Allow me to be transparent.
I’m calling this a “gift guide” but here’s what happened: My husband asked me to make a list of things I wanted for Christmas, and I needed a blog post for today because the one I’d originally planned didn’t work out. So…today I’m sharing with you things from my holiday wish list that I think other women writers, lady bloggers and girl bosses would also enjoy.
Blog Planners
Maya Angelou once said, “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” One way bloggers can achieve their goals for 2016 is with a good blog planner. I’ve got my eyes on The Badass Blog Planner by Sarah Morgan of xoSarah.com (also pictured above). It’s packed with over 60 worksheets to help you improve your content and your social media marketing and to help you with everything from your email newsletter to product launches.
Workbooks for Writers
GG Renee Hill of the blog All the Many Layers has created a workbook with women writers in mind. Through creative exercises, writing prompts, and coloring pages, the Writing the Layers workbook will guide you through a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
Sephora Gift Card
You’re probably thinking that a Sephora gift card has nothing to do with writing, blogging, or running a business, but you’re wrong. Whether you’re doing a Periscope broadcast, hosting an event to promote your book or blog, or heading to a business meeting to make a deal, you need to keep that face beat and that makeup on fleek! (In case you’re not a high school teacher like I am and don’t spend all your time with teenagers, that just means your makeup should look nice). I’m almost out of my favorite lip color and eye shadow primer, so a trip to Sephora is definitely in order.
Books, Books, and More Books
One of the best ways to become a better writer is to read good writing, so my “Books to Read” list is massive. Books on that list include Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes, Why Not Me? by Mindy Kailing, and The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl by Issa Rae. As a blogger and essayist who hopes to one day turn her own story into a book, it’s important that I read good memoirs. I also love reading books on women in business. Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In and Sophia Amorusa’s #GirlBoss are two of my favorites and this winter I’m hoping to read Miss Jessie’s: Creating a Successful Business from Scratch — Naturally by Miko Branch.
Designer Fragrance
In 2016 ‘ll be working on revamping my signature e-course, Lady Blogger to Boss Lady. A girl boss also needs a signature scent! Currently, my signature scent is Jessica Simpson’s Fancy Love, but the other day I actually followed a woman around Belk to find out what fragrance she was wearing because she smelled so good. The fragrance was Lancome’s La Vie Est Belle. So I’d be quite happy to find this in my Christmas stocking.
What’s on your holiday wish list?