, participate in mall-related media events and take advantage of a monthly shopping stipend. Ain’t life grand? 

Alas, it is late and I have a big girl job now. Meaning this big girl has a bed time. But I thought it was important to let you all know that I have not completed abandoned blogging — and I’ve been away with good reason! 

My goal is to update this blog at least once a week with personal musings and other things. Wish me luck

We’re back for round two!

After a successful chat during “Real Husbands of Hollywood”, Airest Newsome (click HERE to visit her website) and I will be hosting yet another Twitter chat on Sunday during the series premiere of “Kourtney & Kim Take Miami”.

Check out the trailer for the forthcoming reality show below:

“Kourtney & Kim Take Miami” debuts on Sunday, January 20, at 9 PM.

Tune in & join the conversation! To take part, simply follow along on Twitter using the #AiryBrixChat hashtag.

See you there! =)

Eva Longoria in Emilio Pucci

Though my affinity for reality television prevented me from tuning in to tonight’s Golden Globes ceremony (there’s always Youtube), it did not stop me from watching the many fab red carpet looks from Hollywood’s leading ladies. 

From Halle Berry & Eva Longoria’s Angelina Jolie-esque dress splits to the enviable A-List cleavage (insert “Golden Globes” pun here), check out a gallery of my favorite red carpet looks below! 

Images via Grazia

 I’m excited to announce my partnership with fellow media personality, Airest Newsome, for an upcoming Twitter Chat!

Our very first chat will take place on Tuesday, January 15 from 10:00- 10:30 PM during the series premiere of BET’s “The Real Husbands of Hollywood”!

The Real Husbands of Hollywood cast.

In case you are unfamiliar with the concept of “Real Husbands”, the series features Kevin Hart, Nick Cannon, Boris Kodjoe, Robin Thicke & more in a scripted, faux reality television show. Essentially, the show spoofs all of the popular “Housewives” & “Wives” series made popular by Bravo & VH1.

Check out a sneak peek below:

Tune in & join the conversation! To take part, simply follow along on Twitter using the #AiryBrixChat hashtag.

See you there! =)

Ask yourself if what you’re doing today is getting you closer to where you want to be tomorrow!

If you’ve been tuning in to season two of Bravo’s reality series, “Shahs of Sunset”, I’m sure you’re familiar with Lilly Ghalichi. 

In case you haven’t watched: Lilly, otherwise known as the “Persian Barbie”, graduated top of her class in law school, pursued a career as an attorney  then abandoned law to pursue her fashion and beauty ambitions. 

Though I am an avid connoisseur of beauty and fashion, education is always foremost. I absolutely love this quote from her! 

Welcome to the brand new JenniferBrix.com!  

Though my site was once an entertainment blog, upon graduation, I thought it was fitting to transition it to an online portfolio as I pursue my career aspirations and other endeavors. Though I will still be updating my blog on this site, the posts will be more personal and aimed at professional growth. 

 Please take time to explore the new features and check out what I’ve been up to while on hiatus.

I really appreciate all of your support over the past three years — because without it, this change would not have been possible. 

 I look forward to continuing to grow with you all!

All The Best,

 Brix 

Individual lashes, clusters or strips, I am a lash loving girl. As someone that hardly goes a day without them, I can say that Beyonce admittedly has some of the best lashes in the biz. 

In a recent interview, Bey’s makeup artist, Wei Lang talked about hipping the gorgeous singer to mink lashes by Velour.

Apparently, Beyonce even buys the Are Those Real style of Velour lashes “by the ton”. 

While my Ardell & MAC lashes range from $3.49 to $12.00 per pack, I would definitely be willing to spend a little more to sample Beyonce’s lashes at least once — especially while they’re on sale for $29.99. 

Click HERE for the affordable find!