How to Get Out of a Creative Rut + Spark Inspiration

As an entrepreneur, it is normal to go through ruts and feel uninspired. When this happens I shut all my technology off for a good while and go back to square one and do things that make me happy and it always gets me fired up again! 

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As an entrepreneur, it's normal to go through a rut or feel uninspired. When this happens, I shut off all technology, just for a little while, and go back to square one. Doing things that make me happy will always get me fired up again! 

Every blogger has gone through a creative block at some point, and it is rough. I've had blocks that lasted a few weeks making me reevaluate my websites, blogs, and where I wanted to take them.  

I believe that everything happens for a reason. Usually, when I go through these blocks, I have an exciting new vision at the end. Technically, this makes the creative block worth it because I learn a few new things to better my business and myself as a writer and creative entrepreneur. 

Here are a few tips and pointers for helping your creative flow when you are feeling completely uninspired!  

Take time away from social media and your computer. When I feel uninspired, social media and our electronic devices pushing notifications and updates make my head feel even more cluttered. Take however long you can to close your computer and get some space from your phone. Read a book, watch that show on Netflix you've wanted to see (this time undistracted by scrolling and texts), go outside, or meet up with a friend. Do something to get your mind off of blogging/business. You will be surprised to find inspiration in the most unlikely places! 

Reevaluate EVERYTHING… What's working? What isn't working? These are the two vital questions to ask yourself when you have no idea what to do next. Take out a piece of paper and a pen, and go back to square one. What topics are the most rewarding for you to write? Maybe you need a brand redesign or to try a new layout. Take a step back to figure out what you should focus on that will be the most beneficial for you and your readers.  

Ask someone for their honest opinion. This is one of the most helpful things you can do. Getting an outside opinion, a pair of fresh eyes on a project will allow you to think outside the box, to see things from a new perspective, and you may even gain some good advice! 

How To Spark Inspiration

Change your screensaver and clean up your desktop.

Organizing my computer always makes my mind feel more clear. Changing my desktop background often helps me adjust my perspective and seek inspiration from a quote or a shiny, glittery gold backdrop! 

Read a magazine or book.

For me, fashion magazines always spark creativity. I have always loved fashion, and this business stemmed from my love of design and creativity. Browsing through fashion magazines and seeing all the different colors, textures, and patterns inspires my inner designer and always gives me new ideas for color palettes, images, and logos! 

Decorate something (planner, draw, write, paint)

My newest obsession has been planner decorating. It makes planning to-do list's so much fun, and it inspires you to get them done. Decorating my planner or simply doodling with my endless supply of pens and markers inspires my creative juices. There is something to be said for simplicity. 

I’ve also started painting which is currently becoming something that gives me so much joy. I have set up a little studio space in our spare bedroom with a little easel, paintbrushes, sketchbooks, gouache, and my creative heart couldn’t be happier to zone out.

Browse Pinterest

It may be a given, but whenever I am stuck with writing a blog post or on ideas for my business, I like to browse Pinterest to see what's trending and what my ideal audience is pinning. After having a little pinning sesh, I am always ready to pop out a blog post! 

Get out and do something fun!

Whenever I am in a rut, I always find getting out of the house and going to a cute coffee shop with a friend, on a city adventure, or just meeting up with someone who inspires me truly helps and gets me back on track! 


What are some fun ways you stay inspired and motivated?



Blogging 101: The Basics

Since I started my first blog in 2012 I have been asked multiple times how to start your own blog and have helped many people over the years with their blogs and brands. I have learned so much over the past 5 years and figured it would be the perfect time to share some beginner tips if you would like to start your own blog. 

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ver the years, my style and interests have changed but style and helping others has always been the root of my passion. 

THE BASICS

research, learn, research some more and never stop learning!

I pretty much learned everything by watching youtube videos, reading other blog posts, browsing Google and Pinterest for endless hours. It pays off trust me! 

choose a platform

I first started on Tumblr, then moved to Blogger (because it was free and this girl was on a very strict budget) since that was more appropriate for what I wanted in a blog and then I moved to Squarespace when 1. I found out that on Blogger you don't own your content and it could be taken down at any moments notice and I was taking no chances. I dove in head first to paying for a web service and haven't looked back since. I self-taught myself how to use it and it was extremely user friendly and easy to learn. If you would like an overview of why I chose Squarespace, let me know in the comments! 

chose a blog name

This is a vital aspect that you not only need to really think through but think about your name in the future and how you can grow with it. Make sure it's not just a trendy name or some crazy words that no one can pronounce or spell. Make it easy, reflect your style and be timeless!

choose social media channels 

If I could go back in time, the one thing I would do would be to make all my social media channels the same name. I can still do that, but at this point in time it's not only risky but I have come to appreciate having my twitter and instagram my own name so people get to know me better. Again, do your research and think about it you want your face to be the brand or if you strictly want it to just be your blog name. Choose the social media channels where your readers are! For me, twitter, Instagram and Facebook are my top 3 referrers so I tend to focus on those more since I know that is where my target audience is (more on this in the next Blogging 101 post!). 

create an email

I started off with an @ gmail account since it was free as I was just starting out and I really love the whole Google system. After a couple years I switched my email to info @ calijae.com since it not only looked more professional but allows people to know who and where their emails are coming from. 

Treat your blog like a brand!

Need help with branding? Check out my e-course below!


Top 5 Makeup Products

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These products are my ride or die items that I will continue to buy throughout the years. I have combo acne prone skin, so whatever doesn't aggravate my sensitive skin or eyes and works, I keep using! If it ain't broke, don't fix it ;)


Kevyn Aucoin Contour Powder in Medium

Man do those Sephora samples get you. I was lucky, and snagged a sample of this and have been obsessed ever since. In my opinion, you don't know contour unless you have tried this product. This is an extremely expensive product and I have heard that this Elf contour palette is a dupe so I will keep you guys updated on that. I have a hard time finding products that work with my skin and I not only use this for contouring but as an eyeshadow and the little sample has lasted me for quite some time so I highly recommend!

Carli Bybel Deluxe Eyeshadow + Highlighter Palette

My sister got this for me for my birthday this year and I almost cried…I kid you not. She knows how much I wanted that palette and I have been OBSESSED, to say the least. I really hope this palette sticks around because I may need to buy some backups, that is how AMAZING this product is. The formulas are so soft, easy to blend, rich pigment, and can we talk about how blinding those highlights are?! GLOW UP, GIRL! I always get compliments when wearing the eyeshadows or highlighters and love the versatility of the palette as well! Remember to always use eye makeup within its use-by date - this can be found on the packaging. It’s also a good idea to check in for an eye test at least once every two years. This will ensure that your eyes remain as healthy as possible and you can get frames from Eyeglasses.com if you require prescription lenses!

Jack Black Lip Balm in Black Tea + Blackberry

It only took about 25 years to find my perfect lip balm. It is super hydrating, has SPF to protect against the sun and I love how I can just wear this on its own and it looks great. It smells amazing, is thick enough to provide hydration and protection yet doesn't leave your lips feeling sticky or leaving that nasty white line!

Dr. Jart BB Cream 

I don't even know where to start with this one. This is my holy grail face product for sure. My face is so sensitive and will break out from anything. I love how this combines both skincare and makeup so you get great coverage while protecting skin and treating it. I love using this day to day and love wearing this to the beach or pool during the summer!

Marc Jacobs Gel Eyeliner in Black 

Again with the Sephora samples..brilliant marketing strategy..well done Sephora..well done. I have been on the hunt for an eyeliner that doesn't budge (or make me look like a raccoon), stays in my waterline, and has great pigment and this takes the cake. It is so creamy and stays in my waterline (I swear I have the runniest eyes). It is super pigmented and now I want more colors! I have my eyes on that white! 


What is one of your holy grail makeup items? Let me know in a comment below!



* This post contains affiliate links, meaning that if you decide to purchase through those links, I may make a small commission off that purchase. This is at no extra cost to you, but helps support this blog. I only share products that I am passionate about, truly love and recommend to loved ones. As always, all my opinions are my own.*