7 Ways to make a good beauty blog, better.

Beauty Blogging; the good, the bad and the ugly.

Writing the Blog for Tuscany Spa has been fun. Interesting. And frustrating as all heck.

A client once asked if I had to be such a "Virgo", such a perfectionist. After a moment of thought I replied "Why yes! Yes I do!"

 This trait makes me a bit of a pain in the .... neck. I want everything I do to meet my exacting standards.

But sheesh, its not like I am performing brain surgery here. 

During a Diagnostic Facial, my clients eyes widen at all the insider information I share. They're pleased but worry they will need to memorize all I've told them. 

This blogs purpose is to create a written "document" based on that 20 years of beauty biz knowledge. This gives our clients a database of beauty and wellness information. They can review the info at their leisure. 

That's the plan. 

The reality is that there's a specific technique to blogging, and blogging well. And I have spent the last 2 years researching different bloggers, writing instructors and how-to sites to make my blog the best it can be.

Ok. What I really want is to make this blog PERFECT. But, as the cliché states, I am my own worst critic. It isn't perfect. Perfection is an impossible goal. And I'm never going to think it's good enough. 

So the big lesson I have learned:  just do the best I can then put it out there. If I don't try, I won't learn. We don't learn how to fly by staring at a plane? I won't learn how to blog by staring at my tablet. (Even if it is an awesome Asus tablet.) 

And it's better to having created something decent, yet imperfect, than to create nothing at all.

A better beauty blog? 7 ways to improve it.

• It must be PeRfeCt.

My perfectionism is a bit of a hassle. I have to double check every word and sentence for spelling, grammatical errors and simplicity. I'm also trying to NOT sound like a robot. 

Funny how stilted my written "voice" tends to be. Writing in my spoken voice is a new skill I'm attempting to acquire. Of course phrases like "attempting to acquire" don't help.:) 

I use Evernote to write out my posts then copy and paste them into the blog. I can write without internet access. Save it for later. Cut and paste ideas, links, references from the internet. 

And with Evernote Ican group the posts under Categories and then subcategories. I have offline access so can update it any time.  Then I copy it over to the blog for the next phase. 

• It must be PerFeCtly Colorful

Adding in images to break up the long lines of words helps the post look less intimidating and dull. Naturally it takes me hours to create a simple image.

So far I really like CANVA for image creation. Lots of templates and easy to use. Just don't use a touch screen with Canva; that's a no go.

The images on this post were made with Canva. Picked one of their photos, added text, change the color filter. Voila!

• Break it up, there is a lot to see here.

I have scoured the internet for how-to blog tips. One of the best tips? Break up the writing into smaller bite size pieces. 

That way the post is not so daunting.

Today there is so much info to read that giving readers an easy to scan post is appreciated. The way we read newspapers is to skim the headlines. Then if the info is useful to we can read it thoroughly.

I have broken this post into smaller paragraphs and short sentences. This way a information-heavy post, such as this one, doesn't look like a bottle of ink attacked the screen.

• Become an editor extraordinaire

Another suggestion is to edit; then edit again. Simplify ideas, shorten sentences and  take "it" out of it as often as possible. 

My dad loves to say my posts should be: like a woman's skirt: short enough to catch the attention but long enough to cover the essentials. 

Although that phrase works just as well my way: Be like a man's kilt, short enough to catch the attention but long enough to cover the essentials.

In the past I have had my sister act as editor, she did a great job. With the recent birth of my niece, sister is a bit overwhelmed and unavailable. So it's up to me. 

But mz perfectionist here is gets so bogged down editing, the posts take longer to actually get published. I have to hit the "Aw Futz it" stage and just hit publish. 

If you catch an error, feel free to let me know. I obviously missed it before I hit my "Futz It" stage.

• Connect to the past

Linking a current post to a past one is strongly recommended. 

If a previous post started a conversation, or explained a piece of information, then linking it to a current post helps illuminate the idea. 

(yes, I am a geek that uses the $10 words like "illuminate" in my daily conversation. ;)) 

But if my current writing wasn't created from a previous post, then I forget to link them. Even if I touched on a different area of the same topic. This leads me to the next tip.

• Keep a file of previous posts

A spreadsheet is a great way to keep a file of all previously published posts.

I haven't completed my google spreadsheet yet. My spreadsheet has previous posts published, date, title, topic and link. Or it will have.

I strongly suggest to create a spreadsheet with this info. Keep it updated as each post is published. This makes it easier and quicker to add links. I use Google Spreadsheets. it's free, customizable and you download your info and access it while offline.

My spreadsheet is not yet complete, nor up-to-date, so it takes me a while to locate, copy and add the link. This is a huge time waster. Don't make my mistake, get it set up ASAP.  As I write these words I realize I have a spreadsheet to finish ... SOON.

• Sign off with a CTA

CTA stands for CALL TO ACTION. Basically after a post, I need to figure out what I want the reader to do. Leave a comment, buy a product, book a service, share the post or image on social media. Then simply ask for it. 

I have a few regular readers *Waves to readers*. They speak to me in person or on social media rather than commenting on the posts. Thanks for the feedback. It is good to know you read the post. Your ideas or thoughts on the topic are helpful.

• HAHAHA - Keep smiling

Have fun. Keep a sense of humor about the process. The day I stop enjoying writing this blog will be day I end it. The blog, not myself. I plan to live to a ridiculously old age.

It's a constant struggle to reel-in my perfectionistic tendencies. I over-think the process. But these challenges keep me "moving and on-my-Feet". 

Staying in the same spot isn't fun. And I plan to become the fun, frisky sexy senior citizen living La-Vida-Loca. 

To accomplish that goal I keep trying something new, pushing myself to be my best self.

Along with wearing lots of sunscreen, exercising, using good skincare, and getting facial peels.

Learning about blogging is fun. 

But the whole purpose is still to share beauty and wellness information. And create a written version of verbal consultations and client conversations.

So my question to you: 

What do you think I should post next?  Was it something I shared during a facial? Or a question you have? Let me know. Plus what beauty and wellness blogs do you recommend? 

And if you are a blogger, share your blog link in the comments so I can follow you too.

Michelle G. Lathe, L.E.

How to NOT hurt your skin after awesome facials

Next weeks post is about one of my favorite services - our Microdermabrasion Facial treatment. There is so much to love about: Immediate Results; No Downtime; Can go right back to your life and work; And 1st step in an anti-aging arsenal. 

But as I was writing about the joys of Microderm I remembered one HORROR that I experienced: my run-in with "Senseless Susie." This is my cautionary tale of  how NOT to be a "Senseless Susie" and destroy your skin.

Perhaps it was my mistake all along. Read the tale and make up your own mind as to who REALLY made the error.

NEWS FLASH: Coffee addicts enabled at Tuscany Spa

Run for your lives, I've got NaBloPoMo...AGAIN

Started NaBloPoMo again. No, it's not a disease. Though I might be accused of insanity. It is a November daily writing challenge "National Blog Post Month" by BlogHer.com. 

Some of you may remember I tried this last year. It was interesting. Encouraged me to expand and share personal opinions. It didn't cause the blog, or spa, to implode. So I am up to my old tricks. 

How do you celebrate St. Patricks day?

Today is St Patricks day and our founder Herminas' Birthday. While we are searching our closets for something green here are a few points about St. Patrick, plus a something about Hermina you may not have known.

Can you see your mom being a good journalist?

Women have exploded onto the blogosphere. According to a 2012 Forbes article there were 18.9 million women bloggers. Women have turned blogging into a career. Pioneer woman turned her blog to a successful foodnetwork show.  But the question put to me by Blogher's NaBloPoMo prompt is "Why (or why not)  do you think women make good journalists?"

How to create a calm mind one thought at a time

Improving our well-being is the usual New Years Resolution. Many of us just choose one way of accomplishing this goal. But by focusing on three areas: regular exercise, sensible nutrition and calming the mind, you create a balanced approach to overall wellness.

Following this pattern last year I added yoga and circuit training to my routine. This month I am starting the DASH diet - created by the National Institute of Health. But the one thing that alludes me is meditation. Am I the only one that finds my mind races when I am trying to shift it into neutral?

Are all chemicals toxic? What you need to know

The Beauty Care product industry is a sea of opportunity, with huge financial rewards for those who play the game. That game is baiting us, the consumers, with the lie that "ALL CHEMICALS ARE BAD!"  And we've been hooked. We are being reeled in for HUGE PROFITS for the Advertisers and Manufacturers. But it is an outrageous waste of money, time and anxiety for US.

I am not a fish! (Must blog about saying that to a spa equipment rep and the look on her face. Priceless.) I am tired of flopping around on the end of their line and watching my clients do the same. So here is the bold faced truths about CHEMICALS.

"Chemicals: Friend or Foe" Blog Series.

What do you see as your greatest obstacle?

Fridays NaBloPoMo writing prompt: "What do I think is the greatest obstacle for women to overcome and reach their goals?"

I can answer what is the greatest obstacle for me. Perfectionism. Not striving towards perfect but expecting it in all I do, especially those things I love. Wring this blog is on my perfectionism hot list. My childhood desire to write was hampered by being a child with no writing experience. Everything came out imperfect. My folks loved my stories, but that was their job as my parents. At school my classmates had better stories. Plus the instructor critiqued mine rather than falling on her sword swooning because she would never again read any thing so beautiful as my story. 

A tale of two novels - empowering women through comics

A Question for you to ponder. How would YOU answer this?
"Do you think we are currently living in a good time for women in history? Will we look back at this time period in the future and say that there was equality?"

Read Priya's Shakti online

Researching world changing historical women for my recent NaBloPoMo posts, I was thinking how lucky I am to be alive today. Elizabethan women were the property of their husband, they did not own land, have the right to inherit, and their own children were the property of their husband. The late 1800s women owned property but their husbands' rights still overruled theirs. At end of World war two "Rosie the Riveter" was unemployed and working women were seen as stealing jobs from the men. In the 1960's my college Professor, after completing her PhD, was not allowed to get a telephone in her own name, her father or brother were expected to contact the phone company and set it up under theirs. 

Can you see a woman as a powerful leader? Absolutely

Dear Queen Elizabeth I,

My dear fellow Virgo this is the month you successful reign as English monarch came to end. You brought peace and prosperity to the common folk of England through most of your 44 years and your influence spread across both the world and across time to influence us today.

• Your love of the arts, dance and music helped all the arts flourish, including theatre. Shakespeare and Christina Marlow become two famous authors of your day whose influence of theatre and writing can still be seen.

• Today we may think we invented fashion but many don't know you are the original fashionista. Your love for fashion and jewelry can be seen in paintings of you in your fantastic outfits. Outfits that symbolized your leadership and power.

• You even used makeup to solidify your ethereal image. The cosmetic concoction, called spirits of Saturn, gave you a pale angelic and otherworldly appearance. You used your strengths as a female monarch and created an image through makeup and fashion that inspired love and adoration amongst your subjects. 

"Elizabeth I in coronation robes" by Unknown - Scanned from the book The National Portrait Gallery  History of the 

Kings and Queens of England by David Williamson, ISBN 1855142287.. Licensed under Public Domain 

via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Elizabeth_I_in_coronation_robes.jptg#mediaviewe

r/File:Elizabeth_I_in_coronation_robes.jpg

• More than arts, fashion and cosmetics your influence on religion has had a more profound effect on my life. During the start of your reign the Catholics and Protestants had fought bloody battles and been battered by the various leaders from one side or another. You never took a side before your monarchy. After you ascended to the throne you reinstated the Church of England. A devout Protestant you were religiously tolerant and believed both religions were part of the same faith.

• You carefully reworded the Book of Common Prayer to create a balance between Catholic and Protestant beliefs and finally stop the fighting. Of your new Book of Common Prayer, you told your subjects "If you are close enough for this, its good for England."

• Church of England spread to the world and is known as the Anglican Church. During the American revolution the Anglican Church in America was renamed the Episcopal Church. As an Episcopalian I am deeply in your debt. Your creation of a Book of Common Prayer that balanced two faiths inspired a religion that can accept more than one view of God and faith.

• I have met Episcopalian women and men that have used their faith to change their community and the world. The Episcopal church has been an active and passionate participant in the interfaith movement which brings together leaders and believers of all religions to advance the agenda of peace through community in the broadest sense.

My dear Queen Elizabeth, you left your mark on this world as a strong female leader that used her feminine love of art, fashion and makeup to your advantage, that kept the peace both politically and religiously and you proved that a woman should never be underestimated.

Sincerely, Michelle G. Lathe

PS: Who do you see as a powerful female in the world? Who is the woman that influences and inspires your life?



I did something wacky...again. Signed up for another daily writing challenge. Last time it was the NaNoWriMo and attempting to write a 50,000 word fictional novel in November. There is no finished novel but I did learn a lot from it. This time its NaBloPoMo through BlogHer.com. The them for March is (more info from BlogHer about this challenge)....NEWS. My goal with the daily blogging is to become a better blogger and writer. The only way to do that is to get your feedback. So I look forward to your comments and suggestions. Michelle 

Women that rocked our world

When I think of women that have changed the world for me, there are a three that come to mind. The first is Madam C.J. Walker. A beauty industry entrepreneur that succeeded through hard work, she gave women that worked for her financial independence. In addition to being financially successful she believed in giving back to her community so she politically active and philanthropic. She even encouraged others to be involved in their community. She was more that just a business woman she motivated and encouraged change.  Checkout my blog on Madam C.J. Walker with links to more information on this impressive woman.

The other woman that comes to mind is Grandma Moses. A renowned American Folk Artist, she didn't start paining until the age of 78. I like saying "Grandma Moses didn't start her career until she was 80" when friends and clients lament about their age and, what they view as, lack of accomplishments. If Grandma Moses can do it, who is to say it is too late for any women to start anew. 

When I think of amazing senior citizen women, Margaret Childers comes to mind. I doubt you have ever heard of her. She didn't run a successful beauty company or painting beautiful folk art but she was a beauty herself. I met Margaret when I was just starting out as an esthetician. She was my client and she taught me to grow old with dignity and a sense of humor. 

When the facial appointment was done, Margaret would get out of the bed by raising her right leg to sky then swooping it down and bringing up her body. I was astonished the first time she did this because Margaret Childers was 93 years old. This was no shrinking violet. Alone but never lonely, she spoke of outliving her husband and all her 6 siblings. wasn't able to have kids so had married later in life and spent all her holidays with her lovely angeleno neighbors. 

She was in demand, had too many invitations every holiday. Margaret was such a delightful joyous women I am sure she was as gracious and loving a guest as she was a client. 

Margaret's secret to a long and happy life:

• Swim daily  - regular daily exercise
• Volunteer at the center for the blind - help others
• Grateful to have her sight - be thankful for and focus on what you have in your life.

If any of you have a story of a world changing woman, please share them. Plus if you knew Ms. Margaret Childers please let me know. I'm sure we will have fun remembering this delighting, inspiring woman.

Michelle G. Lathe, L.E.

I did something wacky...again. Signed up for another daily writing challenge. Last time it was the NaNoWriMo and I attempted to write a 50,000 word fictional novel in November. There is no finished novel but I did learn a lot from it. This time its NaBloPoMo through BlogHer.com. The them for March is (more info from BlogHer about this challenge)....NEWS. My goal with the daily blogging is to become a better blogger and writer. The only way to do that is to get your feedback. So I look forward to your comments and suggestions. Michelle