I feel like the title “Content Creator” gets thrown around a lot nowadays, but what does it actually mean?

I consider Content Creators to be people who actively share and communicate their interests via media. Maybe you are someone who is passionate about fitness, so you decide to share workout videos on TikTok. Maybe you are an expert on all things tech, so you decide to share tips and tricks on a blog. No matter your niche or hobby, you can create content based on it that provides value to others.

I truly believe that everyone has a unique perspective and story to share. If you want to begin sharing your journey, I have a few questions to help you brainstorm.

First, why do you want to start creating? You have to consider your goals and your overall “why.” This is going to be what you come back to when things get tedious or tough along the way. Your “why” will be what keeps you going!

What type of content do you want to create? Common content pillars include education, entertainment, and inspiration. You can use these pillars to brainstorm the type of content that you want to work on. You’ll want to consider what you’re interested in and what topics or experiences matter most to you. If you create content in a niche that’s authentic to you, then you will always have ideas to share.

Who is your audience? Simply creating content is great, but it can be very impactful when shared. Also, when you share content, you are able to form communities and connections with others who have similar interests. Consider who you want to reach (aka your target audience).

Where will you publish your content? Based on the type of content that you want to create and your audience, you’ll want to choose an appropriate platform. If photography is your medium, then Instagram may be a great place to show off your content. If writing is more your style, maybe you should start a WordPress blog. There are tons of options out there! Just pick what works best for you, and go for it!

When will you publish content? You’ve probably heard this a lot, but consistency is key. So, you’ll want to create and stick to a schedule that works for you. Be realistic about how many hours are in a day when you set this expectation for yourself.

After you answer these questions, you should have a decent idea of how you want to move forward. An idea is all you really need in the beginning. You will learn and grow along the way as you continue creating. The biggest thing is simply getting started!

Do you consider yourself a Content Creator? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!

And we’re back with Shines & Wines! In case you’re new here, Shines & Wines posts are where I share recent happenings and wine recommendations. Let’s jump right in.

Recent Shines

I refined the categories on the blog. For a while, I wanted to tackle my “categories” section of the blog. I didn’t really feel like the categories I had listed were reflective of the content I create now. So, I did a bit of brainstorming and came up with the following content groups: Fashion, Lifestyle, Q&A Interviews, Travel, and Wisconsin.

I had the fashion and lifestyle categories previously, but now I have spots for interviews, travel adventures, and locally-based/Wisconsin content. Speaking of local content, it’s my goal to create more of that! I enjoy the area I live in and would love to show more of it on the blog.

I had the opportunity to collab with Wendy’s. You may have already seen this on the ‘gram. I had a fun time creating video content with Wendy’s and trying some new foods. I am always amazed by the networking and collaboration opportunities available through social media.

I’ve enjoyed a couple of weekend getaways. Recently, I went to Chicago, and then this last weekend, I visited my friend in Madison. It has been good to get out a bit and hang out in different cities.

Recent Wines

Strawberry Rhubarb Yooper Wine. This is a delicious, sweet wine from Yooper Winery. I love most things strawberry-rhubarb, so this was no different.

Lazy Bones Cabernet Franc. This was a good and cheap wine from Trader Joe’s. Enough said.

Dark Horse Cabernet Sauvignon. If you need a wine to enjoy with dinner, this is perfect. It’s the type of wine that tastes more expensive than it is.

What are some of your recent shines & wines? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!

After months of thrifting, vintage shopping, and styling, I’m ready to show you my *mostly* finished apartment.

I moved into my current place in August 2021 and have been slowly but surely making it home. So far, it’s definitely my favorite apartment that I’ve lived in. It just feels right and cozy.

Without further ado, let me give you a lil tour of the space!

When you walk into the apartment, you are met with a couple of Purple Rain original lobby prints. I picked these up at the Wizard World Chicago Comic Con. They were such a fun find, and I knew I could fit them into my space somehow.

In the living room, I have a Valley of the Dolls movie poster hanging. I also have a basic IKEA couch. I added a few colorful pillows to the space along with some velvet and patterned floor cushions. My coffee table luckily fits two floor cushions perfectly; it was a thrifted find from the Green Bay ReStore.

Also, in my living room, I have a bench shelf. It’s more for decor than it is for actually lounging on. On top of the bench, I like to keep my on-the-go necessities. On the shelves, I have a stack of my favorite books, and a few vintage finds.

To the left of the bench, I have a plant that I’ve proudly kept alive since moving in. On the right-hand side, I have candles and a few of my favorite prints. First, there’s the iconic Bettie Page. Next to her, is my favorite girl in comics: Tank Girl.

I’m very happy that I have the room in this apartment for a dedicated workout corner. I just have a big basket that I keep all of my equipment in/next to. I also have a big wooden mirror in this space that I found at the Green Bay Restore.

From the living room space, we can move into the dining area. In the entrance arc, I have a coffee cart complete with k-cups and various syrups. In the dining space, I have a shabby chic table from Ye Old Goat with two chairs on one side and a bench on the other. All of the seating is covered with blankets and some throw pillows for a cozy feel. On the wall, I have a Casablanca movie print of Rick in front of his bar.

One of my favorite things in the dining space is my music section. I have a stand that’s a repurposed newspaper holder for my record player. Alongside it, I have a crate and my boombox (yes, I still have a healthy collection of CDs).

From the dining room, you enter the kitchen. In this space, I also have a touch of artwork/prints. There’s a Colectivo coffee poster and a Frida Kahlo print hanging above the stove. On the fridge, I have another Bettie Page, a Marilyn Monroe, and Van Gogh’s sunflowers.

My kitchen is home to my baby: my pink espresso machine. I had been dreaming of this espresso machine for a while, so I finally got it when I moved into this apartment.

Speaking of drinks, I have a basket stocked with bottles to host. The cute cowgirl bottle opener was another Ye Old Goat find.

There’s not a whole lot that I need to show off in my bathroom; it’s literally just your basic bathroom complete with a toilet, sink, and tub/shower. However, I will show you my very fitting wall art. This is a piece that I usually get quite a few comments on.

Last but certainly not least, here’s my bedroom! I kept the room pretty simple to allow my orange velvet comforter to really pop. I have two Amy Winehouse prints, a Marilyn Monroe, and quite a few Cindy Sherman postcards prints. Something I would love to add to this space is a black and white Bettie Page.

Styling this apartment has been and continues to be a fun project to work on. I’ve always wanted a space that feels creative and versatile. I feel like this apartment is exactly that.

Thank you for following along with the tour! Feel free to let me know if there is any additional apartment content that you would like to see.

Do you have any questions about apartment living? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!

Whew! Recently, life has been busy in the best possible way. I don’t know about you, but I do find an eventful calendar energizing.

Now, when I say eventful, I don’t mean jam-packed. Instead, I mean to describe a schedule that has a fair balance of productivity and play. We all deserve (and need) some breaks and downtime to unwind.

In the past couple of weeks, my unwind time has been spent just binging Ozarks, so I won’t bore you with those details. But, what I do want to chat about is some of the more exciting things that have been happening lately.

First off, I had the opportunity to create some on-site content with Goodwill NCW. As you may already know, I work as an ambassador with them. Not only do I love thrifting, but I love what the Goodwill organization is all about. It’s always fun to get the chance to work with them in person.

As soon as I can share what we shot, I will! I’m definitely looking forward to seeing the final product.

Also recently, I went to the Eric Church concert in Green Bay. I am thankful to have concerts back in action at my local venues. It was such an amazing Saturday night show. It started at about 9:00 pm and wrapped up at midnight. If another Eric Church tour comes to town, I’ll be there!

Lastly, I’ve been working a lot on the goals that I set in a blog post early this year:

• I’ve been sharpening my photography skills at one of my day jobs.
• I’ve built a few new relationships with brands, and I’m continuing to have those conversations behind-the-scenes (stay tuned!).
• I’m prioritizing movement as much as possible. But, I’m not hard on myself when a workout doesn’t happen.
• I’ve made some decor upgrades to my apartment, and I’ve even added a coffee cart. I think I owe you a blog post soon with some updated pictures of my place!
• I’ve been getting out and exploring more of my local area. In upcoming blogs, I want to share more about Green Bay and my local recommendations.

For almost a quarter of the way through this year, I’m feeling good!

What has been going on in your life lately? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!