Hey Chiks!

My first post as an Editorial Contributor and Intern was about the lovely, and talented Crystal Vazquez and all about how much of a wonderful business owner she has become. To refresh your memories, she is the owner of her very own on location beauty team. Her salon provides exceptional hair and makeup services on site for a variety of different occasions, just about anything you can think of. Weddings, proms, portraits and editorials. One of her most prized accomplishments is the success of her own mobile boutique, Addy Elizabeth!

This makes Crystal a two-time entrepreneur, and today we are celebrating her because the one year anniversary of Addy Elizabeth is finally here. Addy Elizabeth is a trendy, chic boutique that was found around New England. Crystal Vazquez created this mobile boutique as an option for women to shop trendy styles at a reasonable price. It's perfect because it gives you the option of shopping online, holding a private party, and even following them to certain events, or hold a fundraiser for your own cause or organization. All items are hand selected and shipped from Massachusetts. In other words, no two items are alike and you really will not be able to find anything here, anywhere else! With having your own business, a while back Crystal told us that she believed that she was able to get where she is today by always being sincere, and making sure that they give back to the community yearly, and she would never put a dollar amount before her clients and staff. She could definitely be making more right now, but she really runs her business with heart and it comes back full circle. She told us that she is already living her wildest dream with the company, which is actually why her she started this second venture. This time around, here is what she had to tell us about Addy Elizabeth's Anniversary. 

"This year was definitely a learning experience. I forgot how hard it was to start a business and am still working on finding a balance to work both businesses equally.

I struggled a little because I listened. Sounds weird right? I carried things based on suggestions from my shoppers. Specifics included "you carry too many basics, shoot for the boutique pieces" sizing recommendations also came in. I would carry the sizes requested or the pieces suggested and they sat there.

So I scratched listening and focused on my original business plan. 
(remember back in January when she commented on the fact that to keep it simple and be patient. We often feel as though we have to make our business plan more complicated as time passes, but sometimes your original plan is the best plan ;) )

My shoppers comment on how I style them in pieces they would never touch, and they end up loving it. That is why I do this. To help women find their style, to help them be seen, and to give them a confidence boost. The right outfit will lay out the foundation of your mood for the day."

Stay tuned and make sure you Chiks stay in the loop!
Keep a lookout on her Instagram: @Addyelizabethboutique
And on her website www.addyelizabeth.com/
New releases go LIVE today at 8PM EST ☺
​Trust me you will not want to miss this!

As always,
Alayna Anderson
Editorial Contributor and Marketing Specialist♥

The month of August tends to often be looked down upon, the negatives come into play of summer being over, school vacation is almost done, no more long beach days and ice cream shops aren't open til 11pm- but August is actually one of the best months out of the year in my opinion. 

We are actually required to take a legitimate chill pill and kick back and relax. The law says so. On August 10th it is National Lazy Day, and on August 15th it is National Relaxation Day. So take a personal day, sit on your porch, read the sunday paper and enjoy the warm weather while it lasts. This month the 10th falls on a Friday (could be dangerous) and the 15th falls on a Wednesday (could be nice to take a break mid week), so make sure to mark them down in your calendar so that you're already ahead of the game. 

Start planning and planting your bulbs for the fall now if you want them to really succeed. Your veggie garden is going to be in full bloom this month however, now is the time to really start harvesting. Your tomatoes are just ripe enough for you to pick, your melon is at its peak for sweetness, your corn, blueberries and raspberries will all be at your ready so go grab and enjoy them before any other little garden critters do!
There's tons of recipes that you can incorporate your food into as well, ones that you normally wouldn't even think of.

You could make Summer Corn Cakes:
You'll need, 2 eggs, beaten

• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Pepper for taste
• 2 cups uncooked corn, cut from the cob is best!! (or 10 oz. frozen corn kernels, thawed)
• 1/2 cup chopped scallions
• 1/3 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1 tablespoon corn oil
• Sour cream
• Salsa

Here's how to prepare it all, you're going to mix all ingredients except the last three. Heat a skillet pan and grease it with the corn oil. Drop mixture by spoonfuls into the skillet, making individual cakes about 3 inches across. Cook 2 or 3 minutes on each side, just until golden. Serve with sour cream and salsa☺!

A Ruby Raspberry Slaw would pair great with your Summer Corn Cakes.
You'll need, 

• 2 cups shredded red cabbage
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup prepared raspberry vinaigrette
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup fresh raspberries straight from your garden!

Here's how to prepare it all, with the raspberry slaw you're going to combine cabbages and carrots in a very large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk vinaigrette, mayonnaise and pepper until blended. Add to cabbage mixture; toss to coat. Refrigerate, covered, 10 minutes, and then top with raspberries.

ALSO: The weather is completely in its prime. Huge perk. We get a break from the sweltering heat and humidity, it's a nice change from sweating your tail off in July and being soaked by rain and torrential downpours in June. With the weather being at its best, it gives you a lot of opportunities to go out and take advantage of all of the sales it has to offer. Shopping for office supplies is always super inexpensive as well as decor and furniture. If you're like me, you have Bed Bath and Beyond coupons linked directly to your cell phone, and at least once a week you're getting text messages for 20% off. Staples commercials will be running constantly, reminding you that your moment to be reunited with a new desk calendar or set of gel pens is only moments away. 
August is also the most popular month out of the year for babies! As an August baby, our birthstone is Peridot. Which symbolizes strength and healing powers. It also symbolizes being a protector from all things negative and evil, therefore we radiate constant harmony and happiness. From July 23rd til August 22nd, your zodiac sign would be Leo, and a Virgo from August 23rd til September 22nd.

Have any August benefits or perks of your own?

Be sure to share them with us on our Instagram, or Facebook page or in the comments below!

xoxo,
Alayna Anderson
​Editorial Contributor and Marketing Specialist.