Peanut Butter Fingers

• How did you get in to freelance writing?

I discuss my transition into freelance writing, pitching story ideas to magazines and local publications and more in this post: Freelance Writing 101.

• What took you from Illinois to Florida? And do you miss the Midwest?

My family and I moved to Florida from Palatine, Illinois after I graduated high school in 2003 because my dad accepted a job in St. Petersburg.

I really miss certain aspects of the Midwest. I think there’s something to be said for “Midwestern values” and, generally speaking, I feel a genuine warmth from people who come from the Midwest. I do not miss the weather (except on Christmas).

• What are your favorite clothing stores?

My favorite stores are J.Crew, Banana Republic, Off 5th (Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet), Marshalls and T.J. Maxx. Now that I live in Ocala (far away from most decent shopping!), I do a lot of my shopping online. My favorite websites for online shopping are RueLaLa and Hautelook.

• What is your skin care routine?

I wash my face with Clean & Clear morning burst shine control facial cleanser in the shower every morning and use Clean & Clear oil-free dual action moisturizer right afterward, otherwise my skin is tiiiiight.

• What kind of makeup do you wear?

Click here for my makeup routine.

• How do you do your hair?

I have the thinnest hair in the world and have always considered myself hair-styling inept. I’m assuming this question refers to the times I curl my hair (since straightening is a pretty self-explanatory process), so I’ll point you to this video tutorial I created on how to curl your hair with a straightener.

• Do you color your hair or is it natural? How do you get it cut and how often?

It is natural. I have never colored my hair and I get it cut at Great Clips when I get their $5.99 coupon in the mail. My hair cut is hard to mess up because I just get it trimmed every time! I ask them to cut about a half of an inch off every two months, and angle it a bit in the front.

• What shampoo/conditioner do you use?

I use Marc Anthony Instantly Thick shampoo and conditioner and I buy it at Ulta. I have the thinnest hair in the world and it’s the only shampoo and conditioner I’ve used that actually seems to make it a little thicker.

• What sorority were you in?

I was a Kappa Delta at the University of Central Florida.

• How many hours of sleep do you get each night? When do you go to bed and wakeup? Where do you get all of your energy?

I typically wake up at 5 a.m. on weekdays and am in bed by 10 p.m. I work out first thing in the morning and eat constantly throughout the day (six mini-meals) which I think really helps keep me feeling energetic throughout the day. Click here to see my morning routine.