Where to Stay

I wasn’t really a big fan of AirBnB after my experience in Canada but it is so much cheaper than hotels in California that we didn’t really have a choice. We were able to get a place 1 block away from Sunset Blvd and live like locals. The apartment was very nice and clean. And our host actually owned the whole building so we didn’t have to worry about upsetting neighbors. The neighborhood was very quiet. The only problem we had was finding parking on the street. But in the grand scheme of things that isn’t too bad when the place is nice.

Get a Rental!

The best decision of the trip? Getting a rental car! We went back and forth on this decision for awhile before the trip. I’ve never rented a car on vacation and thought it would be easy to get around. There’s Uber and Lyft everywhere right? But in California nothing was really that close because of traffic and highways. LAX was about 45 minutes from where we were staying. But that’s normal driving distance for EVERYTHING in California. The closest thing to us was an In-N-Out Burger which wasn’t a disappointment. It also allowed us to drive to Vegas for 2 trips in 1. I booked a rental through Expedia for fairly cheap, however, they make you use their insurance of course which made it more expensive. But it was a decision I don’t regret! I’m actually considering renting a car more often.

What to Do

There’s definitely tons of things to do in LA but we took the more scenic route. From visiting Candytopia, an interactive pop-up shop, to the Museum of Illusions. It was more about creating experiences rather than partying. We also went hiking to the top of Mount Hollywood which I will never do again in my entire life! We took steep hills all the way up and you can’t even get close to the Hollywood sign. It definitely showed me how out of shape I am but the site at the top is definitely breathtaking. And our hiking guide, Leo, gets a full 5 stars! We found him through AirBnB experiences for $20 per person. Last but not least, you can’t go to LA without hitting the beach. We spent a few hours on Santa Monica Beach just taking in the sun.

We also made the 4-hour drive from Los Angeles to Las Vegas to visit my friends! Originally, we had plans to leave early in the morning but we were so tired from the night before that we didn’t get up early. There isn’t much to see along the way but we did stop for food and gas. Leo told us to stop at Peggy Sue’s 50’s Diner so we did. It was a very dope restaurant that reminded me of one of my favorite movies, Grease. From the juke box to the records on the wall and even the waitresses uniform it did not disappoint! And the food options were endless; from breakfast to burgers. Speaking of food….

Where to Eat

When I go on vacation, I try my best to eat a places we don’t have at home. Any foodie knows that when you visit the West Coast you have to try In-N-Out Burger. My first time eating there was actually when I went to Nevada but of course I went again in Cali. We also hit the world famous chicken spot, Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles. The restaurant was nothing how I imagined it would look (it gives the hole in the wall feel) but the food was still great! Another brunch spot we loved was Blu Jam Cafe in Hollywood. The wait was a little long (about an hour and a half) but we expected it and the food didn’t disappoint. If you’re looking for a spot dinner, try Saddle Ranch Chop House on Sunset Blvd. There’s a mechanical bull, a duo who sings covers of whatever you request, and menu options from nachos to steak. If you’re headed to Vegas check out Tacos and Beer. It’s an authentic Mexican Restaurant with amazing empanadas!

Crunchy French Toast from Blu Jam Cafe

Overall, my trip to California was memorable and I truly enjoyed myself. Where to next?

The post Los Angeles Recap appeared first on Running Erins.

I started seeing a therapist towards the end of March after struggling with a pregnancy loss. On the outside, you couldn’t tell that I was still struggling most days. I was back into my normal routine and trying to leave the house with a smile daily. But I also found myself crying everyday. Sometimes several times a day. Things happened so fast and I didn’t know what to do but fake it til I made it. I knew I was taking on too much emotionally but I couldn’t even bring myself search for a therapist. No matter how much I knew I needed it. Life kept moving and so did I.

While I was at the Brave Summit, I heard a lot about mental health and why it was important. Things I already knew but had yet to apply to myself. I was so used to giving other people advice and helping them work through their problems that I couldn’t see the need to take my own advice. And still, at a time when I needed support, I felt myself still giving the small bit of energy I had to others. But when Amanda Seales said “Therapy is like a gym membership for your brain” it sparked something in me.

“Erin, how can you preach about better for everyone else but not seek it for yourself?”

While talking to a few girls at BRAVE I learned (or was reminded) about therapyforblackgirls.com, an online directory to help Black women find Black therapists. I knew this was my sign to stop BSing and get the help I needed. Truthfully, I wasn’t ashamed or discouraged about getting help. I just didn’t know where to find it and how comfortable I would be with the person I found. When it comes to doctors and specialist, I am very picky in what I am looking for. I like to have Black, female doctors because they can understand me as a young Black woman. So when looking for a therapist, I wanted a younger Black woman; someone who mirrored me. I felt she would relate to me better. Through the website, I was able to find therapists in my area and review their profiles in one place before making a selection.

Searching for a doctor or therapist can be a stressful process. Therapy For Black Girls took away a lot of the anxiety in the process. The first meeting with my therapist, I cried as soon as I sat down. There was so much weight I was carrying and so much I couldn’t wait to get off of my chest. Of course she couldn’t help me work through all of my problems in one meeting. But I literally felt lighter when I left. I was able to unload some of the things that I had bottled up. I also discovered a few things that I didn’t realize were bothering me.

Benefits of Seeking Mental Healthcare

Before I decided to see a therapist I did try talking to people in my circle. But I couldn’t find the balance between people who acted like nothing happened and those who treated me like I was an inch away from being sent to the nearest psych ward. It was honestly a relief to speak to someone who was outside of my situation and without judgement. Although I was speaking to a mental health professional, I felt very comfortable. I didn’t feel “crazy” or like I was on the edge of self-destruction. I was able to have someone listen to me as I talk and give advice that was valuable. Even though I feel I have a better handle on things now, I’ve still been seeing her consistently because I know healing doesn’t happen overnight. And truthfully, it is an eye opening process.

Mental health is something that we tend to ignore. But we should all take it more seriously. Depression and anxiety are real things that effect us daily. If you run from them you could start to suffer from long term effects like stress and heart attacks. I encourage everyone to see a licensed therapist. Whether you’re dealing with a tramautic event, stressed with work, or looking to learn more about self care. Mental health care should not be a negative thing.

The post Why I Decided to See a Therapist appeared first on Running Erins.

During my junior year of college, I started working seasonally as a photographer for a department store. I was under the impression that the manager was going to keep me on as a part-time associate. But then I noticed I was no longer on the schedule. Which meant it was time to find something else to do. But what?

Being let go without actually being told you are being let go leaves a lot of things up to chance. School was starting back up pretty soon and stores were losing the hours they had gained during the holiday season. But I needed a job which meant it was time to get creative. I knew about companies like Avon and MaryKay but I couldn’t see myself doing that. I needed something fast. Something that would interest college students. Something that would be easy to sell.

How it Went Down (no pun intended)

I was browsing a Facebook Group for my school when I came across a post from a girl who was looking for other girls to join her sales team. I don’t know how I knew it was sex toys right away–maybe it was the wording. She was only looking for girls, it’s in sales……had to be sex toys right?  I sent her a message expressing my interest and she was excited to bring me on the team.

I honestly don’t know why I thought I was cut out for the job because I tend to be an introvert. But it was something to do. Something different and had the promise to bring in a lot of money. The ladies on my team were extremely nice and had receipts to show how much money they were bringing in. This was a multi-million dollar team. I needed a piece of that! Show me the way ladies. I was all in.

I started searching for customers by asking a few of my friends if they would come to or host a sex toy party. Pretty much everyone said “Hell yea!” They were so excited which gave me the confidence to put myself out there with this new business venture.

To get started, I had to purchase a kit with all of the essentials for beginners; products, catalogs, order forms. Then I started learning about the products and attending parties hosted by my upline to get a feel of things. Looking at some of the products made me super nervous! They offer everything from lotions and books to lube and some of the weirdest looking toys I had ever seen. And the prices? Whew! I had not realized yet that this was a lifestyle for some people. But my team was confident in my ability to sell and so was I.

Related:  I Purchased Tickets To A Burlesque Show On Groupon

While I was confident in selling, I was not comfortable letting everyone know what my new job was. Blasting “Come buy sex toys from me!” on the internet is not ideal for an introvert. Plus people are very judgmental and hold onto stigmas when it comes to sex. But of course, the biggest way to gain customers is through word of mouth so I had to figure something out. I decided to set up my kit in my living room and invite some friends over to get some practice on selling. We had such a great time and I felt so comfortable explaining products so I just knew this was going to go great for me.

That was short-lived. The biggest problem I ran into was remaining active with the company. You had to sell X amount of dollars in products in X amount of months. And I tried my hardest to remain active and keep bringing in customers. I bought samples to hand out. Came up with cute ideas. Got the word out to a few people I knew around campus. But I still wasn’t making enough to remain active AND still make a profit.

Why I stopped

Although almost everyone is open and willing to talk about their sex life in college, it was difficult to get customers. The one thing about trying to sell something as a college student is that everybody is just as broke as you. They are also just as busy as you. Something I wish I would have thought about when signing up. I met plenty of people who said they were going to purchase things or throw a party and it never worked out. And I never wanted to be down someone’s throat about placing an order or throwing a party. I felt like that would be like saying, “I know your sex life really sucks so come shop with me!”

Between random sales and the few parties I did have, I was able to remain active for a while. But I found myself using the money that was supposed to be my profit to purchase extra items to meet the requirements. Within the year I decided to call it quits. I had picked up a part-time job because I needed a steady income (sis had bills). The job mixed with school and having a social life left no time to dedicate to selling (or begging). And of course, as soon as I went inactive people started asking me, “Hey, do you still have that business?” Girl–where were you months ago?!

If you asked me would I sell sex toys again I’d tell you yes! No question. I think the greatest thing about my team was that we were very big on teaching women to feel beautiful and confident in their sexuality. I had so much fun working for the company and I met some great women. I even reached out to one of them to host a party a few years after I stopped selling. I’ve also learned to be a lot more comfortable talking about sex and pleasure as I’ve gotten older. It’s nothing to be ashamed of!

The only thing that would keep me away is the structure of the company. I just don’t think the idea of a Multi-Level Marketing company is as enticing as it once was. But with a quick Google search, I’m sure you can start your own company.

The post I Sold Sex Toys in College appeared first on Running Erins.

Made in America Festival in Philly

Road Trip Tips

1. Make concrete plans or loose plans. No in between.
   One of the hardest things I had to learn about road trips was making the plans. If you aren’t good at staying on task, making concrete plans could be stressful. On the opposite hand, it is also good to make loose plans that. It allows you to go with the flow and see more sights!
2. Be prepared!
   Get gas the day before. Make sure there are no issues with the vehicle. Set your location in your GPS. Plan out the space in the car so everyone can be comfortable. Plan for traffic.
3. Dress comfy.
   I love to be comfortable. You don’t want to be cold or hot when you’re in the car for extended periods of time. You can always change your clothes when you’re at your destination.
4. Pack a positive attitude!
   Who you travel with and why you’re traveling play a big part in your trip. No matter the reason, a positive attitude can take your trip from bad to great. Make a playlist. Bring your favorite snacks. Play car games.

As with any form of travel, your trip is what you make it! Enjoy yourself and make the experience something new. What trips do you plan to take in 2018?

The post How to Prepare for a Road Trip appeared first on Running Erins.

Being that I am so into makeup now, I am not afraid to try a lot of products. Sometimes I buy off impulse and other times I’ve heard great things about a product. One of the things that I can’t seem to stop buying is foundation.

I have extremely oily skin. I tend to blot a lot through the day and I HAVE to wear a powder or else I will shine. So today I’m going to share some of my favorite foundations! Below you will find a mix of high end and low end foundations that I love. I will stick my disclaimer here and say everything isn’t for everybody. Just because something works for me does not mean it will work for you. You have to be willing to try different products to find the right fit. Pro Tip!: Sephora offers samples of products for free so be sure to check them out if you want to save coins.

These are my top 5 foundations for oily/acne prone skin (in order):

1. Anastasia Beverly Hills Stick Foundation ($25)
   Since this came out it has been my go to foundation. It goes on smooth, it’s fairly inexpensive compared to other high-end foundations, and there is a shade that matches me perfectly! The only downside is that my shade is very popular. It’s always sold out in stores and online shipping is always delayed *cues dramatics*.
   My shade: Cool Golden
   
   
2. Maybelliene Fit Me Matte & Poreless ($6-$8)
   If you’re like me and prefer buildable or full coverage, drugstore foundations can be a hit or miss. The Fit Me collection is awesome because it has a good range of colors for a low price. It’s also easy to find because you can get it anywhere including Ulta, Target, Walmart and Walgreens. So if you run out of foundation you can quickly grab a bottle.
   My shade: Classic Tan 335 (fall/winter) Spicy Brown 338 (Summer)
   
   
3. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Foundation ($34)
   I know you’re probably thinking I’m going to hype Fenty Beauty up and you are absolutely……correct sis! Rihanna blew me away with her makeup line. The foundation is lightweight and has a wide range so it’s possible for more than 1 color to work for you. It also has nice coverage but it oxidizes so you have to be careful when choosing your shade. The deeper shades have been sold out since launch, however, I did notice that some of them are available on Sephora’s website.
   My shade: 380
   
   
4. MAC Studio Fix Foundation ($29)
   Holy grail! When I first started wearing makeup MAC was all I knew. I was scared to try other brands because MAC is such a universal name in the makeup world so how could you go wrong with it? The Studio Fix is still one of my favorite foundations to use, in liquid and in powder form.
   My shade: NC47
   
   
5. Milani Cream to Powder ($7-$9)
   It’s so funny how I came across this one on a whim and it ended up being a fave. As the name suggests, its a cream to powder foundation which I had never heard of. It goes on quite smooth and gives off a matte finish. The downside is that the only place I have been able to find my shade is Walgreen’s but it is also available online.
   My shade: Spiced Almond
   
   

Let’s chat! Have you tried any of these foundations? Let me know your favorite in the comments below.

The post My Favorite Foundations for Oily Skin appeared first on Running Erins.

Everybody knows that when it comes to saving money, coupons are the way to go. Everyone has their tips and tricks for couponing but it has never really worked for me. I would much rather know where to shop than to search for coupons. When I first started wearing makeup, I only knew MAC products. That’s what everyone talked about so that’s where I went. I slowly but surely started shopping at Sephora. Both of which can be a great place to find products but they can both get a little pricey. It wasn’t until I got more into makeup that I started branching out to other brands and other stores. I’m going to share with you my favorite places to buy makeup on a budget.

Place #1: Ulta

Ulta is like the best of both worlds when it comes to beauty products. I say that because you can find both luxury and drugstore brands. This is always my go to spot when I need to find a specific product for the low. Make sure to check out the ‘Sale & Coupon’ section of their website to see what deals are current. They also frequently send catalogs with a coupon so sign up for their mailing list. The key here is to not be afraid to try inexpensive brands! You may find a product that you like.

Place #2: TJ Maxx or Ross

Some people are going to be mad at me for giving this one up but OH WELL SIS! I am here to help us slay and save some coins okay? I am an avid TJ Maxx/Ross shopper but usually for clothes and home-goods. It wasn’t until someone posted about finding the ABH Cream Contour Kits and Shea Moisture products that I started checking the beauty section. Shea Moisture was much easier to find in both stores. I had to go to 2 different TJ Maxx locations to find the ABH Contour Kits. And for the price it was definitely worth it. I’ve also been able to find BareMinerals, Real Techniques, and Chi products for great prices.

Place # 3: Nordstrom Rack 

I never really shopped at Nordstrom Rack, mostly because there wasn’t one near me. They recently opened a location by my job and I have not been able to stay out of it. While I was browsing, I came across the makeup section and it was just what I needed. Urban Decay. NYX. Too Faced. MAC. Big names for great prices. I purchased the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray, regularly $32, for $19.

Place #4: The Cosmetics Company

If there is an outlet mall near you check to see if The Cosmetics Company is there. For my local readers there is one at the National Harbor and Queenstown (Ocean City) outlets. This store usually carries items that are over-made or out of season. For example, I found MAC’s Ariana Grande Lipglass here once it had left stores. Just because MAC is no longer selling it doesn’t mean it isn’t still in style!

Bonus Tip 1: I also like to use Ebates when I’m shopping online. They work with stores like MAC, Ulta, and Sephora to get you coupons and cash back on your purchases. You can get $10 when signing up by using my link here.

Bonus Tip 2: If you are a Professional Makeup Artist (meaning you have a portfolio of work to show + you do makeup on others) you can apply for discounts. Do some internet research to see what brands and pro discounts and which ones you are eligible for.

Are there places that you find good makeup for a great price? Let me know in the comments below!

The post Buying Makeup on a Budget appeared first on Running Erins.

I got my degree in Mass Communications in 2014. When I was in school, I took 2 different unpaid internship with magazines. I just knew I would have ease finding a job when I graduated. WRONG! Once I finally landed a stable full-time position it was not in my career field. But it allowed me to get a Master’s degree for free.99! So I decided to get my Master’s in Public Relations Management. But I didn’t have much formal experience with being a “publicist”. Sure I could write the press releases and work events but could I pitch? Could I create a sponsorship deck? Maybe with the help of Google but I needed the experience. Something I could actually put on my resume.

I remember looking for jobs, seeing that people wanted interns with a Bachelor’s degree and thinking “Ew. Why would I do that?” I think part of that came from how bad the job market is for recent graduates. Looking back now, I’m actually extremely grateful for the opportunity the internship provided. Not only did I enjoy what I was doing, I was able focus on something outside of my everyday activities at work . Which brings me to this….here are a few reasons you should take an internship even if you have a degree.

5 Reasons to Take An Internship After Graduating:

1. Test the Waters. You may come out of school and still be unsure which path you want to take. And that is okay! An internship can help you see the day-to-day life of someone in the field. For me, I came out of my internship feeling extremely comfortable and knowing that I still wanted to pursue communications.
2. Gaining Experience. If you know me (or have read previous posts) you know that I am an advocate for learning. Whether it’s in the classroom or in the field, you can always learn something new. Through my internship I was able to learn new skills and even get hands on knowledge with the skills I learned previously. This brings me to my next point….
3. Refresh Your Knowledge. If you’re like me and you ended up in a different career field, chances are you may need to brush up on your skills. Interning helped me get back into swing of communications. It gave me the chance to go into my memory bank to pull out old tricks.
4. Resume Building. Interning is a resume builder. Self explanatory! Those new skills can be added. It can also increase the length of your skills. For example, if you completed one 6-month internship already and you take another 6-month internship. You now have one year of experience.
5. Networking! I’ll be honest and say I did not realize the value of networking when I was in school. I was in a few organizations and I stuck with them. Interning allowed me to meet different people and make connections.

Spring internship season is around the corner. If you’re interested in completing an internship, start searching and putting in applications now! Who knows….you may even be able to land your dream job after interning.

The post 5 Reasons to Take An Internship After Graduating appeared first on Running Erins.

When I decided to rebrand I knew I needed something that would encompass a variety of my favorite things. I spent weeks trying to think of a new name because I wanted something with value. I also knew that I couldn’t just use my name as it is extremely common. The light bulb went off when I was talking to someone about all the things I needed to do and said “Erin needs to run errands.” It was so perfect to me because I’m always on the go and I’m always up for adventure.

I started poking around with the idea and asking people about their errands without telling them exactly why I was asking. I wanted to see what they usually included to make sure my idea wasn’t too far fetched. And sure enough I received tons of answer. The funniest one had to come from a friend who met Vice President Joe Biden on an airplane. She is an author and CEO of her own brand so she is always on the run. When she was telling the story, she mentioned how her wig wasn’t on and she wasn’t prepared but she made it her business to get her book in his hand no matter what. And she succeeded! As she was telling this story, I said to myself “This is it. This is what I want to portray.”

Women are set to be the caretakers. We are the minority yet we hold the buying power. And if you look more closely at women of color, we are the trendsetters. Yet we are so left behind. Brands would rather look to steal ideas from us than to actually ask us our opinions. We’re leading the movement for entrepreneurship but it’s all built off of what we create for ourselves. We have to create the brands, create the products, and create the lanes. Doing all the work and running all the errands with little recognition. Not anymore.

As I use this blog to make my dreams a reality, I hope it also inspires someone else to take a leap of faith towards theirs. A mustard seed of faith is all you need. And along the way I hope more and more women turn their passions into sources of income. And running errands into their lifestyle of making things happen for themselves.

Sincerely,

Erin

The post Why Running Erins? appeared first on Running Erins.

I was sitting down with my blogger sister, Bri, a few months ago when she asked me who is my current style inspo. Without hesitation I answered, “Cardi B.” She had the most confused look on her face which was hilarious because if you know me, you know my style is definitely more of a comfy/cute. But I also love fashion (Rihanna is also an all time fave). I love seeing the way celebrities, or even other bloggers, put together an outfit. She continued by asking me “Well how would you describe your style?” And of course I said “Comfy/cute” at first but I followed it by saying “I also like to be a little Sophisti-Ratchet which is why I like Cardi B.”

Whether she is wearing Fashion Nova or Alexander Wang, you have to admit that Cardi B has been KILLING the fashion scene all 2017! From award shows to New York Fashion Week to her performance outfits. She displays her style in a way that is completely unique to her. She knows what works for her figure and she is not embarrassed by wearing inexpensive clothing. She can dress up in a ball gown or dress all the way down to something with little material. And I think it’s so dope!

Check out a few of my favorite looks from Cardi B in the gallery above!

*all pictures have been pulled from Cardi B’s Instagram*

The post Style Inspo featuring Cardi B appeared first on Running Erins.

Over the years I have developed a passion for makeup. And by passion I mean if you look at my bank statement you would think Ulta and Sephora are bill collectors. I watch tons of YouTube videos (AaliyahJay, MakeUpShayla & Naturally Sunny are my faves) but I wanted to learn more about this hobby. I had learned lots from YouTube (AaliyahJay’s eyelash tutorial saved my life) but I wanted to make sure that I was comfortable enough to work on other people. Maybe even turn it into a way to earn extra income.

In most states, Maryland included, there is no such thing as a licensed makeup artist (MUA). You can be a licensed esthetician which means you’re skilled in skincare, facials, waxing, etc. But not strictly a makeup artist, which is why most MUAs proclaim that they are self-taught. You can also earn a certificate in makeup artistry and that is what I did to help develop my self-taught skills.

When I told people I was taking a makeup class, their first question was always “Where?” And they always seemed shocked at the answer. Which led me to writing this post because more people should know about the resources in their backyard.

I earned my certificate from Prince George’s Community College. I usually call it the 13th grade when it comes to education but it can be a great source for continuing education courses. You would be amazed at what you can learn at your local community college. Most offer courses in a variety of topics that can help you expand your expertise or find a great side hustle. It also helps that they often cater to the working adult by offering classes on nights and weekends. From hair braiding, photography/videography, or event planning there’s tons of things you can learn.

To earn the makeup artistry certificate, I had to take 2 courses both 4 weeks long. The classes were once a week, 3 hours long, and I went after work which made it convenient. The teacher was contracted meaning that she wasn’t just someone who created the class. She is a working MUA who also teaches for a company outside of the community college. She was able to share her portfolio along with information on what works for her. For example, her bridal contract and how she prepares for her clients.

All the makeup looks we created on ourselves so we didn’t have to worry about someone else making us look like a clown. It was a great experience to be in a room full of girls who were also interested in makeup. (Girls who love makeup can sit and talk for days together!) We were able to share information on products we’ve tried, our favorite indie brands, or even our creative processes. We were also able to share tips and tricks to help each other out. At the beginning of each session, the teacher would ask what we were interested in learning as a group that way she could focus on the areas that were difficult for us. There was also time at the end of class to ask questions if you struggled with something. For example, I HATED smokey eyes going into the class (my eyes are already dark like raccoon eyes) but they instructor showed me how to do it in a way that was a little less intimidating for me.

Overall, the class was pretty fun. I’ve been able to practice and take what I learned to apply it to other people, other skin types, and even give recommendation to my friends who aren’t as skilled in makeup. I would recommend continuing education classes to anyone who wants to strengthen their skills or even if you are interested in a new hobby. You should never stop learning and taking a class with an expert may help strengthen your confidence in your skill.

The post Continuing Education Classes appeared first on Running Erins.