• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Lifestyle with Melendy

a mom sharing her Recipes, Inspiration & Life

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Home
  • Blog
    • running
    • anxiety
    • life
    • about
    • self care
    • food

confidence

This post may contain affiliate links. Find more information here

June 21, 2018 By Melendy Johnson

How to Make Videos seamless in Instagram Stories!

How I make Videos for Instagram Stories!

I absolutely love that you can use just about any form of Social media to share your story! You all know I love YouTube
One of my favorite ways to connect on a more personal level is through Instagram story videos. This platform is a short quick glimpse into your daily activities! They disappear after 24 hours, unless you feature them, and are a great way to share Purposeful content, Personality content, and even Promotional content!
Several people have asked me how I do this, and I wanted to share my magic!

Step one – I record a video like the one you see here. I want to post it to Instagram Stories!

 

Step two – I edit if it is necessary using my in phone editor. You can utilize any type of video editor before you upload – I find that unedited videos work best for IG Stories because they are more real.

instagram story cut

Step three – I upload the video into an app called CutStory – CutStory will splice your video for whatever platform you are using it on. Facebook/Instagram/snap chat/whatsap, or you can make custom cuts. you end up with a camera roll that looks like this – wonky face and all!

instagram story videos

 

Step four – The hardest step – Post in stories. You need to carefully select one post at a time, and watch it. That is the only way to be sure you have continuity. Instagram stories are always a little choppy, but- utilizing patience, and adding your own personality will make for a seamless looking IG story that tells your story!

instagram story video clips

Whether you are selling something, sharing a fun event, or an interesting part of your day – this is a great way to make your videos stand out! AND you can enjoy the moment by recording a video, and editing and posting it at your leisure!

What would you use Instagram story videos for?

This post may contain affiliate links. Find more information here

April 18, 2018 By Melendy Johnson

Body Shape – How to dress for yours!

Body Shape
Do you know what yours is?
Do you often wonder how to dress for your body shape? I often wondered as well, so I did some research, and discovered what I “Should” wear for my body type. I discovered I was often wearing things that didn’t work for my body type, and that was what was leading me to be frustrated!
I decided that If I was struggling others were too!
So here is a sample of the information I found. I created graphics for you to better see the information up close and personal!
These body shapes are just a few – but are a general overall sample of what to wear, specifically from the brand that i offer. LuLaRoe can be seen as simple fashion – but it is very easy to dress it up, and find something that works for every body type! I have the body shapes listed here, as well as an example of a LuLaRoe outfit that works for that shape! What Shape are you?

A Pear Shaped body:
Pear Shape

A Carrot Shaped Body:
carrot shape

 

A Rectangle Shaped Body:
rectangle shape

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An Apple Shaped Body:
Apple Shape
An Hourglass Shaped body:
Hourglas Shape

What is your favorite Look? What style would you want to add to your closet?
Do you need help with your Body Shape and how to style it? I would love to help you find the perfect outfit for you!
Just head on over to my Group, and you will find all of my resources for helping you to style your body!
Thank you for checking in!

This post may contain affiliate links. Find more information here

April 17, 2018 By Melendy Johnson

YouTube for Business – a beginners guide!

Do you want to explore the world of YouTube?

It has been something I was afraid of – but, I took the plunge, and I am so excited to be seeing how much fun YouTube is, and what a purposeful tool it is! I wanted to write this to help others who want to broaden their YouTube knowledge – and their reach by joining this channel!

 

YouTube business

First of all – the tools you will need.
I currently use
– My iPhone
– A tripod
– a ring light
– a neutral wall
– and the iMovie editing application

YouTube business

I start with an Idea. What do I think will add value to someone else and their day. Then I decide my level of knowledge in this area. I ask myself, can I answer this on my own, or do I need to add a resource?
Once this decision is made – I do my hair and makeup, get dressed in something professional , and get ready to record. YouTube is a public platform, and I therefore want to be sure to put my best me out there!

Then – I record – I take 10-15 minutes of video of me talking about or showing whatever I am trying to relate to my audience! If I misspeak – or want to not include something – I take a long pause, that way editing is easy. I even use the words – edit that – so that when I am editing I will remember my intention. I think one long video clip is way easier to edit than many short clips – but – whatever works for you is going to work for you!

After recording – I have a snack – and then comes the fun part – editing!
iMovie is super easy to use – and makes video editing seem super easy as well – here is a quick video with visual steps – not sure about sound – But – you can see my video edits, and the process here!

Once you are happy with your video – just save it in the largest file size you can. This is where I find having a home “Cloud” storage space is vital – it doesn’t have to live on my phone! here is an example of a YouTube video that I edited and added to my feed!

Then I upload to YouTube, and add descriptions that include links to my final destination for that video whether it be Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest or my Blog!

And no worries – If a week from now, you don’t love what you shared – make it private – tweak it until you do love it, and then re-share it!

What will your first project be?!

I cannot wait to see it!

See my YouTube Videos here!

This post may contain affiliate links. Find more information here

March 17, 2018 By Melendy Johnson

Social Media Coaching Saved my Business

Social Media Coaching – Let’s be honest for a second. Social Media is an ever evolving creature. The number of people who utilize social media on a daily basis has skyrocketed. People use it for news, weather, sports, to share pictures with loved ones, share recipes, and to run their small businesses. They even turn to it for coaching, life, business, personal – you can find it all.
Because of the nature of social media, and the fact that it has not been around forever, I found it helpful to reach out to others and discover how best to run my business.

At a training event for LuLaRoe in Boston, in November of 2016, just two months into my business, I was introduced to the Socialite Suite, and in turn, it’s founder Brenda Ster. Brenda teaches a principal of social media known as Attraction Marketing – drawing people to you by being authentic, and personable.  She does not endorse adding all your friends, Using your personal page for business, or constantly talking about your business.

Sassy Suite Premium Coaching Community - Elite Suite

Instead -she teaches leading with value, being genuine to yourself, and having your online presence represent your best you! She teaches you how to draw others to you, instead of chasing them down. They are teachings I wish I had at the beginning of my Direct Sales Business.  I wish I had followed her sooner. BUT wishes only get you so far!
I do follow her, and I do learn from her. She helped me build this blog, she helped me overcome some mindset issues, and I have an amazing group of friends who all believe that Direct sales should not be all about sales, but about providing value to the people we sell our goods to.

I believe in what I have learned so much, that I joined her premium coaching group, and eventually became a private social media coaching client.   Others see what I do on social media, and they ask me for tips. When I started my LuLaRoe journey, I did not understand what I was doing, or how to do it. Now, I hope that when others start their journey – no matter what product/company they join, that they will use these methods.  The opportunity to lean on those who have been through it is invaluable. I love to learn how others succeed in their business! Want to chat about what I have learned, and why I am loyal to Brenda and her team? Social Media Coaching shoaled be researched – Reach out and ask – I am more than happy to have a conversation about it!

Doing what you like is Freedom, Loving what you do is Happiness!

This post may contain affiliate links. Find more information here

January 23, 2018 By Melendy Johnson

To Pinterest or not to Pinterest?

We have most likely all found Pinterest.

My mom uses Pinterest, My dad uses it, My husband is using it to finish our basement. I use it – for many purposes, but I often pin with no intention of actually using those pins. In the words of a friend – Pinterest is an Online Life – One we usually wish we had. Workouts we won’t do, outfits we won’t wear, drinks we won’t make, crafts that are too messy, and food we won’t cook. Reality is – we want to, but we won’t.
After hearing this, I decided to take action. I looked at my Pinterest boards, and found one workout that I thought I could do daily, and several recipes that I wanted to try.

I decided to Use my Pins to actually make some changes!

First – I decided to do a plank Challenge for my workouts – since Steve and I are cruising soon, I am very conscious of my waistline.   I am about 10 days in, and I am seeing and feeling some results. Let’s see where I land on Port day! I am also going to the Gym Daily and doing about 50 minutes of Cardio, combined with healthier eating – I am not down pounds yet, but inches are melting off! Yay for small successes!

Now for recipes

I found several Low carb recipes, and some even looked appetizing! I looked at our week, and I decided that with a low impact week, we were going to try these out. (Be on the lookout for how these went over the next few days!) Here are the recipes that I am in love with for this week.

Monday: – Spaghetti Squash and herb butter lobster!
Tuesday – Steak tips with Zucchini AuGratin
Wednesday – Spinach and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken breast and Arugula salad

I will be back daily to update you on each recipe, and, what I would do differently!
Want to see the recipes I Pinned on Pinterest?
Follow me and my boards!
And be sure to check back here for how these recipes turned out!

This post may contain affiliate links. Find more information here

January 17, 2018 By Melendy Johnson

Self-ish or self care? You decide!

do it 2018Self care starts with realizing your worth.

In today’s society where we have everything at our fingertips we often feel a sense of needing to accomplish it all at once. Self care can often take a back seat to our lives. Sometimes we push ourselves to the bottom of the list.

We don’t drink enough water.

We skip the gym.

We eat fast food.

We don’t make the phone call.

We skip doctors appointments.

We ignore a symptom.

We don’t read the book.

Why do we do these things? Because we live in a world of right now, most important, have to be done tasks. We live in a place where we literally are never out of touch. There is nowhere to hide. Our phones are our portable offices, and we spend a lot of time feeling guilty about where we spend our time.

Stopping to take care of ourselves can be seen as selfish. Time at the gym while your husband/wife makes dinner, spending time on a hobby instead of answering an email, a night out with friends while your children stay with the in-laws. These things are hard to balance, and hard to explain to ourselves when the world around us says, be ready, get your work done, be available, everything is an emergency.

You know what- I want to change that name- it isn’t selfish, it is self worth.

We don’t drink enough water.    Your body needs water to function

We skip the gym. You body needs physical movement to keep working.

We eat fast food. Food is fuel. We shouldn’t deprive our bodies or feed it junk

We don’t make the phone call. Our relationships keep our emotional health happy.

We skip doctors appointments.  Regular visits with the doctor help us to be on top of our health

We ignore a symptom. Symptoms are a signal – we need to follow through.

We don’t read the book.  Books help us explore our world, our self, or escape reality for a moment of time.

The reality is that the guilt we feel when taking the time to do things for ourselves is placed there by how we think others feel about us. About or decisions, as parents, business people, athletes, lovers, women/men, daughters /sons,

Why do we care so much? The world we live in is a world that values our Social Media standing over our self worth standing. We need to take back self care – Go to the gym, read the book, go on the date, call your friends, listen to the symptoms, get your check ups, and even spoil yourself with a massage, your nails, your hair, whatever makes you feel better about you! Self care is so not selfish, and it is necessary for you to grow.

….

I challenge you to pick one piece of self care that you wish you had in your life right now, and then Set goals to make it a reality. Feel free to comment here to dd some accountability!

This post may contain affiliate links. Find more information here

January 4, 2018 By Melendy Johnson

Truth Time – The real (confident) me…

Truth about me

Truth time – The Real me needs some work.

I am confident that I am not 100% happy with my body – heck who is?!

If we were all confident in our bodies gym’s wouldn’t exist!gym reasons

I am confident that I am working hard on that – As hard as I can want to.

We all have areas where we don’t put in the effort we know we should.

I am confident that I often fail at that hard work – and occasionally binge on Ice cream to feel better!

Although – I will say Ice Cream hasn’t even been in my mind in a few months!

I am confident that I have a new determined focus to succeed – because if I don’t take care of me, who will?

With a new year- many think of things they want to change.

Personally, those changes have been happening for over a month now! Research and classes for my business, re-joined the gym and I actually go,  planner organization has begun, podcasts full of inspirational speakers, and building a community around me to help me succeed.

Even doing any of that has been a huge step for me. I questioned a lot of the steps I make and got stuck in something my friend calls – Analysis Paralysis.analysis paralysis I spent so much time analyzing that I didn’t spend a lot of time doing. Every step of every process was over analyzed, and underdone. Going for a simple run became needing my water, shoes, outfit, music, and running plan perfectly paired. If one thing got off, I froze.

I cannot say what the exact cure for my analysis paralysis was, but some of it came from a big dose of reality a coach gave me. “Melendy – the only person keeping you from being successful is you…” I knew the truth, but I hadn’t heard the voice.  I knew it was me – I knew I needed a mindset shift, but – I hadn’t heard it. The only thing keeping me from running – was me. What was keeping me from growing my business?Me! The only one standing in the way of my happiness – you guessed it – ME!

perfectI spent a very long time trying to be perfect.

In whose eyes? I don’t know. I felt like I couldn’t go out of the house without the perfect outfit, couldn’t ‘go live’  without makeup, silence, a perception of everything is okay. therefore – I froze.  Guess what – Everything isn’t always okay. I know, Shocker! I am learning to live in the chaos of life, and be willing to step out of my “perfect” comfort zone.

Shifting my mindset to a “Do it” model, and subsequently pushing myself into the work that is going to drive me forward has been a huge boost for me. Scheduling my time, being intentional about my actions, believing I am worthy of the time, and believing others are worthy of my time as well has created an amazing arc in my attitude, and the enjoyment of the day to day!worthy

What do you need a mindset shift about?
Do you want someone to hold you accountable?
Are you ready to take the next step to work hard for the change you want to make?
If you are – leave a comment so that I can help you redirect you mindset and grow into you!

This post may contain affiliate links. Find more information here

January 1, 2018 By Melendy Johnson

Do It 2018 – Words of Inspiration as we look forward

In 2018 – I am looking forward to using my word (or rather, phrase) for the year, and it starts today. My phrase is “Do it”. Over the last year I have developed this blog with the help of others. I have built my business to a point where Steve and I will enjoy the LuLaRoe Cruise in February. Challenged myself to step out of my comfort zone on many occasions, met new people. I  learned a new instrument, began a running regiment that I have mostly maintained, and accepted that my weight loss journey is going to be one that takes more than a few trips to the gym and an occasional salad. I have done a lot in the last year that I would have never done, but I still held back.

For 2018, my goal is to do more. Plan appropriately, but DO more. When I question if I should do something or not, I ask myself 3 questions now –
1-Do I WANT to do it? If I don’t want to do it, I won’t do it.
2-Is this beneficial to me, my family, others, or my business? If I spend my time doing things that aren’t beneficial, I wont feel fulfilled, and I will stop doing those things.
3-Am I willing to commit the (time/talent/energy/focus) that this adventure/project/training/group deserves? I do not want to commit to something and be half in. I want to be all in, Otherwise, I am not giving my best, and that isn’t how I want to be known.

So, I took some time, and I researched some motivational quotes to help me through this new year. Each one spoke to me for a different reason, but the resounding theme was the same – DO IT!  I intend to print them and post them in my office space, I want to see the visual reminders of what I intend to do this year.  Let’s discuss each for a moment!

“Well done is better than well said.” Benjamin Franklin – How true is it that your actions speak way louder than your words. I would much rather be known for what I DO and how you feel around me than for what I said – or someone said I said. I want to be intentional with my actions this year!

“We are what we repeatedly do.” Aristotle. Habits take 21 days to create – and can be broken in the same. If I am not repeatedly doing the things I want to do to better myself, my business, or my family, then they aren’t going to become a habit. being intentional about my actions will create the habits I want to form!

“By Failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail” – Benjamin Franklin. Setting forth a plan of action, and doing my best research, due diligence, and preparation means that I have a better chance of being successful. Often times I am either 9 million hours of planning and no action, or zero planning and failed action. My intention is to find balance between those lines to create more intentional and better actions.

 

“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four Sharpening the Axe.” Abraham Lincoln. preparation is good – bust focused attention to the best tools for the task at hand only makes the job easier. Sometimes it is easy to dive forward and want to just do, but I need to remember that proper preparation, planning, and use of my tool box will create an easier job in the long run.

“The most effective way to do it, is to do it.” – Amelia Earhart. I have been focused on my actions. Writing intentionally, scheduling posts so that I am ready for the day ahead, following up with friends, family, group members whom I know I need to follow up with. Setting up a plan for the future. All the planning in the world won’t make it happen. Only actions can do that!

And finally,  My word/phrase for 2108 – ready for me to not let fear take a hold. Ready to dive in. My original graphic has the phrase – ‘Fear is the Thief of dreams’.  I love that subtitle because- it is true! Being afraid causes us to pause, to freeze, to not do. So, in order to rise, to grow, to cultivate my new me, my new business goals, my new dreams, I need to let go of fear – And – DO IT!

So, What are you doing this year? What are you looking forward to with hope. How do you want 2018 to end? In order to know our path, we need to know our destination. Follow me here as I dive into this year of doing more, and worrying less. Are you with me? Share your word/goals for this year so that we can move forward together!

This post may contain affiliate links. Find more information here

August 21, 2017 By Melendy Johnson

Anxiety -Hiding in myself

Anxiety – is a feeling inside of you that never goes away.
I never felt comfortable in social situations. I would always be thinking –

“What if they don’t like me?”

“Am I dressed the right way?”

“Are they laughing at me?”

The cycle of internal speech I had learned from myself always answered back with-

“They don’t like you!”

“You look horrible/fat/ugly!”

“They are laughing at you”

The problem is, after years of this internal self dialogue, I stopped asking the questions, I assumed the answers, and I would come up with reasons not to go out, reasons not to show up, reasons to back out. I didn’t feel worthy of doing any of it.

The tipping point for me was one date night – Steve and I had a sitter, we had a plan to go see one of his friends at their restaurant, and we got dressed up, and we went out. We pulled into the parking lot, and I had a panic attack. I couldn’t open the door, couldn’t breathe, couldn’t go inside.  Steve was angry – he didn’t understand, and I was sad because I just wanted to be able to get dressed up and go out. The only person stopping me – was me.

This needed to change. I couldn’t be the wife he needed me to be, or the mom I needed to be if I couldn’t enjoy social situations. My anxiety was digging me into a hole where no one could come in and I couldn’t get out. I said stop – this needs more than I can do on my own. I talked to my doctor, and we decide to do something about it.

This was a time before LuLaRoe was in my life. This was a time when I was finishing college (as an adult) and trying to find my identity outside of mom, wife, sister, daughter, friend. I didn’t have a definition who I was. Those other definitions are amazing definitions if you feel complete. I did not. This is what needed to change. I set out a plan to be more intentional, take small steps, and change what I could.

A lot has changed since that date night. Through LuLaRoe, I have overcome many of my anxiety holds. I am constantly meeting new people, entering unfamiliar environments, and socializing with new people every day. Honestly, I  cannot pinpoint the moment the change happened, but I can say – I have never felt more alive. I get to meet new women every day. Women who are looking for a dress for a date, a chance to earn free clothes, women who haven’t worn a dress for years who slip one on and their eyes light up. I realized that if I hadn’t opened my doors, my home, my heart to welcoming others in, I wouldn’t have been able to offer that dress, those clothes, or that sparkle of joy in those women’s lives. I found my reason – my completion.

This weekend, I had a conversation with a friend, and she said something to me that made me realize, I needed another change. She said, “Melendy – you are an inspiration to me.” – what a powerful statement. Then, she continued to tell me that knowing where I was in my anxiety, and where I am now, she saw the ability to find herself through her own anxiety. She thought she needed a career to feel whole, but she has realized that being a wife/mom/friend made her feel fulfilled. Her joy is in being with her children and being present.

While we were talking, a third friend joined in the conversation. She informed friend ‘A’ that she was inspired by her ability to be home with her children…a table of inspiration. None of us walked into that room and said – I want to be an inspiration. We walked into the room and all thought let’s have a fun night. The next change I need to make is I need to talk about it more. I need others to know they are not alone. What is so wrong with being an inspiration, or even a launching point for others to find themselves.

Finding yourself. That is the hardest thing to do. Are there days it is hard? Of course there are,but I have grown from where I was. There is a confidence in myself, a confidence I didn’t know was deep down inside me. The cycle of self doubt and self destructive dialogue do show up on occasion- but they don’t have a place at my table anymore. I have set a place for – love – welcome – joy – sharing – friends – and living life!

What do you set a place for at your table?

Who can you inspire?

How can I help you?

(disclaimer – I am not a doctor, and If you are struggling with feelings of Anxiety or depression – you should seek help from a medial professional – and your friends and family you can find information here)

This post may contain affiliate links. Find more information here

August 15, 2017 By Melendy Johnson

8 minutes…

Today is the start of week 7 with my running coach – Week 7!

They say it takes 21 days to form a new habit – or to become adjusted to a new routine.

It took me 7 weeks – but running 3-4 times a week, this was my 21st run.

21 times I got up, put on my  “I don’t want to”
“Big Girl” shoes, grabbed my headphones, my playlist, my water, and my running plan.

21 times I did it.

8 Minutes – that is what I ran for today – my whole run was over half an hour, but I ran for 8 minutes straight –

Minute one – I’m not ready

Minute two – only 6 to go

Minute three – Maybe I cannot do this

Minute four – halfway there

Minute five – maybe I should have started slower

Minute six – two minutes to go…

Minute seven – one to go, that wasn’t so bad!

Minute eight – maybe I could have done 10!

and then there was the rest of the ladder.

But I ran for 8 minutes.

When I started this program 21 runs ago, I couldn’t run for one minute straight.

My progress may seem slow, but to me, it is exactly what I needed to do. my body is slowly changing, my waistline getting a little more definition, my abs a little tighter, loosing some of the roundness in my face.

What am I gaining?
Strength
Endurance
Confidence
Resilience
the ability to understand my splits and pace

courage

All things I was lacking before I started running.

I am so grateful that one Saturday morning my now coach took a chance and asked if I wanted to train with her. She asked if I wanted some guidance in my running. She led with value, and offered me the ability to find myself at my own pace. She sends reminders when it has been too long since I have run, and rejoices in my triumphs when I overcome an obstacle.

There are so many excuses I could have made – so many things I could have let get in the way yet 21 times I said yes, and today I rejoice in 8 minutes! Maybe tomorrow I will do 10.

~~~~~~~~

What do you want to make a new habit?

What are the excuses you tell yourself?

Go do it! Make that change for you!
Let me be your inspiration – and you go be mine!

  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Hello!

Welcome! I am so excited to share all things life with you! Recipes, fashion, workouts, relaxation, packing lists - you name it - I love it! I am a mom to three teenage boys, and a wife to my best friend. I coach youth track and field, and teach preschool. Life is always busy, and always fun here! Join in and share the fun!
Want to know more?

Follow me on Instagram

Follow on Instagram

directory

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Phone
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Tags

2018 about accountability bravery business coach coaching confidence depression excuses family fashion food fun health inspiration life lifestyle list lists love lularoe memories new adventure nutrition obstacles ocean organize planning priorities recipe rest runner running sail sand self-care sharing sun teamwork travel veggies work youtube yummy

Where I get my supplies!

I love to Pin

Follow Me on Pinterest

Join my mailing list

get information about sales, specials, and more!

USFamilyGuide.com

Footer

Stay Connected

  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Periscope
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

what to look for

  • Home
  • Blog
    • running
    • anxiety
    • life
    • about
    • self care
    • food

Copyright © 2023 · Cookd Pro Theme On Genesis Framework · Installed by SassySuiteLLC #empowersocial