Advice From Two TwentySomethings | NYC - LDN

Advice From Two TwentySomethings | NYC - LDN

I first stumbled across Amanda’s blog Advice From A Twenty Something a little over a year ago. I immediately connected with Amanda’s musings on life as a young woman, and the smart guidance Amanda shares on topics ranging from personal style, careers and interiors. We struck up an e-mail friendship and finally met in person in NYC when Ols and I were over a few weeks ago. It was SO nice to get to know each other better over coffee, and I can’t wait till one of us is again in the others’ city. 

Hiding from a rainy day in NYC!

Amanda and I share many similarities - age, blogging, ambitions . . . a love of great knitwear . . . ! But we also have had very different paths en route to getting where we are today. With this in mind, Amanda and I decided to interview one another on the lessons we have learnt so far as a Twenty Somethings. Here you can see Amanda’s answers to my interview with her, and you can head over the Amanda’s blog to see mine!

I hope you enjoy!

Name: Amanda Holstein

Age: 26

Occupation: Freelance Blogger & Content Marketer

City & Country of Residence: New York, NY USA

College/University Degree: Bachelors in Psychology from Emory University

MB: You recently moved to New York from San Francisco, how are you finding NYC compares to SF so far? 

It’s certainly a change of scenery, but I sort of knew what I was getting myself into since I grew up in the suburbs of NYC. I love how there’s always something new going on here and you never go to the same place twice. I do miss the beautiful scenery, better weather, and of course my friends back in San Francisco, but NY is a nice change of pace for now!

MB: How did you build up the momentum and confidence to move cities? New York is a BIG place!

I actually almost made the move about a year ago, but I didn’t feel quite ready for such a big change, so I decided to wait. I always think it’s best to listen to your gut, so that’s what I did. About six months after that I started thinking about making the move again and something felt different. I knew I could come back to SF if I really wanted to, and I truly believed that. I also knew I’d regret never living in NYC and that really motivated me to move forward with the move.

MB: What are your top tips for maximising a move to a new city? Both personally, and professionally? 

I highly recommend getting in contact with people – both friends and work contacts – as soon as you know you’re moving. I actually was in touch with a start-up last year when I was considering making the move and kept in touch with them periodically until I officially moved to NY. I just started working for them part-time so it definitely worked out! In terms of friends, there always seem to be more people you know than you think. Friends I haven’t thought about in years ended up reaching out when they knew I was moving and it’s been great reconnecting!

MB: Would you ever advise moving to a new location whilst looking for a job? Or do you think it is better to have a job secured? 

It can be stressful to move to an entire new city and apply for new jobs. If you have the budget, I would say wait until you get to your new city before you secure a new job. Although it’s good to start looking as soon as you can so you can atleast start making contacts and setting up interviews. But it’s such a stressful time, that if you can focus on one thing at a time – the move, and then the job – I’d recommend going that route! 

MB: What are your top tips for apartment hunting as a Twenty Something? 

Apartment hunting can be tough! I actually wrote a post with my tips on snagging an apartment here, although I realize it’s different for every city. The best thing you can do is be SUPER aggressive and persistent, and to be totally ready with your paperwork before everyone else – even before you see an apartment. For the most part, all apartments need the same paperwork (pay stubs, etc.), so have as much of it ready before you even start looking. 

MB: How do you bring your personality to a rented space? (Amanda has a beautiful apartment!)

I’m a huge fan of little trinkets and knick knacks. I pretty much save everything, but it’s so worth it. Having old books, printed photographs from high school, vintage mason jars from my trip to France, all make my apartment feel like me. Also, don’t be afraid to have fun with color. We’re in our twenties, so you might as well have fun. For instance, I opted for a green couch, a coral chair, and turquoise pillows. When else will I be able to go that crazy? 

MB: You share so much great advice on your blog, what is the one topic you seek the most advise on for yourself? And who, or where, do you get your advice from? 

I definitely ask my mom and dad for most of my own advice. My mom for advice on personal things like conflicts with friends, etc. And my dad is great for career advice. I’m also lucky enough to have an older brother and an older sister who are both extremely wise as well ☺.

MB: You work on Advise From A Twenty Something, whilst additionally freelancing for startups. Do you see a time when you would work 100% of the time on the blog, or do you prefer the split? If so, why does that work for you? 

I go back and forth with this, but I think my ideal situation would be working part-time on my blog and part-time for a startup. I get bored easily and like changing up my schedule every day. I think splitting my time between the two would be a perfect combination. Plus, it’s nice to have some consistent income from a freelance gig since the blog brings in a different amount every month.

MB: How do you make sure you strike a work/life balance? What is your favourite way to relax?

I am big on the work/life balance. I’ve never had a problem turning off the work switch, however the blog does tend to blend in with my relaxing TV time. My favorite way to relax is to snuggle up with my dog, a big blanket, and some candy and watch a movie!

MB: Working for yourself, who do you seek business mentorship from? Who is your best sounding board for ideas? 

When it comes to my blog, I often speak to other blogger or freelance friends for advice on financing or for bouncing ideas off of. 

MB: How do you differentiate your ‘writing voice’ from your natural thought pattern?

It definitely took some time to find my writing voice, and I’m certainly still nailing it down. At first, I found myself writing too formally or not sounding like myself. Sometimes I’ll stop and think how I’d say it to a friend and then go from there. It helps me keep my writing honest!

MB: Do you differentiate the life you share on social media, the blog etc with one which you keep private? How would you advise young girls growing up in this technological era, to maximise the media, whilst staying grounded? 

I would say I definitely keep my worlds separate. While I definitely share a lot of my personal life with my readers, I like to keep my work separate from my life. For instance, I never use my blog photos on my personal Facebook page. I like to keep that page more representative of my daily life with my friends, etc. And vice versa. 

MB: Which sites do you check in to daily? 

Treasures & Travels is a big one right now! I also always check on Sincerely, Jules. I love her style. I probably read a Refinery29 article (or two) everyday as well. 

MB: What are you most proud of achieving up till this point in your twenties? 

I’m proud that I’ve created my own business (my blog) from scratch and have actually been able to rely on it for income. That’s something I never thought I would have done at this point and barely even realize I’ve done it until I stop and look back at what I’ve accomplished.

MB: What is on your bucket list before you are thirty?!

Oh boy, that’s a big one! Moving to NYC was definitely on that list, so I’m glad I can check that off. Hopefully I’ll meet an amazing California guy out here and we’ll move back to SF together by the time I’m 30! ;)

Quick Fire Questions: 

• Favourite drink (non-alcoholic)? Chocolate milk
• Favourite drink (alcoholic)? Cabernet (preferably from Napa/Sonoma!)
• Best brunch in NYC? A classic bacon-egg-and-cheese from my local deli.
• Last three things you bought? Frye boots, shearling vest, softest scarf ever. 
• Best thing you’ve ever bought? The softest scarf ever.
• Style icon? Alexa Chung. I love her tomboy yet feminine style.
• Words to live by? Be happy.
• Next dream travel destination? Greece!

MB: Final words of advice from your Twenties so far . . . Learn to truly listen to your gut – what you want – and try your best to put others opinions of you aside. All you really have is yourself, so learn to love yourself, accept yourself, and do what truly makes you happy.

I hope you’ve loved meeting Amanda as much as I did!

What advice do you live by? Do you have any further questions for Amanda or me?

Drop us a line on Twitter - Amanda here and me here - or on email. 

Have an awesome day all!

Love, 

MB x 

6 Superstar Bloggers Share Their 'Work From Home' Tips

6 Superstar Bloggers Share Their 'Work From Home' Tips

I am SO excited today to share with you tips from some of my top blogger pals on working from home. Without further ado, I'm turning today's post over to them: 

Wendy & Mr K  

Amanda's Home Office

Wendy Gilmore, Thankfifi, Glasgow: 

"Take fresh air and people breaks! Before I had my dog, Mr K, I sometimes found I hadn't left the house for days.  Taking regular lunch breaks to get some fresh air, stretch your legs and talk to real people (not just via email!) is healthy, keeps your brain on track and helps you use your time more productively.

And on the home office...

Surround yourself with things which inspire you - new shoes, postcards, colours - anything which keeps your mind happy should be on display on shelves or stuck on the wall.  Think of yourself as a 1 woman design studio!"

Wendy's Shoe & Magazine Wall (!) 

Image Via 

Ella Gregory, Cocos Tea Party, London: 

"To make my desk space more personal I save the jars from nice candles - Jo Malone, Diptyque etc - and use them as pen pots and storage space."

Amanda Holstein, Advice From A Twenty Something, New York: 

"Creating an inspiring, well-organized, and inviting work space is essential when working from home. Have fun decorating your desk - add color and any bits and pieces that spark your creativity. You want your space to get you excited about working, so make it as warm and inviting as you can."

Image Via 

Reem Kanj, Five Five Fabulous, London & Dubai:

"In my experience one of the most important things to do when working from home is separating the two. I used to find it so hard being at home working and resisting tidying up a little, or going to the supermarket to get things for dinner. I realised that I was eating into my work hours and ended up working all night to make up for it, resulting in late rises the next day! It's a vicious cycle and you won't even realise that it's a problem until you establish that when you're at home working, that's all you should focus on, save the chores for later! 

I also invested in a desktop computer and set up an office area (you can also do this by simply getting a desk and setting up your laptop to be there and not working from your sofa), because one of my other problems was working too much. So now, I make sure that when it's time to shut down, I'm not tempted to open up my laptop on the sofa and start working again when I should really be getting some down time with the future hubby!"

Amanda's Adorable Stationary 

Image Via 

Anna Hart, South Molton St Style, London: 

"Get up early, dressed and get yourself out of the house for 15 minutes before you start your day. As great as the dream of working on the sofa in pyjamas is, you're efficiency is terrible.  I try and get out and go for run, or at least walk the dog, before 8.30 every day - at my desk for 9 just like anyone in an office!"

Amanda's Beautiful Work Space 

Alex Stedman, The Frugality, London: 

"I think my biggest tip is just getting used to the different balance. And appreciate a day off. Now I'm back in full-time work (Alex is at Red Magazine) I am seriously missing my nephew, as I would pop round and see him twice a week . . . it's easy to keep drumming up work and keep yourself on the go - but actually, the biggest thing I realised was what my body needed. A day off here and there and a chance to catch up with family, admin, my nan, was what my body needed for the right balance. 

Also, I do have a study. I work from a desktop surrounded by inspirational pictures and lots of Muji clear storage. It's good to associate this room with work. I know when I go in there, that is my office and I can get things done. So when I sit on my ipad in front of the tv, that's my relax time. There has to be a cut-off time and a different space for me to work in."

Thank you my gorgeous blogger girls for the fantastic tips! Let me know if you too found the girls' insight super helpful; and what your own experience of working from home or constructing a home office has been. 

Today I am back to back with meetings, but looking forward to seeing my cousin this evening who is over from America. Follow my Wednesday adventures on Instagram. 

Have a great day all!

Love, 

MB x

How To Build A Home Office - The Basics

How To Build A Home Office - The Basics

This week The Elgin Avenue is dedicated to discussing all things 'home office'. For months I was pondering my home work space, pinning, discussing, buying, unpacking . . . and finally I feel as if my little nook is coming together. SO for the next 5 days I'll be sharing pics and tips of my own home office, how you can construct your own, and a few fun items in between.

OK, so here’s the deal - building a home office is EASY. 

In fact, it is as easy as ‘desk + laptop’ - to paraphrase one of my fellow work-from-home-ers. 

That said, in order to get to the kind of Pinterest-worthy home office space we all not so secretly want, it takes a good base, and a lot of imagination further down the line. Today I bring to you: How To Build A Home Office - The Basics - laying down the foundations of an awesome home work space. Later in the week I’ll be discussing how to bring personality, colour and inspiration in to the equation. 

Here’s a list of the core items you’ll need, to get your home office started: 

Read on for my personal take on the home office, and a list of all of my favourite items and stores . . . 

The Desk

Desk - Linnmon/Finnvard White & Beech - £70 -  IKEA

I knew from the get go that I wanted a BIG desk. I like to be able to lay paper out, have files open, a coffee on the go and still see white space. A desk is the ultimate personal choice, so it is important to find one right for you. 

If you are not sure what kind of a desk will suit you, ask yourself a few questions: 

- which room will your desk be in - and how much space will you have in total for your home office?   - what kind of work will you be doing day to day? Do you need to draw? Use a computer? Lay items out? 
- what kind of colour scheme are you looking to build for your office? Your desk will be the base. 

All of these questions will inform exactly what you need to look for. Then when it comes to buying a desk, there are a few places I recommend looking: IKEA is great for simple, affordable pieces (that's where I bought mine!), John Lewis has quality stylish desks and Viking Direct has a huge selection. 

My desk is the Linnmon/Finnvard table top and trestle from IKEA, which comes in at the grand cost of £70! Yes, IKEA rocks. 

Unless you have a strong sense of colour direction for your home office, I would suggest buying a neutral desk; white, wood or black. Think of a neutral office foundation as your equivalent to jeans & the perfect tee - you can dress it up or down and accessorise whenever you want - giving ultimate flexibility. I'll be sharing my tips on personalising a neutral space later in the week.  This Hickory Desk from John Lewis is super sweet - and neutral! - and comes with built in storage. If you are looking to spend a little more money this Mira Desk is Scandi-chic incarnate.

The Chair

Chair - Idolf Style - £45 - IKEA

The importance of a good office chair cannot be overstated, you will be sat here for HOURS. When I was constructing my home office my priorities were all askew "does it LOOK good?" I'd ask myself when I should have been asking if it FELT good first. I bought completely the wrong chair for the purpose - it is way too hard and I developed a sore back. Ouch. Moral of the story peeps: prioritise comfort before style when buying your office chair.

Moving forward I am going to invest in a more ergonomic model, possibly this Malkolm Swivel Chair from IKEA. Here is a little inforgraphic on how we should be sitting at our desk - I'll be reminding myself of this when I buy my new chair. 

The Computer

 Laptop - MacBook Pro - 13.4"

I bought my computer right before my first term at University, I had heard of the 'magic' of Macs, and wanted my in on the action. Am I converted? 100% YES! If you are working with graphics, images or design a lot, I have not come across another brand which can handle the work nearly as well. My MacBook Pro has seen me through all of my University projects, my blog, external work and day to day use. The one change I am planning on making is to buy a laptop stand, attachable keyboard and mouse. Since working day in day out at the laptop I have found that I strain my neck, hopefully making these investments will help. 

Top Tip! I have had my MacBook Pro for over 4 years, during this time it began to slow down. This year I decided to have it wiped at the Apple store and reset. This removes all files, programmes and history - so make sure you transfer all of your documents to an external hard drive. I now backup constantly and try to keep my laptop as free of images, videos and large files as possible. 

As much as I love my MacBook Pro, I am on the lookout for a desktop. I am looking at iMacs, if you guys have any recommendations on which ones you have worked with and liked - I'd love the advice!

Here is a comprehensive list of everything featured in this post:

- Desk: Linnmon/Finnvard, White & Beech, IKEA
- Laptop: MacBook Pro 13.3"
- Chair: Idolf Chair, IKEA
- Lamp: Tertial Work Lamp, IKEA
- Folders: Paperchase
- Bin: IKEA Flowerpot
- Notebook: Moleskin
- Trunk: Vintage

Basics over, are you excited for the personalisation post later this week?!

I would LOVE to know if you guys have a home office space of your own, how you have constructed it, or if you are looking to create one in the future. 

Have an awesome day all!

Love, 

MB x