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What To Wear

Friend Friday: Connecting With Readers

I’m so excited to be a part of Fashion Beauty Friend Friday, created by ModlyChic, and below is my very first post with the group. We’re to answer questions regarding connecting with our readers and it’s importance.

photo via kevinmartineau.blogspot.com

How important do you think reader connectedness is to the success of your blog?
Reader connectedness is extremely important to my blog’s success. Having regular reader base would help keep my posts interesting and cohesive as well as give me more ideas for content. When I’m able to relate to my readers, I would want to write more posts that we’re mutually interested in.

What do you do to draw readers in and create that writer-reader bond?
I try my best to write interesting posts as well as include lots of photos to ensure my blog’s content keeps my readers entertained. I’m very active with responding to comments so I think that definitely helps create more of a bond. I also frequently visit my readers’ blogs, if they have one, and will comment on their posts as well.

What is one way you could improve this connection?
Oh, I could think of dozens! Being a new blogger, improving my reader connection is my main concern right now. I think I should definitely start asking questions of my readers to get them involved with my posts and be more interactive.

Is there a blogger you think does a great job creating that writer-reader bond? Why?
I would definitely say Zarna’s Runway – she writes frequently, responds to comments, she’s visited my blog a few times and has been so sweet with her comments, and her content is amazing; vivid photos and great writing!

What do you do to cultivate new readers? How do you get them to your site in the first place?
Since I recently started my blog; I’ve relied heavily on twitter as well as frequently visiting blogs with similar styles/content and being active with commenting on fellow bloggers posts. I’m also active on LookBook.nu & Chictopia which definitely helps bring readers to my blog.

Interested in joining in on the fun to? See information about Fashion Beauty Friend Friday here.

Xox,
An

Shopping

Swarovski Elements Holiday Sweepstakes

Photo from the Swarovski Elements’ Facebook page

I just received an email about this and wanted to immediately share it with all of you!

“Swarovski Elements is giving back to their online community this holiday season by giving away three amazing product packages from their US Holiday collection. The sweepstakes will be live for the next 5 business days and three winners will be announced next week on the Swarovski Elements Facebook page.

People just ‘like’ the Swarovski Elements Facebook page and enter via the contest tab shown in the status updates to win one of three product packages from the Swarovski Elements US Holiday collection. Product packages include A7 jeans, custom made Old Gringo boots, BB Simon belts, Skagen Denmark watches and so much more!

Here is a direct link to the sweepstakes: //bit.ly/ie5geP

Here is a great look at the collection: //bit.ly/hBzZre”

Good luck everyone!! 🙂

Xox
♥ An

What To Wear

Last Sunday

An Dyer: Express boyfriend blazer | Charlotte Russe satin dress | Target socks | Michael Antonio black boots | Banana An bracelets | Louis Vuitton Ribera Mm bag

Last Sunday was the first Sunday of Advent – my favorite time of year. I wanted to dress up but it was so cold out (in southern California!) so I needed to layer up a tad. It also didn’t help that my dress was satin so I wore my boyfriend blazer over it along with knee high socks that I wish were thigh highs… it worked during the day but by the time the sun set, we went home, I immediately changed into some sweats and grabbed myself a hot latte ;p nothing beats snuggling on the couch with your Love when it’s cold out… <3

Xox

An

Foodie Lifestyle

Yummy in my tummy – Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Everyone always makes a dish to bring to my Grandparents’ house for holidays – I usually cheat and buy a dish to bring mostly because it’s a tough crowd. You see, my family is full of great cooks. My Mom’s dishes are guaranteed amazing, my Grandma’s dishes are like Vietnamese comfort food and all my Aunts’ dishes are always crowd pleasers. It’s intimidating! I decided to bake something for Thanksgiving this year so I turned to my personal favorite, a specialty I’d like to think I’ve mastered. Here’s the recipe, enjoy!

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups brown sugar, firmly packed
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 sticks (=1 cup) of butter, softened to room temperature
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups quick-cooking rolled oats
6 ounces semi sweet chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°.

Creme together the brown sugar, butter, vanilla and eggs. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and oats together. Then mix them both together by slowly adding in your dry flour mixture. Fold/Stir in the chocolate chips. Make round tablespoons of the cookie dough and place them on your cookie sheet about 2-inches apart. Bake on the center rack for 13-15 minutes. Transfer them onto a cooling rack. (Makes about 2 to 2.5 dozen)

Voila! Cookies! YUM!

Xox,
An

What To Wear

Thanksgiving Part II

Better late than never 🙂

My side of the famliy usually celebrates holidays on the weekend after or closest to it to ease the stress of traveling for all of our relatives. This Thanksgiving, we had dinner (part II for my husband and I) at my Grandparents’ house the following Saturday. My Grandmother has always disliked dark/harsh colors (I wouldn’t dare wear black or scarlet red to their house!) so I knew my choices of outfits were limited. She prefers pastels and neutrals but pulling off pastels in Autumn was a little difficult. I decided to wear taupes and browns with my creme lace skirt and topped it all off with a baby pink cardigan. I think my look is still on the Spring’ish side but the combination of browns plus tights pulls it back to Autumn…

Xox,
An <3

Fashion

beauty

lifestyle

Friend Friday: Connecting With Readers

Swarovski Elements Holiday Sweepstakes

Last Sunday

Yummy in my tummy – Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Thanksgiving Part II