MERAK

I recently downloaded this app which tells me something about my Instagram analytics. 

What I’ve learned so far with this app is that the average quantity of likes in 40 posts is 30.05, which is low but I don´t really post that much.

Most of my followers are friends and acquaintances from my hometown, but there are also some foreigners following me.

The picture with most likes is one that’s been posted on a sunday afternoon, so I guess that would be the better time to upload photos. Plus, it was a picture where I was present, not a quote or artsy photo.

In conclusion, the best time to post is on sundays at afternoon and mostly pictures where I’m shown.

An important thing to keep in mind when you wantd to sell something or start a business is the production costs. These include the cost of materials, manufacture, profit and others. 

For example, if I decided to produce this keyholder I invented, I would first have to calculate what I spent and then add the wanted profit.

So here’s an example of how I calculated my cost per unity:

If I wanted to start selling this keyholder in mass, then I would have to reduce my costs. An example of how I reduced mine:

The saying "everything is relative" makes a lot of sense in several aspects.

 We question our right size in some garments many times; it is normal, and it is what happens in all countries, with all brands.

 Because I concentrated on testing this point, I went through several clothing stores where I decided to compare the sizes that fit me well - in jean's skirts.

 Piece of Cake was the first store I got in to. Usually I'm size M (medium) so of course I grabbed a skirt this size. However, -to my surprise- the skirt was hanging loose, which is weird because I own shorts from there that are size M, and they fit me well.

Next I went to this store called Daniel Cassin (very popular where I live), and tried on the only jean skirt that was available. This one was in a size S (small) and seem really tiny so I thought it was not going to go through my ass. Turns out, it did. I struggled a little with the buttons but IT FIT! YAY!

After that, I went to this retail store called Nueva Americana, and tried on two different brands.

The first one was my favorite amongst all the skirts I've tried, it was a size M and fit perfectly. The second, on the other hand, was a little too loose in my waist, but not as much as the skirt from Piece of Cake tough.

The ParsonsxTeen Vogue Certificate Program made me remember how much I love fashion. And by love, I mean that I really feel excited and passionate about it. This picture is actually part of one of the “assignments” given.

If you're into fashion, you should participate in this program. I can tell you it is worth it and definitely pushes your boundaries, all while building a portfolio.

I’m trying to switch my skincare routine to a green one. I have sensitive skin that is also oily, but I can’t seem to find the perfect brands to try.

I’ve read wonderful things about Acure, Trader Joe’s skincare products, Osea, Alba Botanica and others.

GOOD MORNING READERS! 

I’ve been wanting to switch the products I use for some that are cruelty-free or even vegan, which is hard to find in my hometown given that only few people are conscious about the damage done to animals.

In case you ignore this subject, let me introduce you to a truth many people should be aware of.

According to Cruelty Free International  “an animal test is any scientific experiment or test in which a live animal is forced to undergo something that is likely to cause them pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm”. These tests include exposing animals to radiation, forcing animals to inhale toxic gases or even  surgically removing animals’ organs or tissues, among others.

With that being said, you need to know THERE ARE alternatives to animal testing, and often thery are cheaper and quicker. Some of them are: cell cultures, the use of human tissues and volunteer studies.  However, for some reason (I read it is just for conservatism) scientists keep using traditional methods to test their products, which wouldn’t be a bother at all if “traditional” didn’t harm any living being. 

I believe that in some circumstances what worked in the past may not be the best option in the present. Thanks to knowledge, processes and materials are improved every year so we can avoid unwanted consequences plus aim to develop alternatives that take into account social responsabilities which includes the environment.

If you want to know which brands are cruelty-free and which aren’t, visit Cruelty Free Kitty. Maybe you’ll start with little changes like a new shampoo or a lip balm, but keep in mind that even with that you are making a difference, an impact.

Dulce de leche is definetly one of my FAVORITE foods. 

In Paraguay (where I live) dulce de leche is the equivalent to peanut butter or nutella in other countries. 

Perhaps every person with a sweet tooth enjoys eating it. It makes you feel like everything is right in the dessert or merienda that contains it, plus it’s a MUST in birthday cakes:  it’s not a birthday cake unless it has some dulce de leche inside. 

Everytime I eat an alfajor or medialuna with dulce de leche I thank Argentina for creating it, or maybe Chile (the origin is uncertain) because THAT’S HOW GOOD IT IS. Honestly, I prefer dulce de leche over nutella, but maybe that’s just me.