I could sit on my computer reading blogs all. day. long. There is something about going through the archives of a blog or website I love (see: The Everygirl, Refinery 29, thegoldengirlblog.com, College Fashionista -- I could make an entire post on this!) and just taking all the content in.
However, there are most definitely stories I haven't seen and I would love to. (Please hire me, I will gladly research and write these pieces!) Here is just a sampling of those ideas.
1. The Mystery Disease That Affects 10% of Women
I've suffered from endometriosis since I was 15, and truthfully, it has been absolute hell. I have unbearable periods beyond what people generally think of as "unbearable" (I usually end up in a ball on my bathroom floor for hours the couple nights preceding my period), and when it starts to get really bad, I get the pain close to every day. The gastrointestinal issues, mental/emotional pain, severe pain with sex and the stress of the disease are merely just some extras. I have seen doctor after doctor and at 21 have already had 3 different surgeries to get rid of my endometriosis. The worst part about endometriosis, however, is the lack of research and awareness in the medical community, especially considering that 1/10 women is estimated to be struggling with endometriosis. (However, all of these women surely won't be diagnosed.) I would love to see a piece that just shares the stories of women with endometriosis. I imagine the piece starting with a brief explanation and maybe a few quotes from a medical specialist, but the bulk of the piece tells the stories of a couple different women who have been through it. The goal would be to not only educate women on endometriosis but to also show them they are not alone in this struggle.
2. The Black Owned Beauty Brands You Need To Try Now
Recently I have really been putting my wallet where my heart is. It's such a small act, but supporting brands and companies run by strong, women of color gives young black women all over someone to look up to who might be just like them. Not to mention, these brands are also just freaking awesome. Just to name a few: Juvia's Place, Pat McGrath Labs, Coloured Raine, Beauty Bakerie, Fenty Beauty, The Lip Bar and IMAN Cosmetics. (Bonus Points: Suva Beauty and Huda Beauty are both owned by Women of Color as well!) I believe this piece would work best in a list format with a little copy on the brand as well as a product recommendation from each.
3. How To Make An Instagram Worthy Turmeric Latte At Home
I am obsessed with turmeric!!! Not only is a turmeric latte delicious, the health benefits are impeccable. Also, it's very easy to make at home :) I'd love to see a piece that tells just a few of the benefits and goes straight into a tutorial on how to make it. This type of post would actually do really well as a video accompanied by a little text.
4. How Social Media Affects My Eating Disorder
How social media affects our brains is something that is discussed and studied a lot, particularly how it affects body image. As I'm in recovery for my eating disorder, I would love to see the stories of people who are also in recovery (I don't really believe you can be 100% recovered) and how they use social media. For example, I make sure to follow people of all sizes rather than just people who fit a "goal body." I unfollow people who post things that are triggering to me, that discuss unhealthy weight loss practices. Depending on where I am in my recovery process, I have to unfollow my favorite food accounts. Throughout my time in recovery, I have really curated who I follow and pay attention to online based on how they bring joy into my own life. I think that's a good lesson for us all, regardless of if you have an eating disorder, body image issues or all the confidence in the world.
5. What We're Splurging On During the Sephora VIB Sale
I am a self-proclaimed Sephora addict . . . However, my bank account really does not enjoy this. The VIB Sale (Starts April 20th and goes through the 23rd for Beauty Insiders!) is the perfect time to stock up on old favorites but also pick up some things you wouldn't normally splurge on without a discount. This year, I'm looking at the cult classic YSL Touche Eclat, Sol De Janeiro's Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, NudeStix's Bondi Bae stick bronzer and some of the HUM Nutrition supplements. I'd love to see something in a list format of what different readers and editors are interested in picking up.
6. Beauty Trends We WaNT TO Wear All Year Round
This could sort of translate to any season, but my main inspiration for this is the blotted lip trend of last spring/summer. I am so obsessed with that look (think the Glossier Generation G lipstick), and I honestly never wanna take it off.
7. The Secrets to A Gluten Free Period
I'm addicted to sugar. And no, not candy and brownies. I love me some carbs. It's embarrassing. However, as I get older (and eat more carbs), I'm realizing that gluten is just not agreeing so much with my body. Some days I wake up with hives after I eat a lot of it the day before, sometimes my face swells up and sometimes I just feel gross. I've been trying to start cooking some gluten free meals every now and then, but the hardest part has been when I'm on my period. All I want is pizza and pasta. This post would go over really well possibly as a slideshow, showing photos of the different recipes and linking to where they can be found.
8. Styling Vans
I never thought I'd be wearing Vans since my Warped Tour days, but they are everywhere. From the classic black and white Sk8's to checkered slip on's to Thrasher flames, Vans can entirely change the vibe of a fancier outfit into something more casual. (Personal favorite: Packing my Vans in my bag and chucking them on at the end of a work-day for a casual but smart happy hour look.)
9. Items You Need On Your Bathtub Caddy
I just recently got a bath caddy for Christmas, and it has changed my entire bath experience. Personally, I think you need a good book, candles and matches, a face mask, body scrub and of course, a glass (or two) of wine.
10. Transitioning from Intern to Entry-Level
I'm about to be a college senior, so the impending stress of getting a job is slowly making its way into my head. This post would be best as a longer form piece discussing how women have transitioned from that intern position to finding their first entry-level job post college and then maybe expand onto where they are now.