Healthy Peanut Butter Balls

Peanut butter balls were a Christmas staple in our household! In fact, they still are! My mom and I would spend our evenings mixing, rolling, dipping and snacking away!

I think that maybe why I'm so obsessed with peanut butter...

However! I wanted to make a healthier version of these little bites to share with friends over the holidays and I did just that. They are SO good! No butter, no white sugar... all goodness! Plus... I added in a little extra fibre LOL. Because we all can use a little extra fibre (but really the crunch adds a delish spin)! Here's how to make them and WOW your guests:

Ingredients:
1 cup natural smooth peanut butter
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons coconut flour
*optional: 1/2 cup Smartbran cereal (OKAY, you can also use Rice Krispies or something that tickles your fancy, but the buds add such a lovely crunch)
1 dark chocolate bar

Directions:
1. Mix together peanut butter and maple syrup with a spoon. Mix it well.
2. Add in coconut flour 1 tablespoon at a time. Honestly, you may need to add more or less. You want to be able to work with your dough and not have it stick to your hands. Add more if needed.
3. Add in cereal and mix again.
4. Chill dough for like 5 minutes to harden up a bit
5. Roll into balls and place on a parchment-lined baking tray. Then put the tray in the freezer until they are hard (15 mins).

Once they are hardened:
1. Melt chocolate bar on the stovetop on low heat
2. Take out the tray from freezer and (you may need to reshape your balls here now that they are harder), and dip them into the chocolate one at a time.
3. Place back on the baking tray, top with chopped nuts if you wish
4. Put back in the freezer to harden

SO SIMPLE! SO DELISH!

How to Set SMART Goals for 2020

Can you believe it?

2020 is almost here! If you're like me, you have your 2020 planner sitting on your desk just waiting to make things happen!

Today we're going to chat how to set amazing goals for 2020 without getting overwhelmed!

Because I really don't want you to get overwhelmed when you begin your goal setting. But this is something I do every year. I set my intentions. And I WRITE them down. It is kind of crazy to think back on my 2019 goals to what manifested. I wrote down "launch business doing what I love", "work with global beauty brands" and "get married". And guys... each one of those goals came true. I launched my business and grew it in such a short period of time to finally leave behind my 9-5. I worked with brands like L'Oreal Paris and Aveda creating content. And yes, I was already engaged, (LOL) but I more so meant marry and bond with my partner in newfound ways (which we did). So, give me a HECK YES if you are ready to level up in 2020! I'm going to share my goal planning tips, so you don't get overwhelmed, anxious, and maintain on the high vibe train!

 ⚡️STEP 1: Dream big
Here is where we start. I want you to have a brainstorm session and write down EVERYTHING you want to achieve in 2020. Nothing is too big! Write it all out. Get specific. "I want to travel to Paris." Get it out of your mind and on paper. So you can really see it.

 ⚡️STEP 2: Get real
Where are you / where have you been this year? This is where you get clear on what you accomplished this year (and what you didn't) I like to pull out my calendar and see what happened. What were my wins (and did I celebrate them)?! Tip: look through your IG feed, I hope you have posted them there! Analyze what you did to make those happen, and take note of what you were not able to do. Did you hire a coach to master your sales ability? Did you have a morning routine that helped you get there? Did you surround yourself with positive people that lifted you up, and separate yourself from the negative ones?

⚡️STEP 3: Narrow it down
Now let's hyper-focused and make it attainable. You do not want to set a crazy amount of goals and spread them out over a year just to become overwhelmed. Get specific on your personal goals and business goals and the ways you are going to measure them. I like to separate it by timeframes: Jan-March, April-June, July-September, October-December.

I.e. in January I will launch my coaching program to help female entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses.
I.e. from Jan-March I want to workout 3 x a week, then in April-June I want to work out 4 x week.

⚡️STEP 4: Plug in the steps each month Now that we decided on what we are going to do, plug-in those goals for the months. BUT WAIT. This is not enough. If you just write "launch blog" at the top of January, you're not actually mapping it out. So here is where I would turn to January and lay it out.

I.e.: SMART GOALS. What are the steps you need to take in January to launch the blog?
Maybe they are:
1. Decide on a name and aesthetic of the blog.
2. Create enough content for a month's worth of posts.
2. Sign up for Blogger, etc.
Now your one goal has been separated into attainable action steps. It's not overwhelming and you have clearly laid out the activities to move the needle. (moving the needle tasks, mean the ones that will get your higher to your goal i.e.: create content, not respond to emails.

⚡️STEP 5: Say it out loud I know what you're thinking... really? Do I have too? YES. Once you say it out loud and thank the universe (in advance of it happening) it is putting it out there and signaling the universe you are ready to receive. I wouldn't be saying this if it didn't work for me guys!

IMPORTANT! ** Don't forget to celebrate your wins! Share them! And don't get bogged down if your goals change if you realize they are not manageable. That is the beauty of this, they are YOURS.

It doesn't matter what anyone else's goals are. Do not get clouded. Stay true to yourself.

😱Want the scoop? One of my 2020 goals: well I mentioned in this email! Launch my coaching program and help female entrepreneurs go from content creators to business owners! YES. It is happening. I know I've been teasing it, but if you want to get first access to build and scale your business, find financial freedom, and properly create compelling content that sells, shoot me a reply, or DM.

 Babes, I can't wait to hear your goals!  Once we manifest them they become so much more real! Share some of your 2020 goals below or just shoot me a DM!

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Tips to Own it On Video

Plain and simple, everyone loves videos and they result in far more engagement than static posts. But, capturing your audience through video does not have to be difficult, scary or time-consuming!

Here are FIVE TIPS to OWN it on video:

🎥Showcase your BTS day.
Everyone loves seeing what you are working on, what you're eating or what your latest Winners fab find is! It's human nature. Plus this raw, real footage is less time consuming to put out there as you can do it on the go. Share it! I know it may seem difficult, but turning the camera around will allow your audience a sneak peek into who you are!

🎥Give quality content through weekly tips.
Make it a point to find a day that works and showcase weekly tips on your subject of expertise. This will create a sense of like and trust with your audience as they know they can constantly tune in to your new series.
BONUS TIP** batch shoot this!
If I'm feeling like I'm in the video mode, I will shoot a few tips on the same day (yes, I switch out my shirt to keep it interesting). I then save the videos and post them as I see fit. Ultimate efficiency!

🎥Ask for feedback.
Sometimes we need to be told what to do. If you want your audience to engage with you finish off the video asking for action! You can't say that no one is engaging with you if you are not even asking for it. The viewer will so quickly be on to the next without making it a point to stop and comment.
BONUS TIP** If you're doing an IG Live, make it a point to say "now double-tap the heart if you hear what I'm saying", or if you are posting to stories, add in a comment box or voting option.

🎥Keep it moving.
Attention spans are limited. Keep the camera moving even if you are shooting a static scene. You are in control of the camera! Get closer, move farther away. Really work it! Break up the scenes with different motions, and cut out the boring parts/transitional moments. There are so many great apps for video, try out InShot and VideoShop to speed up, flawlessly transition and add music!

🎥 Keep it short and sweet.
We've come back to the attention span point. The viewer needs to know exactly what they are going to get out of the video before they even watch it. You can give them insight into length by using numbers, i.e." my 3 tips for creating killer content are...", or providing the conclusion at the beginning "want to know how I got 500 viewers of my first post? listen up...".

**did you notice at the beginning of this post, I said the FIVE tips? That way you know exactly what you can get out of the post!

🎞NOW GO PRESS RECORD!

If your feeling shy about turning the camera around on yourself, take it slow! At least caption all your videos of your products so the viewers can still get an idea of what you're saying. This is a must-do for any videos! Most people watch with the sound OFF. Make sure they don't skip over by providing quality captions on the vid.

How to Start an Instagram Account from Scratch

 So you want to start an Instagram page for your side hustle/passion project/hobby/new biz but have no idea where to start. And on top of that, you’re probably thinking “I am way too late into the game”.

WRONG.

With over 7 billion users on Instagram, do you really think there isn’t someone out there that is looking for exactly what you have to offer or say?

You know what I’m going to say about opinions, but I’ll give you the PG version: opinions are like armpits, everyone has them and they usually stink.

It’s just fact that not everyone will love what you do, and that is totally okay. Criticism is never going to go away. Once you accept that not everyone will love it you automatically give yourself permission to be yourself and it’s easier to move on. Accept it and push on.

Now that we got that out of way. Let’s break down the FIVE tips to starting an Instagram account from the ground up:

1. BRAND VALUES

Before you can even post anything, let’s get your brand values and pillars in check. Here let’s decide who is your niche/your target followers, who are you speaking to? Really map out the exact person. Is she a new mom? Is she an entrepreneur? Is she an aspiring trainer?

You need to decide on your direction, your brand and how you want to portray yourself or your bizz online.

What are you going to emulate to your audience? How are you going to help? Maybe it’s overcoming mental health issues, or providing workout tips.

**Answer the q’s: What to do you offer? Who do you offer it to? Why do you do it?

2. OPTIMIZE YOUR BIO

Your bio is the first page your audience will see, so we need that first impression a good one! But first, how can we make sure it’s searchable, to begin with?

Here are the elements of a legit bio:

1.  Photo: Clear, eye-catching. Make it pop! Try having a photo with a bright coloured background as it will gain more attention than a regular photo just taken outdoors, or against a white wall. Alternatively, you can put your logo here.

2.  Name field: remember this is searchable so add in a keyword! As you can see with mine (below)  it reads “Social Media Stylist Gabriella”. That way when users are searching on Instagram “social media”, there is now a better chance I will pop up to my idea clients. So what do you do? Maybe it’s “One of a Kind Jewellery”, maybe it’s “Holistic Nutritionist”, maybe it’s “Toronto Hair Stylist”.

**Tip go check out some of your competitors and see what is in their bio!

3.  Description: Use this place to describe what your audience will get from you. It’s all in their transformation. Showcase your solution! I.e.: “We create exceptional cruelty-free skincare so you can look and feel your best!” You can also use this as a place to add a link to your website, or blog. Give them a place to get more! Etc. I love the Milkshake app as it creates a mini website within your bio.

3. PREPLAN FIRST 9 PHOTOS

Give people a reason to follow you! Think about yourself when you find a new page…You are so much more unlikely to follow any accounts with 1 or 2 photos. I like to give the feed a little bit of spice by creating a creative 9 grid. This will set the tone for your feed, provide a little bit of an intro into who you are and will also allow you the space to tell a story.

*Need help with creating a show-stopping 9 grid? DM me.

4. HASHTAG RESEARCH

Set out on the hashtag quest as I like to call it! Research some key hashtags in your niche. The sweet spot is usually under 1 million hashtags and above 10,000. That way your photo has a better chance of remaining in that hashtag group. Make a list of some relevant hashtags and save them in a note so you can go back to them and add to your photo. Also, follow some of the hashtags in your niche. This way, you may come up in the “recommended” or “relevant” searches.   

5. PUSH IT

Now you need to go viral with your new Instagram account. Tell a friend, link it on your other social media platforms. Add it to your website, Facebook groups, etc! Get your name out there and start searching out your ideal clients. If you are first starting out you will want to spend at least 20 minutes a day liking, following, commenting on your ideal clients pages, that way they see you! If you’re wondering how to find your clients, search location tags or hashtag groups.

Need a bit more clarification/help with any of the above? Just send me an email!

photography by: @lauraclarkephotos

How To Pre-Plan Your Month on Social Media

Oh hi, October! I barely saw you there. Creeping up on me. Like usual. It's a new month, which means you need a new plan. Something to get you on track and ready to have the best month digitally.

Here's what I want you to do to kick off this month is pure GG fashion.



Map out 1-3 goals.
What are your goals? This could be growth in subscribers, increase in sales, get 5 new clients... whatever it is to do with your business. I'm not talking about going to the gym every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday here... We're talking goals for social that will help you achieve your brand objectives. Write them out as they will become the guide for your month. Every post and move on social needs to be aligned with these goals.

What's on your radar for this month?
What is coming up for you? Halloween, the holidays, maybe you're prepping for Black Friday sales... Decide what content you need to put out in relation to these happenings. Are there any key hashtags you can jot down while you're at this for these events?

Decide on who you want to reach out to.
Are there any brands you want to pitch to? Are there any other accounts you wish you could work with? Now is the time to write them out. Collaboration is key to success and growth! List off a few of these accounts you've had your eyes on.



Now to brainstorm.
How to make it happen! The fun part! How are you going to achieve those goals, work with those companies and have an organized, successful month? Write down everything that comes to mind here, and go wild. Manifest it all.

Fill out the calendars.
Remember my free printables? Get on the monthly calendar and fill in the actual posts you are going to carry out to help you get there.

Don't forget-- is each post going to build up to ultimately get you closer to reach these goals?

Yes girl. You got this!

Need help with the tactics on reaching those goals? We can hash out a wicked, customized strategy just for you. Get at me! 



You're going to be so set up for success that you cannot be stopped.

How to Plan a Photoshoot

Nothing will take the place of an image of you.

No stock photography, no flat-lay, no re-post.

As a brand owner, online persona, or digital personality you need to be constantly refreshing your content and investing in high quality photography.

Why?

First impressions are everything. Your client/on looker/person of interest literally will decide how they feel about you within 10 seconds of viewing your profile.

Are you highlighting your true self? I hope so.

Photography is not only essential for social media but think about LinkedIn, headshots, your website, your sales pages, etc… You need to be showing up with an image of you to create likability and trust. If I go to a page and there is no image of a person I am skeptical. Immediately!

So how we can make it happen? Photoshoots!

I like to plan quarterly photoshoots to refresh content with the seasons and ensure I have enough images for a few months.

But what can you do before to make the process go as seamless as possible?

BEFORE THE SHOOT:

1. Find a photographer. Ask around. Look to hashtags on IG (#torontophotographer). I’m sure you have saved images of bloggers or influential people whose photos you admire. Check the tags, and find out who did them.
2. Get in touch and compare prices. Start thinking about how many hours you’d like to shoot, where you’d like to go if they edit the photos, the turn around time, etc. Keep track of your responses from different photographers and think about it. If one photographer charges a bit more but hands you a deck of completely edited photos, think of the time you're saving, and you're leaving it in the hands of the pros.
3. Decide on where you’d like to shoot. I love going to a studio or my home. There are so many amazing studios around that setup corners of the room in different aesthetics and have props on hand. It makes it so much easier! Plus you don’t have to worry about cleaning your house or the pile of laundry in the corner. (I shot these photos at OFT Studio in Burlington!)

PLAN IT OUT:

1. Decide on the look/vibe/aesthetic you are going for. Is this a summer shoot? Is this website photography? For my last photoshoot, I needed professional content that showcased me in a light that was professional, glam and sophisticated (my core GG values!). So I prepped outfits that fit this mold and were so me! Remember when you’re in a studio you have TIME, so bring ALL the outfits! 5-6 is a good number for 2 hours. Even if you’re just swapping out the blouse, or adding on a sweater. It provides more content and will last you so much longer!

TIP: Don’t go out and buy all new clothes! Look to what you have, mix and match and ask indie stores if they’d be interested in loaning the clothes in exchange for high-quality photos!

2. Pull out any props you may want. Is this a website photoshoot? Maybe you want your laptop, or your favourite book, or a chic pillow. Bring it all!

3. Pack your car the night before so you ensure you have nothing left behind. Get your shoes, clothes, props altogether.

4. Have fun! If you chose a photographer that you feel comfortable with (obvi you did) they will make you feel relaxed. Once you build a standing relationship with a photographer it will become so easy, and they may give you a discount!

5. Save your photos to Google Pictures or Dropbox so you have access on your computer and phone.

There you go! Easy peasy! How often do you plan photoshoots? I'd love to know some of your secrets!

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