Don't Mix In

Wondering how to monetize your blog with affiliate marketing? Here are five quick tips on how to use affiliate marketing for your blog today.

A maxi dress is a spring and summer staple. Here are some styles that will definitely turn heads when you walk into the room.

Not sure what to wear during this in-between season? Here are five spring transition casual outfits that you’ll want to wear again and again.

Wondering if you should wear hot pink this spring but not sure? I got some reasons why this is the color to rock this season and how.

Want to elevate your life? I got you! Learn why Emotional Regulation is the jam. Also, learn some easy ways to build this skill.

Are you a curvy girl nervous about working out? I got you! Here are five curvy girl fitness tips to rock your next workout.

Bodysuits are a closet essential. A curvy girl must have in my book! Here are my fave bodysuits from Amazon that you will love too.

Wondering if having a morning routine is worth it? It is! It's been two years since I started mine, and here is what I have learned.

Still trying to decide what to wear on these colder days? Try a colorful cozy cable knit sweater, a winter style essential from Amazon.

Corset tops are everywhere you look right now and I am so into it. Here are some ways to rock this on trend item. 

I fully embrace being Afro-Latina despite having to deal with being misunderstood. I find it (and being different) to be gift. 

You don’t want to leave your job but you wonder about starting a side hustle  Here is how to figure out a side gig that you can monetize.

If you are an adult, you probably experienced some changes in your friendships. It is hard. We got into why that is and what to do about it.

Have you been thinking about getting a personal trainer? Daniel Bernal joined me to talk about what to look for when seeking a trainer. 

A white dress when done right is phenomenal! However, when done wrong, it is a disaster. Here are tips to get the right white dress for you.

You may think that you can’t wear a crop top for a variety of reasons. You can wear one! Here are my tips on how to rock a crop top.

It's hard to find a strapless bra for curves that works (and doesn't hurt). I think I found the best one ever! Here is my go to strapless. 

Street style is everywhere! You want to try it out, but you don’t want to look silly, right? Here are tips to pull this look off! 

You are not sure about Over The Knee (OTK) boots? Well, I wasn’t either until I tried them.  

No photographer? No problem! Here is how you can create content on your own for your blog or social media. No Instagram boyfriend needed.

Livestream Shopping is showing up everywhere. It’s a fun way to share and monetize your style finds. I’m sharing my tips on how to start your own live. 

The Shacket! Who knew that my brother’s flannel from the 90s would be trending. Here is why I am so into this item!  

Powder blue is one of those colors we forget about. It’s not the usual winter palette. You will be hooked once you try this fresh shade. 

The pencil skirt is a timeless item. However, it's easy to look old-fashioned with this skirt. Here are fresh ways to wear this classic. 

Not all Little Black Dresses (LBD) are created equal. Some are just blah. I found one that I absolutely love! Here is what I look for when shopping for an LBD.  

A catsuit is not something I thought I could pull off! I was wrong and now it is one of my favorite items. Here is how to style it! 

"You are so confident" is what I hear often. The assumption is that I shouldn't be confident. Here's how I gained my confidence with curves! 

It is the perfect time to start a blog. It can take some time but it is so worth it. Here are the reasons to launch (or relaunch) your blog. 

I'm so into Bodycon dresses right now. You may think that you can't pull this off. I didn't think I could either until I followed these tips. 

Working out and going to the gym. We need physical activity but it is so hard to do it! I got some tips to go from hating to loving the gym. 

Thriving through life's challenges and living fully takes intention and a bit of rebellion. Jeanelly Concepcion, from The Fashion Lotus, is doing that and doing it with style! Listen in to this one! 

Food can nourish us physically and mentally. Then, let's add some fashion and fitness. I got to have a conversation about the three Fs -Food, Fashion, and Fitness with Talicia Jackson from Foodie with a Fro. This is a fun one!  

Episode 100!!! I decided to create a morning routine that I love. Also, I have been able to keep it up. Here is what I did to sustain it. 

Finding a swimsuit for Midsize and Curves is a task! Luckily, after procrastinating, I found some that I like! 

Summer is the time to wear fun prints, styles, and colors! I rounded up my summer must haves to make the most of the warmer days.

Although mental health awareness was in May, it is a topic that warrants attention every month! I got an opportunity to have a conversation on an Instagram Live regarding all things mental health with Jeanelly Concepcion, from The Fashion Lotus.  

Brown doesn't need to stay in your closet until fall. You can wear it in the summer too. Here are some ways to wear brown.  

Although creating a vintage look is fun, it can be expensive. I got some tips to create a Mad Men worthy look without breaking the bank. 

One way to work smarter when it comes to creating is to repurpose content. Here are the ways I make the most of my blog content! 

There are books that I always recommend. I did an Instagram Live to talk about my favorite reads. Here are the books that I have gained so much value from that are worth sharing! 

I obsessed about being under a size 10 for years. I had clothes I was saving for when I was “smaller”. I got over that and embraced being midsize.

If you're an influencer, you've heard of Brittany Hennessy, the author of Influencer: Building Your Personal Brand in the Age of Social Media. We chatted about influencing and why influencer isn't a bad word. Get a notepad and pen. You are going to want to take notes.   

Trends come and go. Some work for me, some don't! At the same time, you never know what trend will work for you. I got three questions I ask myself before I jump on a trend. This is a Instagram Live video that I shot.   

If you've read a piece on plus size fashion, Gianluca Russo probably wrote it. Not only is he writing about the plus size community, Gianluca created a community, The Power of Plus. I got to chat with him about his upcoming book, his passion for giving the plus size community a voice, and his own story. Get comfortable, this is a good one!  

Have you hesitated to wear a bathing suit? What about this one, have you struggled with embracing your body the way it is? I got to spend some time with Carly Anderson from Lip Gloss and Crayons to talk about self love and how she used this year, to be a year of opportunity.  

It’s been a year since I started shopping at Fashion Nova. There are some items I keep buying. Here is a round up of my fave items! Before you roll your eyes and say, “Fashion Nova is not for me because..” fill in the blank ___ I’m too old, too big, to preppy, or whatever. Hear me out! I felt the same way until I tried it.  

It's been a year since the start of the pandemic. While we were all absorbing this news, Professor Rosalyn Kahn was gathering stories of inspiration to create a book, A Message for Tomorrow's Leaders.  I got to sit down with Rosalyn to talk about her book and her personal story that is equally inspiring. Rosalyn's gift for listeners: http://rosalynkahn.com/bekind/  

There is nothing like an item that not only looks good but also FEELS amazing. I got some items for Spanx that do both. These items were gifted from Spanx. You know that all opinions are my own. 

Flare jeans are back and I am so here for it! Here are some ways to style these jeans. Also what to look for when buying a pair. 

A tulle skirt isn’t just for Carrie Bradshaw. You can wear one too. Here is how I style this whimsical skirt.  

Some define self-care as a luxury that includes long bubble baths. Actually, self-care can be done in little moments throughout the day.  

I would keep an eye out for a leather jacket to add to my closet every fall and winter. One that I will get a lot of use out of and will be easy to throw on. There are certain pieces you want to invest in like a leather jacket. I found one that I have had for years now. Here’s what to look for to find a leather jacket you’ll love.  

Loungewear is a balance between feeling comfortable and staying warm. Additionally, the pieces need to be affordable. Here are items to lounge around in and still feel put together! 

Do you love the color yellow but don't know how to wear it with your skin tone? I got some ideas on how you can rock this vibrant color! 

Difficult conversations, difficult people. Everyone deals with challenging interactions. Here are some tips to get through these situations. 

I've been blogging since 2014 and it still brings me joy. I have some tips on how to create content consistently and still enjoy blogging! 

Setting boundaries can be hard especially as an Introvert. We get into tips for Introverts (and everyone else) to set limits in relationships. 

The holidays were already emotionally charged. Now add an unexpected event like a pandemic. Here are tips to thrive through the holidays in your own way.  

Deciding to pursue a graduate degree is a commitment.  I just finished earning my doctorate. I got some tips on how to thrive through it.  

The election is almost here. I talked to Dr. Vanessa Tyson about the issues that impact women and everyone else. Listen in, this is a good one.  

There's one color that been into more lately- Navy Blue! It is timeless, versatile, and can give black and run for its money. This is a quick episode about some ways to wear navy blue.   

What you put into counseling is what you will get out of it. There are a fews ways to maximize your therapy sessions.

Blogging can you feel like you’re talking to no one. You want your posts to be meaningful to your readers. Here are tips to crafting posts your readers will love! 

We're told to avoid negative thinking. Thinking about what can go wrong won't help. Actually, negative thinking can help achieve your goals. Yeah, I said it. Lissette, my sister, and I get into the concept of mental contrasting and how it can assist us in getting what we desire.  Listen in and tell me what you think! 

Women are told that "adulting" should look a certain way. We need to have kids to be of value. But, there are different ways to be an adult. In this episode, we get into how we don't need to be defined by having children to be seen. This is a good one! 

There are so many different ways to wear Retro styles. I've found some styles that always make me feel dynamite.  I get into all things Retro in this episode! 

Last spring was tough! Some things I did worked. Some didn’t. Here’s my back to school plan. 

I’ve been keeping up blogging for awhile now. There are a few free tools I use to create while managing other responsibilities.  

Introverts and Extroverts are familiar categories. But, these labels are often misunderstood.  We get into all of this and how being an Introvert can be a strength. 

This episode topic isn't my area of expertise. I talk to Lissette, my sister and world traveler, about how she plans trips and about traveling as a BIPOC woman. Although we can't travel that much right now, we can dream, right? Pack your bags..this is a fun one.   

I started blogging to have something just for me. A space to express myself. Now, four years later, my blog is more than that. I’m talking about why I’m still blogging and creating. And, how the process generates the joy.  

Stress and trauma can significantly impact our lives. Dr.Regalena Melrose shares how trauma affects the brain and body as well as tools to live a more joyful life. 

Curly hair! If you have it you know that styling it is a whole thing. My sister, Lissette, and I have been wearing our hair curly exclusively for 20 plus years. This is before there were so many lines of curly hair products existed . We talk about our trials and errors in “Episode 60: Curls for the Girls- Our Curly Hair Routines” of the Don’t Mix In Podcast . We get into our curly hair routine and some interesting (actually pretty awful) curly hair experiences we’ve had.  

My summer style has evolved over the years in some ways. I'm going back to some warm weather basics. And, trying a few items that I thought were off-limits. Because if we aren't wearing what we want, what's the point?  

It’s well known that there is a stigma attached to accessing mental health in the Black community. We can even say that this is true for the BIPOC community. One way to combat this is through increasing awareness. In Episode 58, we get to talk to Dr.Brandon Gamble, the Dean at Oakwood University. Dr.Gamble, an educational psychologist, has worked to develop the leadership capacity of Black youth, specifically males, for decades. We talk about the value of developing safe spaces for youth to foster decision making. 

Being an ally for LGBTQ+ Youth is something we need to talk about every month, not just in June. Although I've been a school psychologist for two decades,  I'm not an expert in serving the LGBTQ+ Youth community.  So, I figured we should hear from someone who has done extensive work with our youth.  I interviewed Cynthia "Cindy" L. Ficken, MFT, LPCC in Episode 57 of the Don't Mix In Podcast.  We got into how to be an Ally to our LGBTQ+ Youth. Cindy specializes in children, teens and their families through her work with schools and in private practice. She also has experience working at a psychiatric hospital.  This is a good one! 

Aging: We all have to deal with it and there is so much associated with it.  It's my birthday, so I thought this was the perfect time to reflect on the concept of aging. My sister and I had a conversation for Episode 56 of the Don't Mix In Podcast.  

Alright let’s talk about swimsuits. I feel like buying a swimsuit that fits is like a second cousin to the search for jeans. When the fit is on point you feel like a million bucks! When the fit is off you want to cover up or just put on leggings.  This episode is based on the blog post, You Can Wear a Swimsuit This Summer. 

"What are you?" is a question that my sister and I have been asked multiple times. This usually occurs when the person hears our surname or when we speak Spanish.  We are Black and Latina at the same time with immigrant parents from the Dominican Republic. This isn't special. However, there was less representation growing up in the greater Los Angeles area in 1980s and 90s. The West Coast had very little Dominicans, at least in our area there were very few. So, our family was a bit of an anomaly in our neighborhood.  I thought it would be interesting to interview my sister to discuss our experiences as Afro-Latinas on the West Coast, in Los Angeles. These are our experiences.  

I’ve made some changes on a personal level and on the blog since my last post! There’s so much to talk about. I’m going to share my take on how I shop for my shape online. Also, more importantly, I will discuss how I’m incorporating new content in addition to style. 

The gym is better when you like what you are wearing. I talk about the items I scooped up to make the gym more enjoyable. 

Before you decide leather leggings won’t work for you, hang on. I say rethink how you style them and watch how fun they can be!  

Polka dots are one of those prints that can be worn all year. It’s classic print that’s versatile too. Here are the polka dot dresses I’ve picked up lately. 

A bodysuit is not what I usually wear. Let’s be honest. However, I just got a couple and I’m so glad I did! 

Houndstooth is a bold print that can be intimidating. Instead, think of it as the perfect palette for a pop of color. I got two ways you can style a Houndstooth coat. 

It’s closet clean out time. So it’s the perfect time to decide what to keep and what to let go. Here are the items that I have hung onto for years! And, I actually wear them. 

Although it will be winter in a minute, I’m still going to wear color. Wearing color can instantly boost your mood. Plus, it’s just fun to rebel a bit from the expected winter colors, right?  

A velvet blazer is one of those pieces that immediately reminds me of winter. Don’t let the fancy velvet fabric intimidate you. A velvet blazer, like a tulle skirt, is the item you didn’t know that you needed. I got two ways you can wear it.  

Read more about this episode on LivByViv.com at https://livbyviv.com/styling-a-velvet-blazer/

Your mood can dictate not only how you feel but also what you wear. There’s a holiday event and you don’t feel like wearing a basic dress. I got you! Here are some looks to match your mood. Bonus – they’re on a budget too.  

The Don’t Mix In podcast is over a year old! It has been one of my favorite ways to create content. I get questions on how I started podcast. Spoiler alert: it is pretty simple and inexpensive because you know.. I am on a budget!  

Here’s the issue – I like the look of a pencil skirt. But, some don’t work. The fit needs to be right. So when I find one that works, I buy more than one!  

I go with bold prints every now and then. There are a few questions I ask myself when I’m considering a print that’s more adventurous than my usual items. Here’s how to find bold prints you will wear.  

Solid, high quality basics are the building blocks of your wardrobe. Am I right? In this episode, I’m talking about one basic, the button up shirt.  

There are styles that I am continually drawn to and buy repeatedly. One of those styles is a tie neck top! Hear more about why I buy tie neck tops and dresses pretty much every year.  

Even though thrifting takes time, there are ways to make sure your trip is efficient as possible. It’s been a about a year since I got into thrifting. I’ve learned a few things during that time!  

Episode 35: How to Wear More Color Once you start to wear more color, it's hard to go back. However, it is a balancing act. There are few ways to incorporate color and still look chic. I got some ideas on how to do that!  

I am all about items that can be worn in different ways. Finding items that match your lifestyle, right? A tank top dress is one of those items. Listen in as I get into how come I like this dress along with some style ideas. Also, hear about why I think you should worry less about how your arms look! 

A few years back, I had a green dress that I absolutely loved! It was a Kelly Green color just like this top and dress. I don't own a lot of items in this color. However, when I do, I wear them over and over again. 

Summer means all kinds of cute bags, am I right? One item I am into lately are purses. I am loving how a rattan bag can elevate an outfit. 

Workwear for Summer can be tricky. It’s super hot but you can’t show up to work in shorts & flip flops (really, you shouldn’t!!). So, I rounded up some Summer Workwear Tips.

When it comes to styles of dresses, wrap style is the one I wear the most. In fact, it’s the style that I feature most frequently on the blog. This episode gets into the wrap style dress and how to wear it.  

Shorts can be a bit tricky. I found a couple that I really like. So, I’m sharing my tips on what to look for when buying a pair.  

A Denim Jacket is a closet essential in my book. There are so many different ways to wear this wardrobe staple! In this episode, I got some help from some of my fave bloggers to show you how you can wear your Denim Jacket.  

Jumpsuits are showing up everywhere as summer fast approaches. They can be an easy and fun alternative to a dress. However, finding the right one for curves can be a challenge. So, I rounded up some tips for you! In this episode, I talk about some tips to help you decide if that jumpsuit should go home with you.  

If you know me or have been following me you know that I shop at Target quite a bit! Most of my outfits are from there. So, I rounded up some of my tips to get what you want at Target. In this episode, I talk about my tips on how to get what you want from Target.  

Although I have been using eSalon hair color for some time, I just recently went to their Color Studio for the first time! Here is a review of my visit. In this episode, I talk about my trip to the Color Studio and why I still use eSalon.  

It is officially dress season (my favorite season!!). This is also when we attend outdoor parties, graduations, or showers. That means that you need to have a dress ready to go. I found one, this maxi dress. In this episode, I talk about how to make sure you don’t pass up the right dress (that shows up at the wrong time).  

Every year, I pick up a couple of gingham pieces. I love the classic feel of gingham. It’s a print that reminds me of Spring and Summer. In this episode, I talk about a couple of gingham styles you need.  

Spring is here but it doesn't feel like it, right? The weather is a bit unpredictable so you can't put away all of your winter items just yet. Here are some ideas for this in-the-meantime in-between-time! Alright, so, in this episode, I gathered up a few tips to take you through this cusp of winter and spring.  

My FAVORITE FINDS Spring Edition just came out. Think color & dresses all on a BUDGET! It’s my newsletter for you with links to my fave items that either A. I haven’t gotten to Blog about (sometimes it’s hard to get my act together) or B. I love them but I won’t be putting them on the Blog. In this episode, hear about that items I rounded up that can work for weekend & work. Sooooo... why let good stuff that I already tried on and bought go to waste?! Are in you in?  

Once you find a thrifted piece you love, then you need to be able to style your item.  Now, buying a thrifting item is one thing. Styling that item with what you own is another. The key is to not look like you are wearing something thrifted. Instead, you want it to look interesting and unique.   

Besides, comfort, versatility is one of the main things that I look for in an item. Wear it over and over again. Although I love red, blue is a color that I wear as well.  As we head into spring, pieces that can worn in different ways become key. So, I partnered up with London Times and got this dress styled three ways.   

One trend that I have been so into is white boots. There are so many ways to wear a pair. Get ready to be inspired! 

One color combination that I wear quite a bit is black and white. Although I love to wear color, I am constantly drawn to black and white. This color pairing is my favorite!  

One style that I always go back to are A-Line skirts. I love this skirt style for a variety of reasons. It can be worn year-round by just changing up how you style it. 

Floral prints are usually just for Spring. Although we got a few weeks until Spring, there are ways to wear floral prints in the Winter. With just a few tweaks, you can wear these prints now.  

I talk a lot about the items I get that are on a budget. However, before I can shop, I need money to actually have a budget, right?  In this episode, I am going get into my experience and how I make money by selling on Poshmark.  

Animal Print is always such a fun print! However, not all animal prints are created equal. So, for this episode, I rounded up some of my tips for finding the right pieces with this print. Then, I talk about styling animal print, all while on a budget.  

I’m so into turtlenecks lately. It’s been my favorite basic this month! I used to think that I couldn’t wear turtlenecks because I was “too big”. Since then, I had gotten more comfortable wearing them (and ignored that negative feedback in my head). However, I still wouldn’t wear them as a top - until this year.   

I love the holiday season but not the pressure that comes along with it! So, I rounded up my tips (you know that I like tips) to avoid stress during the holidays along with some fun holiday outfits. I partnered up with Dress Barn for a couple holiday looks. 

Episode 11: Holiday Style on a Budget The holidays are that one time a year that I feel that I can play dress up. Here is the problem, I love the holiday season but I don't want to dress like a Christmas present! So, I’m sharing what I like to put together for some holiday style on a budget. 

Although I like the idea of layering, it can add volume to my outfit. Volume belongs in our hair, not our outfit, right? Anyway, I wanted to share my take on layering for curves.  

Do you ever have something that you are so into that’s in your closet? I am starting a new series of episodes, what’s “trending in my closet”. It’s not about trends dictating what I wear. Instead, it is what I’m into lately. Right now it’s pencil skirts! Hear about how I am styling a pencil skirt and my criteria for finding the right one.  

I had a problem every Fall. I would get swept up in the fall fashion hype and buy some things I wasn’t going to wear all that much. Hear about what I decided to do differently this time.  

Shopping for my size used to be so frustrating. I would fixate on the size on the tag instead of fit. I would buy and hope that I would fit into an item. In this episode of Don’t Mix In, I’m talking about how I arrived at shopping for my size and ultimately accepting myself.  

Before I started blogging, I used to shy away from wearing red. I thought it was too bold, too much, too loud for curves. In this episode of Don’t Mix In, I’m talking about how I now wear red in different ways.  

Finding the right blazer can be a challenge when you have curves! In this episode of Don’t Mix In, I'm sharing my Three Tips for Finding the Right Blazer.  

Trying to squeeze blogging into your busy life can be a challenge. Especially if you have other goals you want to achieve. In this episode of Don’t Mix In, I'm sharing my tips on making time to blog or create. This is after a year of adding graduate school to my plate! 

I've been blogging for a few years and have loved this little journey! So I figured I should write a post about it. Blogging has taught me about myself and how we can be more than just our roles. We can be more than what other expect. In this episode of Don’t Mix In, I'm sharing insights related to my blogging experience and individuality. Plus, how people still give me that puzzled look and I’m ok with that.  

It's been awhile since I did any thrifting! High school to be exact. Hear what happened when I tried it as an adult (with curves). Also, I got some tips for making thrifting more efficient.  

Join me as I talk about how to avoid buying items you won’t wear.