Happy New Year! Start...Continue...Just Don't Stop!

(Rare photo of me being a tad festive...Happy New Year!)

Happy New Year!

So I had a perfect New Year's Eve. I spent it with my best friend and her 2-year old son. She set up this backdrop in her dining room and we played, posed, and enjoyed a night in with champagne and cheap pizza. I could have gotten dolled up and hit a bar or put on my dancing shoes and shook it (or "twerked it"...ugh, hate that word) on the dance floor. But 2013 was such a transformation for me that I just wanted to reflect and enjoy good conversation without yelling over loud music. (Also, I'm 33 now...I can't hang like a 21 year-old anymore!)

In 2013, my biggest changes included a major career move (from editorial manager and senior editor of Plastic Surgery Studios to the social media coordinator of Firm Media) and relocating from the comfort of the Inland Empire to the excitement of Los Angeles. As for personal growth, amidst these decisions, I've learned when to let go and choose peace instead of debilitating friendships and relationships. I gained a closer relationship to God, as I welcomed the birth of a new niece while also losing a dear uncle and older sibling.

I also came to the understanding that my role as a writer, blogger, storyteller, talkaholic (call it what you will) holds an important place in the field of fashion and social media, and the overall arena of communications. Networking with amazing fashion designers, PR companies, and fellow writers has increased my natural-born interest in style and image even more! Throughout my journey in 2013, there were moments of both sadness and happiness...confusion and clarity....disgust and love. But most importantly, I never stopped doing ME. In fact, I am just getting started! I have a lot to offer you - my amazing, supportive readers. The great stuff in store for you includes more exclusive interviews, giveaways, event highlights, and all of my randomness that I like to believe you adore so much.

May 2014 allow you to continue to explore your talents and come to a better understanding of who you really are. So start something new...continue what you may have put on hold due to fear...Just don't stop. Don't hold back your gifts from the world. Show 'em what you're made of.

xoxo,
Elana

Hmmmm....Is Google+ All That?

(Image courtesy of Alex!)

...And speaking of social media (VoteKinsey.com!), I'd love it if you took a few moments to help out a colleague of mine at Firm Media, Alexander Valentine. Alex is in his final quarter of school (MBA, here he comes!), and for an independent research study project, he chose to create a survey about the social media site that often gets mixed reviews: Google +

I took the survey myself, which really makes you think a bit about the frequency of your usage with social media, Google+, and how it compares to Facebook. Took me about, say...10 or 15 minutes, tops! But that may not be very accurate, because I had to spew comments over to Alex after every question. ("See, the reason I choose this answer is 'cause...") I'm guessing you may be a bit more focused when you take it though. It's just the talkaholic and over-analyzer in me, I suppose. 

As the social media coordinator at Firm Media (Yup, I wear many hats!) I am also quite interested to know about the data that comes from Alex's survey. As an incentive, if you take a few moments to do his survey, I will give your page or site a shout-out on my Good Girl Gone Shopping Facebook page!

Have fun! We thank you for taking Alex's social media survey! 

*Last day to take survey is this Friday (10/25) by 5 p.m., pac time. You must be 18 or over and a U.S. resident. 

Giving Back to Your Community is ALWAYS in Style!

(Excitement from Cowboy Burgers & BBQ's Samantha and Renato at Eat & Be Well 2012/ Photo Courtesy of Firm Media/)

I've had the honor of sitting down for a one-on-one interview with Betsey Johnson. I've had the opportunity to sit with Lisa Kline and listen to her story of tragedy and triumph. I've had the pleasure of being one of few industry folk to attend a private showcase for Kevan Hall. I've attended a luncheon and chatted with Candace Bushnell, one of the most awe-inspiring "chick lit" authors of the 21st century.

These amazing career highlights are just a few of the experiences that have impacted my work in fashion and internet marketing. Each powerful moment has helped hone my storytelling skills on both a personal and professional level.

What I have yet to truly embark on in my adult life is donating my time and energy to something much greater than myself. Sure, I write to connect with others, hopefully entertaining and inspiring my readers. But I've yet to use my energy and abilities to help a group of people on a large scale. I'm usually the person who gives a dollar to that (same) person standing outside the supermarket or compliment a homeless women on the cute purse she uses to collect change ("Thanks! It's my favorite color!"). I always try to do a little here and there, where I can, 'cause I enjoy bringing a smile to a person's face and brightening his or her day.

(Eat & Be Well 2012/ Photo Courtesy of Firm Media)

So I'm waaaaaay excited to be a part of this year's Eat & Be Well event. What it is: A one-day event celebrating the Thanksgiving season by supporting the underserved of San Bernardino County. This occasion, which takes place the day before Thanksgiving, provides a full, satisfying meal to the community while also providing participants access to free health and wellness resources.

How do I know so much about this event? Because when I'm not writing about fashion, I work for a socially-conscious company that is firmly rooted in the beauty of giving back - Firm Media. Based in Monrovia, CA, this internet marketing company is headed by CEO Christopher A.
--> Suchánek  --> - co-founder of Eat & Be Well. See the connection? So as the social media coordinator, I am not only helping to spread the word about this event on popular platforms like Facebook and Twitter, I will be spending my day-before-Thanksgiving at this event, giving back to the community. (Chris' wife Ana Karina Suchánek is the other co-founder. Together, these two are so dynamic in their volunteer efforts and commitments...It's amazing!)

(Eat & Be Well 2012/ Photo Courtesy of Firm Media)

So of course, I am going to make good use of my Good Girl Gone Shopping blog and not only help promote this particular Eat & Be Well event; I'd like to be clear about my thoughts on giving back. Here's the thing: It's always in style! If you have the energy to hunt through clearance racks and deal with pushy (or totally absent) salespeople, I'm betting you have the energy to hunt through your cupboard for some essential canned foot items or serve someone a hot plate of food  Straight up.

If you would like to participate at this event, please visit Eat & Be Well. This is its second annual, one-day event. It will be held on November 27, 2013 at Seville Park & Cypress Neighborhood Center in Fontana, CA. 

I'd love to know where, or how, you've spent your time giving back to the community! Do share by leaving a comment!





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