Mini Rant.

   Recently, I have gone through a pretty rough situation. The rough situation I speak of is a break-up. Normally, I wouldn't post about something so personal but I feel like I need to let out my thoughts. I feel like I have bottled up my thoughts and feelings too long because I've been afraid to step on someone's toes. I'm not writing to hurt someone, but to simply let you in on my thought process. Through this situation, I have learned a few things including standards/expectations, myself, good/bad friends, and real/fake church people.
  Let's start off with standards and expectations. Throughout every breakup I've had I have learned what I want in someone and what I don't. I also learned that I cannot make exceptions and settle for less. I need to stand by what I believe in and what I want. If you just settle, you will soon become miserable because you will spend more time resenting the person because they don't meet your standards. Always stay true to your standards and expectations. Back when I was younger, my friends and I would make lists of things we wanted in a future significant other. Though it may seem silly but actually,  I have found that physically writing down the qualities I want in someone to be incredibly helpful. It's almost like a check-list to see if you are "dateable".
   Secondly, I've learned about myself through this situation. Back in high school, I was pretty insecure about myself mainly because I had braces and HORRIBLE acne. I felt like people only saw my flaws. But now that I'm in college I've realized that most people don't pick out my every flaw and if they do then I don't need to have those people in my life. Many people seem to think that I'm insecure and that I NEED to have a boyfriend to feel secure. That is false; my first 3 years of college were spent single and happy. For a while, I was not looking to even date anyone. I decided that if God wanted me to date someone, he would put them in front of my face. What do you know? I ended up dating someone but then it ended and that is okay. Honestly, someone has to be pretty darn amazing to make me want to date them because I enjoy the single life. I'm not one that likes to be tied down. I live for adventure and activity. If someone wants to join me on that, then they are worth my time.
   Third, I have learned who my real friends are and who the fake friends are. It's kind of comical because in the times you really need someone, very few, if any, are there for you. But when you don't need someone, everyone wants to be in your business. Break-ups suck regardless of what side you are on and you need a support system to help you get through it. Some people heal faster than others and that's okay. Some people take longer to heal and that's okay too. Either way, both parties need a support system. Now, sometimes that means just being there to listen and not give your opinion. Sometimes it requires you to give advice. Every person and situation are different. The main point is to comfort the person who is hurting. In my experience, very few people were there when I needed them the most and then after I was through my healing process, everyone decided to involve themselves in my business whether I wanted them there or not. Real friends are those who stick beside you in the darkest hours. Fake friends are the ones who only want to be around during the fun times then try to get involved in your business because they just want to be in the loop because they are nosey.
   Lastly, this will be the part that might offend people but I stand by what I'm about to say. I love church and I love Jesus. But one thing I ABSOLUTELY HATE is fake church people. I'm not saying I'm perfect because no one is. I have faults just like everyone else. I actively try to work on them to better myself and become closer to God. But there are people who are just plain awful. The people who use the phrase "we are praying for you" to disguise their gossip. Just because you are telling someone you are praying for a certain person because of whatever they are doing doesn't make it right. You are still gossiping. Gossip travels fast and tends to get twisted as it keeps going which is so much worse for the person that it's about. Also, the church people who decide they are going to be your personal holy spirit to "save you"...ridiculous. Yes, there are times when God calls specific people to help others but it's not all the time. If you don't have a personal deep relationship with a person, you probably shouldn't bombard them with your advice. ESPECIALLY if you barely talk to them. I cannot tell you how many people (most that I barely know) have contacted me trying to give me advice on how to run my life. I did not ask for your opinion so please leave me be.
   Sorry, this turned into a rant but I needed to let this out somehow and writing seemed like the best way to release it.

Griffith Observatory

   

   To start this post off, I would like to inform you all that I have never been to the Griffith Observatory in my life. In my 21 and a half year life, I never had the idea to go here. I'm so glad I finally decided to go! The view was breath-taking. So, out of everyone in the group that went, I was the only one from California. Our group consisted of 2 people from Indiana and 3 people from Massachusets. We all met up at the observatory around 5 PM. Even though this has been the only time I've ever gone, I have to say this is the best time to go because the lighting is perfect for pictures and the sunset is absolutely breath-taking. 5 PM is a great time for pictures because it's considered the "golden hour," which essentially means that the lighting casts a golden tone to the pictures creating a beautiful "filter" on the picture. Anyways, the observatory is free if you are just going to walk around outside and take in the views. They do have other things you can pay to do like the telescope and the star show (featured in La La Land). Speaking of La La Land, parts of this film were filmed at the Griffith Observatory. There is a scene filmed inside the observatory where you have to pay to get in. Also, (we couldn't find it) there is a bench that the filmed one of the musical scenes at. A number of photo opportunities

was unreal. I walked around in awe the entire time I was there. I couldn't help but take tons of photos. From my friends to the building, to the sunset. Each and every picture was covered in perfection. Aso, speaking of sunsets, after talking with friends from Massachusetts, I learned that they do not have consistent sunsets. I have lived in California my entire life so sunsets have become a part of my everyday life. It was really cool to watch my other friends be amazed by the incredible sunset. Then I got to thinking, what would I do without watching the sunset every evening? I cannot answer that. I love sunsets and I don't think I could live without them.

   One funny thing that happened while at the Griffith Observatory was when we all accidently walked through a wedding photo shoot. At first, I didn't put two and two together. I was just walking thinking, "Aw! her long white dress is so pretty!" Then I realized... "Oh no! I photobombed a wedding photo shoot. I tried to escape as quickly as I could without falling down the stairs. 

   Overall, I have to say I absolutely loved the Griffith Observatory and I cannot wait to go again and either bring my dog, Douglas or go inside to see the other cool things! Also, I noticed many hiking trails while driving up and when we were looking out from the second level of the observatory so I would be interested in hiking those trails too! One of the best parts about the observatory (besides the view) is that parking is free but the downside to this is the parking because the lot that is right across from the observatory is extremely small and fills up fast. The only other available parking is down the mountain road which can be a pain because sometimes you have to park really far away. My friend Diana and I got lucky because a large car left and because we both have small cars we were able to fit both of them in the parking spot. I highly recommend going to the Griffith Observatory! 

Friend Dates!

   So on Monday, March 13, 2017, I finally got to see my good friend Morgan. She goes to school in Texas but she comes home for every break. On this day, we decided to take Douglas with us and drive to upland to go to this popular coffee shop called Rad Coffee. Rad Coffee is a punk rock themed coffee shop in the downtown area of Upland. They are known for their specialty drinks such as Dracula, Cookies and Scream, and Frankenstein. Morgan got the Cookies and Scream, while I just got a blackberry iced tea. We sat outside and chatted for awhile then decided to walk around and take a few pictures of Douglas for his Instagram. After walking around downtown Upland, we headed to Cal Poly Pomona to show her the campus and to turn in my final paper for one of my classes. I gave her a mini tour of the campus! Of course, people flocked around us to see Douglas. It was such a fun relaxing day! 

Rad Coffee: https://www.facebook.com/radcoffeeco/?hc_ref=SEARCH&fref=nf

Yelp for Rad Coffee: https://www.yelp.com/biz/rad-coffee-upland

(Photos are taken with an iPhone 7 by Isaiah.)

Adventures With Douglas: Balboa Island and Newport Beach

   On Sunday, March 12, 2017, I took Douglas to Balboa Island and Fashion Island in Newport Beach, California. This was his second time to both places. He totally enjoyed himself to the fullest out there! Whenever we go out, people will flock around to pet him and take pictures of him. Sometimes people will even chase us down to say hi to him. He loves all the attention from everyone. On this day, everyone had their dogs with them so Douglas got to make a few friends. Also, we even saw a few corgis! Balboa Island has a beautiful walkway that goes around the entire island. You get to see the cute beach houses, the downtown, and of course, the little cove that separates Balboa from Newport Beach. There is a ferry ride across the cove that is only $1. Although, I'm not sure if you can take your furry friend on the ferry. Anyways, downtown Balboa is absolutely adorable with cute shops and dining places. There are a few places that allow dogs to go inside but then there are places that don't. We just walked around today and didn't go into any stores. After spending a while in Balboa, we decided to head over to Fashion Island in Newport Beach. 

   Fashion Island is a very upscale outdoor shopping mall. Stores include Bloomingdales and Louis Vitton but also including stores like Forever 21 and Victoria Secret. We walked though many stores there and once again people, including employee, were flocking around Douglas. After walking around we decided to grab a bite to eat at Yardhouse. We were seated next to other dogs so naturally, Douglas made more new friends. He also noticed the people next to us were eating chicken so he decided to be rude and stare them down while they ate. He is so funny. After an early dinner, we decided to head back home. On the way home, he curled up in the back seat and fell fast asleep. I guess our little adventure made him tired!

Everyday Makeup

 Benefit Porefessional Matte Rescue:

https://www.benefitcosmetics.com/us/en/product/the-porefessional-matte-rescue?gclid=CMepyLGJstICFYhqfgod5bYGqw

Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer:

http://www.clinique.com/product/1599/34817/Makeup/Foundations/Beyond-Perfecting-Foundation-Concealer%3Fcm_mmc%3DPaid_Search-_-Google-_-Google_Shopping-_-Foundation+-+Best+Sellers

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer: For under eyes

https://www.maybelline.com/face-makeup/concealer/fit-me-concealer

Revlon Photoready Concealer: For blemishes

http://www.ulta.com/photoready-concealer?productId=xlsImpprod2940201

Laura Mercier Translucent Powder:

http://www.lauramercier.com/set-with-powder/translucent-loose-setting-powder-12321001.html?gclid=COiW4IOLstICFUlNfgodSJcAWQ&cm_mmc=PPC-_-Google-_-SEM-_-Branded-_-laura%20mercier%20translucent%20powder

Benefit Brow Shaping Kit:

http://www.sephora.com/brow-zings-P409238

CoverGirl Clear Mascara: Used for brow gel

http://www.ulta.com/professional-natural-lash-mascara?productId=xlsImpprod10821046

NARS Orgasm and Laguna Duo:

http://www.sephora.com/blush-bronzer-duo-P104006?skuId=832642&publisher_id=255779&sub_publisher=g&is_mobile=&sub1=&sub_keyword=&sub_campaign=381463959&sub_placement=&gdevice=c&gclid=COjcmOGLstICFZeXfgodKiUL0A&site=_search&om_mmc=ppc-GG_381463959_27499876239_pla-178165971399_832642_97594835319_9031224_c&gmodel=&country_switch=&lang=en&sub_ad=97594835319

BECCA Champagne Pop by Jaclyn Hill

http://www.sephora.com/shimmering-skin-perfector-pressed-P381176?skuId=1721240&icid2=becca_lp_bestsellers_carousel2_us:p381176

CoverGirl Hydrofuge Lash Bloom: I actually don't like this product, I'm just waiting to use it up before I buy a new one. I use this on my bottom lashes only.

http://www.target.com/p/covergirl-full-lash-bloom-mascara-800-very-black-44fl-oz/-/A-16200531?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Health+Beauty+Shopping&adgroup=SC_Health+Beauty&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9031224&gclid=COSF65iNstICFUaNfgodSrEJFg&gclsrc=aw.ds

Benefit They're Real Mascara: LOVE LOVE LOVE this!

http://www.sephora.com/they-re-real-lengthening-volumizing-mascara-P289307?skuId=1343938&publisher_id=255779&sub_publisher=g&is_mobile=&sub1=&sub_keyword=&sub_campaign=194585799&sub_placement=&gdevice=c&gclid=CIfX18GNstICFUuTfgodkc8Obg&site=_search&om_mmc=ppc-GG_194585799_15762231519_pla-83842464039_1343938_50233217079_9031224_c&gmodel=&country_switch=&lang=en&sub_ad=50233217079

*** On a normal day I don't wear eyeliner or eyeshadow which is why I did not include any of my other eye makeup products. This is what I wear if I say "natural." I hope you enjoy! Please let me know if you would like to see a review on a certain product.

OOTD Lazy Girl Part Two

Hair: Dutch braided space buns (Tutorial listed in 1st Lazy Girl OOTD)

Makeup: Natural

Top: Grey cropped sweatshirt

Jeans: Dark wash high waisted skinny jeans

Shoes: High top Converse

Handbag: Kate Spade New York

Corgi: Douglas (check out his insta --> hi_imdoug)

Photographer: Monica

Editing: Isaiah

Location: Victoria Gardens, Rancho Cucamonga, California

(All products will be listed at the end)

  

   I am absolutely in love with the cropped sweatshirt look right now. It's so comfortable yet it's also fashionable. This outfit is perfect for going to the mall with your friends, walking your dog, or even going out for a game night. Comfy and casual but still cute!

Products:

Sweatshirt: http://www.target.com/p/women-s-cropped-hoodie-mossimo-supply-co/-/A-51667859

Jeans: http://www.aeropostale.com/seriously-stretchy-dark-wash-high-waisted-jegging/product.jsp?productId=59471516&cp=3534618.3534619.3534623.3541050.3536152.4330109.4401830

Converse: http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/pd/converse-chuck-taylor-all-star-unisex-high-top-unisex-shoe/pid-11214176/pgid-11593146

Handbag: 

This bag is no longer available but here are some other options: 

--> http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/kate-spade-new-york-cobble-hill-mini-toddy-leather-crossbody-bag/4416807?origin=category-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=BLACK

--> http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/kate-spade-new-york-leewood-place-joley-leather-crossbody-bag/4470361?origin=category-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=SOFT%20PORCINI

Make-up: Please stay tuned for an upcoming post on my everyday makeup products/routine. That post will have every product I use daily listed along with links to the websites to buy them.

Quick and Easy Hairstyles

   Due to finals approaching quickly, I decided to post some of my favorite easy hair tutorials. Lately, I have been doing a lot of heat-less hairstyles to help heal my hair from the heat damage. I choose to only style it once a week or once every other week. I hope you enjoy! 

Classy OOTD

Hair: Curled with a 1.25" iron

Makeup: Warm red-brown eyeshadow with a red lip

Sheer top: Macy's

Skirt: TJ Maxx

Boots: K-Mart 

Photographer: http://brianahernandezphotography.portfoliobox.io

   Today, I was struggling to find something to write about on here. I was debating on talking about a deep topic or keeping it light but in the end, I decided to keep it light since I've had a rough couple days. Anyways, these photos were taken awhile ago by a good friend but I decided the style of the outfit was totally relevant. This outfit is comfy yet very sophisticated. 

   Starting with the hair, I love big loose curls, they look so fun and flirty but they take little to no time to do! I split my hair in 2 to 3 sections and I curl each piece for about 10 seconds. It usually takes me 15 minutes to complete. After I finish curling, I use my fingers to comb through the curls to break them up. Then I lightly spray some hair spray and I'm done!

   The make-up I used to create my eye look was discontinued but the Anastasia Modern Renaissance works very well to re-create the look. I have a few pictures for ideas on the look I created:

        

   Now on to the outfit, cream and burgundy compliment each other nicely and the black in the boots is a classic touch. The sheer shirt is fairly loose with a bow tied on the front. I prefer wearing tank tops under my sheer shirts because I don't feel like flashing anyone. I decided to pair this shirt with a burgundy circle skirt because the loose fitting shirt and skirt gave the outfit an effortless look but since the skirt is cinched at the waist it gave me an hourglass figure which is flattering on anyone.  The boots just give it that casual yet classy touch. 

   Now, you could easily switch out the skirt for a pair of high waisted burgundy jeans with a skinny black belt. Also, the shoes can be easily swapped. Black heels or booties would dress this look up so you could wear it to a fancy dinner or an interview. This outfit is so versatile; you can wear it to school but then with a simple shoe change you could wear it out on the town for girls night! I really love the color scheme of this outfit.

I hope you enjoyed today's outfit!

OOTD For The Lazy Girl

Hair: Dutch braid space buns (Tutorials listed below)

Makeup: None

Demin Button Up: The Grove (Located in Claremont, CA)

Striped Tee: Target

Necklace: Forever 21

Leggings: Forever 21

Studded Combat Boots: Reflections

Corgi: Crown Corgi by Lisa Dawkins

Dog Stuff: Petco

   I'd like to consider myself the queen of lazy girl OOTDs and hair. It's funny to think back when I was in high school, I would make fun of the girls who would wear leggings as pants but now I wear leggings as pants 90% of the time. I do have one rule about wearing leggings as pants though--they must not be see-through. Personally, I tend to wear tops that are longer when I wear leggings so my butt is covered or slightly covered. I'm a big fan of t-shirts because they are loose fitting, comfy, and casual. Adding a flannel or a button up will give your lazy day outfit a bit of pizzazz to make it look put together. I find that adding a long necklace to this outfit gives it that extra touch to pull the outfit together. Lastly, the studded boots are a staple item in my wardrobe because they will instantly make my outfit look edgy.  I hope this OOTD gives you a little inspiration when you are feeling lazy!

Space Bun Videos!

In Honor of Valentines Day

   Unfortunately, I have so much homework right now so I don't have time to write anything but I decided I would post this video I came across today. I love it.

At Home Workout Collection

   Due to buying a car and now having a monthly payment, I can't go out as much as I used to. So I have taken up going to the gym (we will see how long that lasts). This week I have gone three times due to the rain because it's unsafe to ride my horse on the wet slippery ground. Although, I want to try to keep going about three times a week but with a busy schedule I might not be able to do that so I decided to create this post for the days we can't make it to the actual gym but still want to exercise. 

Hope you all enjoy! Happy exercising!

10 Minute Butt and Thigh Workout

Leg Slimming + Butt&Thigh

Abs

Stretching (Yoga)

Dancing (Hip Hop)

6 Midterms Study Tips

   So it's midterms at my university this week and I have not prepared as well as I should have but I decided I would give you some tips on studying so you're not ripping your hair out the night before. I spent all day yesterday in bed because I wasn't feeling well so naturally, I didn't think about studying. OPPS. Hopefully, you guys have better luck at studying with these tips.
Happy studying!

#1 Attend the review session
  ALWAYS attend the review session because most professors in my experience will give extra points for attending as well as you go over the key information that will be on the midterm.

#2 Organize a study group
   I haven't made many friends here at school but I do make it a point to talk to people in classes in hopes that when exams come around we can create a study group. It's easier to study in a group because you are able to combine notes. Google docs is a great tool to use when studying in a group.

#3 Create a study schedule
   Don't cram everything in at once. Create a schedule with the classes you have to study. Also, schedule your breaks. It sounds OCD, I know, but I've learned that it is one of the best ways to actually get everything done without stressing.

#4 Don't burn yourself out
   Start studying a little bit every day about two weeks before your exam. By studying a little bit every day you won't burn yourself out. You will find by doing this that you will be able to retain more information.

#5 FLASHCARDS
   No need to explain. These will save your life. I listed to online sites that help you make them.
http://www.cram.com
https://quizlet.com

#6 Rest! Rest! Rest!
   Again, don't overwork yourself. Get rest. Go to bed at decent times and take breaks between studying. If you don't rest your brain, you won't be able to retain the information as well.

5 Encouraging Bible Verses for Young Women

- Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” 

Proverbs 31:25-29

- The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down. Whoever walks in uprightness fears the Lord, but he who is devious in his ways despises him. 

Proverbs 14:1-2

- Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 

1 Timothy 4:12

- You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you. 

Song of Solomon  4:7

- Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. 

Romans 5:1-5

Movie Review: A Dog's Purpose

   When the heart-wrenching trailer first came out, people were thrilled to go see this movie. But then people became outraged after TMZ leaked a video of a german shepherd dog struggling against a trainer that was forcing him to jump into the water on set for a scene. Yes, the video made it look terrible. Yes, that trainer should've stopped forcing the dog into the water. A short while after the TMZ article was published, the Hollywood Reporter published an article with producer Gavin Polone explaining the situation in its entirety. I'm not going to sit here and tell you what to believe, but instead, I have linked the articles at the end on this post so you can read them and make a decision on your own. I have also linked the trailer in case you haven't seen it as well as the Snopes.com article. Snopes.com is a website that will verify major issues with factual information.

   But anyways, let's get into the movie review!

   I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THE MOVIE! If you enjoy movies that are emotional roller coasters then this one is for you. This movie will have you laughing and smiling one minute and crying your eyes out the next. Obviously, I'm a dog lover and I felt like this movie documented the purpose of a dog very well. I thought the choices of breeds and lives the dogs lived were very appropriate because they were diverse. The first story was short; it was a puppy who had just been born then got caught by the dog catchers. The second story about Bailey, the retriever who became a young boy's best friend and helped him through many of his early stages of life. The third story was about a police dog. The fourth story was my favorite because it was about a corgi. The fifth story was about a stray mutt who had a sad life but ended up with a happy ending (which I refuse to spoil).
   In each story, the dog helped the person with something and each ending was happy. It truly showed me how important dogs really are to us. They are always there to love and comfort us no matter what we are going through. I felt like this movie really depicted what a dog's purpose really is.
This is a must-see movie!

Trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jLOOCADTGs
TMZ article: 
http://www.tmz.com/2017/01/18/a-dogs-purpose-german-shepherd-abuse-video/
Follow up article:
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/gavin-polone-a-dogs-purpose-outcry-what-happened-whos-blame-967160
Snopes:
http://www.snopes.com/2017/01/18/animal-abuse-alleged-set-dogs-purpose/

Owning a Corgi

Douglas the Floppy-ear Corgi!

   When people see Douglas they tend to ask, "Is he a beagle?" or "He must be a mix of a corgi and something else!". The answer is neither, instead, he is a purebred papered corgi whose ears didn't stand up. Everything else about him is corgi; the body, the short stumpy legs, the crazy personality, everything! Douglas loves going on walks and eating food but mostly eating food. He also enjoys his spa days at Happy Paws Dog Grooming in Monrovia because he gets all the attention and cookies. 

   In the recent years, corgis have become one of the most popular dogs on the internet. It seems as though everyone wants a corgi now. Every time I take Douglas in public someone stops me to pet him and take a picture then ask me where they can get a corgi. Although many people don't understand the effort it takes to own a corgi. So today's blog post will be a short summary of what people need to know before getting a corgi. 

#1 Corgis SHED. They are considered HEAVY shedders which mean they constantly shed all year long. It will never stop. Some people say shave it! Don't do that. Shaving a corgi will potentially ruin their coat permanently. Because corgis have undercoat, shaving them won't stop the shedding, instead, it will cause them to shed little hairs that will easily splinter you. Dogs with undercoat need their double layer coat to keep them warm in the cold and cool in the heat. It acts as a thermometer to balance their body temperature. One solution to help the shedding is to brush them daily and bathe them monthly with a de-shedding shampoo and conditioner then blow drying them dry.

#2 They LOVE to EAT! Corgis are prone to excessive weight gain to the point of obesity. Make sure you exercise your corgi daily and keep them on a healthy diet to ensure they stay fit. A fat corgi is not a happy corgi.

#3 Bark! Bark! Bark! Corgis tend to be a little loud compared to other dog breeds. Work on training early on to control excessive barking issues. 

#4 Back and joint problems. Corgis are prone to back and joint problems. This goes back to #2 a little bit in which you must keep your corgi at a healthy weight and active to reduce the chances of dealing with these problems. Also, joint supplements can be used (if directed by a vet) to help support their joints.

#5 Socialization. This goes for any breed of dog actually. Make sure you start socialization with your corgi early on to both people and other animals so that when the get older they don't become mean and anti-social.

#6 They OWN you. Corgis LOVE their human. LOVE them! Douglas basically thinks that I am his and he's not going to share with anyone else. No ifs, ands, or buts. 

I hope this was informative. Please comment other points you think are important for future corgi owners!

Thank you!

Lexi

 

5 Tips for Selling on Mercari (Online Selling App)

Tip #1: Free Shipping
One of the first ways to attract more buyers is to use free shipping which essentially means that you (the seller) pay for the shipping. The key to this is to know the prices for shipping according to the approximate weight on Mercari. These are the prices as of (1/26/17):

• 0-.5 lbs $4 USPS (prints a First Class label that covers 8 oz)

• .5 - 3 LBS $6 USPS (prints a Priority label that covers 5LBS)

• 3 - 10 LBS $9 USPS (prints a Priority label that covers 12 LBS)

• 10 - 20 LBS $15 USPS (prints a Priority label that covers 22 

The way I do free shipping is that I take the price of the item and add the shipping to it so I am able to display free shipping without losing out on the money. Occasionally I will price the item a couple dollars cheaper with free shipping to quicken sales. 

Tip #2: "Discounting"
For some of my higher quality items, I will price them $5 to $10 higher than what I intend on selling them for. Buyers will see and "like" the item to watch it, after a few likes I will lower the price to the price I intending on selling it at and it will send a notification to all the "likers" that I discounted the item by X%. This will cause the buyer to think they are getting the item on sale and will increase the chances of a quicker sale.

Tip #3: Reposting items
Let's say you've had an item up for awhile and no one has "liked" it or commented on it. You then should delete that original post and repost it so it bumps up in the latest items that have been posted to get the attention of potential buyers. When an item gets a decent amount of likes, comments, or both they will stay high in the feeds when people search for that item.

Tip #4: Posting times
The timing of posting is key because there are high traffic times and low traffic times. In my experience, I have found that after dinner, weekends (especially evenings), and late nights (11 pm to 2 am) are the best posting times. If you post during these times you will increase the chances of selling.

Tip #5: Quality items
No one wants to buy low-quality items with defects. Save the extra worn out items for Goodwill or a yard sale. Mercari is a place for people to sell gently used or new items for others to buy and enjoy. Try to pick out items that still look decent and can be used/worn for a while longer. 

I hope this post helps you become a quality Mercari seller. 
Comment on this post if you have any other tips you want to inform people about!
Happy selling!
Lexi