14 Budget friendly things to do with your significant other over the Christmas holidays

There is something especially romantic about the idea of spending the holidays with a significant other; dressing for parties, exchanging of gifts, kissing under the mistletoe, and cuddling under the Christmas tree watching classic holiday movies. 

Unfortunately Christmas can get quite expensive for most so I thought i would give you some budget friendly holiday date ideas. 

1.) Make a Gingerbread House - There is something magical about building Gingerbread Houses. Getting icing all over and eating candy, having a fun little competition about who built it better and laughing over collapsing gingerbread pieces. 

2.) Take a Tour of Christmas Lights- Enjoy your neighbourhood decor and feel festive looking at all the magical lights.

3.) Attend or Throw an Ugly Sweater Party- Nothing better then a soiree with your best ugliest christmas attire. 

4.) Bake Cookies- Spend an afternoon baking cookies together and eating cookie dough. Try out new recipes and have a good laugh over your man not knowing how to bake. 

5.) Kiss Under a Mistletoe- With all the hustle & bustle of the holidays don't forget the romance in your relationship. Kiss under a mistletoe, hold hands, and remember to tell them that you care. 

6.) Have a Christmas Movie Marathon- There is nothing better then snuggling up by the fireplace, under the tree watching holiday classics with the one you love. Get in the holiday spirit together & drink some hot cocoa. 

7.) Go to a Christmas Market- Find a Christmas market or a Christmas farmers market and browse the Christmas handmade gifts. 

8.) Have a Game Night- Get out the board games and play like the old days. you can even spice it up with a strip version. 

9.) See a Comedy Show- Comedy Shows do a ton of Christmas shows around the holiday. Grab your love, go to a show and have a laugh. 

10.) Go Skating- Dressing warm, drinking hot cocoa and holding on to your man as you skate around the rink. Blissful! 

11.) Star Gaze- Go find some stars and gaze while cuddling each other to keep warm. 

12.) Play in the Snow- Find some snow, build a snowman or go tobogganing, after your done you can have a warm bubble bath or shower together to warm up. 

13.) Go see a Holiday Play- Find a Holiday play going on in your area and get in the Christmas mood 

14.)Grab Hot Cocoa and Go for a Long Walk Together- Enjoying nature during the holiday season with your loved one is awesome. It keeps you grounded, reminds you to slow down and enjoy the little things and be grateful for our beautiful earth.

5 things holding you back from a life you love

1.) FEAR - Turn your fear into faith.
I know so many people who live a mediocre life because they are afraid.

2.) Turn envy into Admiration
Kurt Cobain once said "Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are". You are the exact person you are suppose to be so let that shine. Don't waste time envying anyone else. Take that time and use it to create the best version of yourself.

3.) Turn away toxic friendships
Knowing when people don't add value to your life & knowing to turn them away. I truly believe you are the company you keep.

4.) The difference between cocky & confidence
Cocky is an act... its you acting like you are better then you actually are because somewhere inside you have something eating at you telling you that you aren't good enough.
Confidence is truth... it's knowing & feeling that you are right where you are suppose to be in your life.

5.) Build your brand (Don't be lazy)
Knowing your niche and creating a brand for you is key to soo many opportunities yet to come. Don't be lazy. JUST DO IT!

7 DON’T’s with Social Media

 I recently saw an article in the news about a lady who got fired from a job before even starting the job for a post she put on social media. Yes I am sure some of you don’t agree with that but it’s a reality!! And YOU are a representation of that company. You would not want to see your doctor or lawyer on social media being represented poorly so you need to make sure you are portraying yourself in a positive way.

-          #1 NO DRUGS on your profile – This is a HUGE no no ... yes it may seem very innocent to put a picture of you with margarita’s getting drunk with your friends in Vegas etc. but the reality of this is that most of us don’t know where we will be in 10 years. I mean, if you asked me 10 years ago where I would be it would not be where I am now. Life changes drastically and what you put online unfortunately is usually online FOREVER.

-          #2 No Slander – yes we all have our days in which someone doesn’t treat us as well as we would have liked them to, it happens but be the BIGGER person!!! Do not sit there and trash them online, it just shows your character not theirs.

-         #3 NO whining/complaining – not only am I a true believer in mindset being everything, but it also gets old. You know the type that just whine and complain on social media every time something doesn’t go their way. People eventually stop feeling sorry for you and just cringe when they read your status #truthbomb.

-        #4  NAUGHTY PHOTO’s – AHHHH! I must say this and I must say this a million times in hopes that some young woman/girl will read this and be inspired.  PLEASE JUST DON’T DO IT!! I have seen it too many times that it goes around the internet and everyone sees it and it will haunt you for your whole life because of some guy you thought you could trust and they turned out to be a slime ball (sorry guys- I know there is some good ones out there). Please think of your future and not just today when considering this. He may seem like potential for the future but life changes in a flash.

-         #5 TOO MUCH INFORMATION – there is such beauty in a little mystery in life. Makes people curious about you and want to find out more. When you share too much information, it’s just unnecessary and to be honest, I do not want to know about how your boyfriend and that you two are fighting etc.

-          #6 NETWORK MARKETING- yes I believe there is a way to approach this but if all you care about is constantly selling me on your products etc., it gets annoying. Connect and engage with me before you try to sell me on something. I DO NOT WANT YOUR BODY WRAPS, DIET PLAN ETC.! (I haven’t even talked to you in 5 years) It is okay to put the product out there if it’s not aggressively.

-          #7 Controversial Conversations – try to stay out of them or at least not be one sided. It just gets UGLY and it’s unnecessary. It is okay to have an opinion, but it’s also okay for the other person to have an opinion.

- An Apple A Day 
Michelle Apples xx 

4 tips on how to make a killer LinkedIn profile

Your LinkedIn profile is your way to show off your professional successes and future aspirations. It’s your first impression to people and is a great networking tool to help you achieve your professional goals. Knowing how to make a killer profile is key for people to see you as a hardworking individual.

Some key things to think about are:

#1 Don’t just add anyone’s request- I will be the first to admit that I made this mistake and now I have to deal with going back in and removing people. It isn't beneficial to you to have people that aren't in your industry or country (even if it may seem valuable to have more connections). Think of quality over quantity when it comes to LinkedIn connections.

#2 Have a professional head shot- this doesn't mean you have to spend a lot of money on a photographer or anything (especially if you aren't an actor) but make sure not only that the picture looks like you but it shows the image you are trying to portray as a professional.

#3 Make sure your profile stands out- how can you make your profile stand out amongst others? Have a catchy headline and list attributes about yourself but also show a bit of personality in your writing.

#4 Edit, Edit, Edit- My grammar is the absolute worst!!! I have people go over ALL of my writing to ensure that I am sending across the right message to my readers. I even have two or three people go over my writing so that it is grammatically correct.

6 Things you should know about dating a career girl

We are busy, driven, dedicated and ambitious. Most people call us  “intimidating” and we sure carry a lot on our plate. We need someone patient, secure in themselves, understanding and well balanced to complete and add to our lives. Read this and if you survive it, then you’re a keeper.

   1.)  We do not NEED you

You will never find a career girl who isn't self sufficient. We work hard, we are able to purchase things we want and we don’t rely on a man to do it for us.  This is both a good and a bad thing. As the man of the house, you want to be the provider and you never will be when it comes to a career girl (sure we love the gesture of a man taking care of us or sweeping us of our feet so please do but we do not need it, we simply want it.

       2.) We are DEDICATED            
  As a career girl, we are dedicated to all things in our life which is a good and bad thing. We will be dedicated to you as much as we are dedicated to our career but finding the balance may be a little tough and you will have to be patient if we don’t have all sorts of time for you.

3.)We don’t like to waste our time
Which means DO NOT ask us to “hang out” this actually erks me soooo much. If you want to take us on a proper date then ASK US ON A PROPER DATE. We do not have time to sit and hang out with you (this applies for first & second dates only) and frankly I do not know you well enough to HANG OUT with you.

4.) We are not very good at relaxing
Our minds are constantly full and wandering. Put me in front of a TV with no work in front of me and I will be asleep within 30 minutes.  We constantly have so much going on and constantly lack sleep that when we do get a chance to sit down our body goes into sleep mode. Do not be offended if I say no to a late movie or fall asleep on you during a movie.

  5.) Pick us up don’t put us down
We are constantly facing rejection or difficulties and although we are strong and independent, the last thing we need is someone who isn't a positive in our lives. Be supportive of our lifestyle and understand that it isn't always glitz and glamour.

6.) Trust

 We need someone who is secure enough to handle the lives we live, but also need to trust that you are trust worthy. After all we are busy building our empires and don’t have time for nonsense.

We need someone who makes us laugh, who we can count on, who isn't afraid to stand up for what he wants just the way we won’t stop till we get what we want.

Michelle Apples xx

Travelling Portland, Oregon

#1.) Voodoo Doughnuts 

yes we may have bought like 6 of them but who can resist when you walk in to find tiers of weird looking doughnuts all of them with a new color and taste. From the voodoo doll doughnut, grape ape, old dirty bastard doughnut (yes that't the name of it), butterfingering or just your plain ol icing and sprinkles, you cannot go wrong with this place (unless your gulten intolerant then ya you might have to rethink the idea). Located on 3rd avenue in Portland it is a tourist destination, just be ready to stand in a massive line up. 

#2.) Mother's Bistro

- best brunch in town. 

Traditional favorites turned into a must have. The chef's at Mothers make everything from scratch, not to mention the most quaint lil bistro anyone ever did see. Chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, big mirrors on the walls it almost brings you back to the olden days. 

              

#3 Salt & Straw 

Not only has this ice cream joint been featured in The New York Times, Glamour, Bon Appetite but it's also EXTREMELY delicious. The staff are kind and informative and let you try as many flavors as you want!!. The sweet and salty tastes of ice cream and salted caramel was mind blowing. 

They have also partnered up with local elementary schools to create new ice cream flavors which is AWESOME!! because who is better at ice cream then children. Check this place out. 

Now off to Dallas, Texas today for the American Country Music Awards. 

See ya'll when I get back 

Spring Cleaning

I have to be honest lately my patience has been tested ALOT. Maybe I am changing & developing and no longer fit some of the people in my life and that's a decision I don't take lightly but I also feel like being irritable, frustrated, snappy, and impatient are not characteristics I want to have going forward. Changes are scary, but also necessary for growth. 

Time for some spring cleaning.

I came across this which inspired me to make some changes in my life;

"It Is Better To Be Alone, Than In The Wrong Company.Tell me who your best friends are,

 and I will tell you who you are.If you run with wolves, 

you will learn how to howl.But, if you associate with eagles,

 you will learn how to soar to great heights.

Any time you tolerate mediocrity in others,

 it increases your mediocrity. Animportant attribute in successful people is their impatience with negativethinking and negative acting people. 

As you grow, your associates willchange. 

Some of your friends will not want you to go on. 

They will want youto stay where they are. 

Friends that don't help you climb will want you tocrawl. Your friends will stretch your vision or choke your dream. Those thatdon't increase you will eventually decrease you.

Consider this:

Never receive counsel from unproductive people. 

Never discuss your problemswith someone incapable of contributing to the solution, because those whonever succeed themselves are always first to tell you how. 

Not everyone hasa right to speak into your life. You are certain to get the worst of thebargain when you exchange ideas with the wrong person.

 Don't follow anyonewho's not going anywhere.

With some people you spend an evening: with others you invest it. 

Be carefulwhere you stop to inquire for directions along the road of life. 

Wise is theperson who fortifies his life with the right friendships.

"A mirror reflects a man's face, but what he is really like is shown by thekind of friends he chooses."

The simple but true fact of life is that you become like those with whom youclosely associate - for the good and the bad.

Note: Be not mistaken. This is applicable to family as well as friends.Yes...do love, appreciate and be thankful for your family, for they willalways be your family no matter what. 

Just know that they are human firstand though they are family to you, they may be a friend to someone else andwill fit somewhere in the criteria above."In Prosperity Our Friends Know Us. In Adversity We Know Our friends.""Never make someone a priority when you are only an option for them.""If you are going to achieve excellence in big things,you develop the habit in little matters.Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude.."..” ― Colin Powell

“The less you associate with some people, the more your life will improve.

Habits to start doing to enhance your career!!

 1.)    Send thank you notes or thank you emails. I don’t know how many times I have sent thank you notes or emails (even if I didn't get the job or opportunity). Not only is it a kind gesture, but it leaves that lasting impression on people that if another opportunity comes up in the future they think of me and let me know first.

2.) Be nice to everyone. The Way you treat people will reflect on you. 

3.) Seek Mentors - I was having a discussion with my good friend the other day and was talking about acting classes and how I am just not feeling classes anymore (for reasons I won’t mention) and she told me she had stopped taking classes and instead sought out a coach/mentor (for probably cheaper than you would pay for classes). It’s genius!!! But be sure to find someone who inspires and challenges you. 

       Ask questions and seek knowledge. People don’t mind helping people who work hard and have drive and determination.

 4.) Network & Network materials – There have been many times in which I met someone and don’t have a card on me. GET BUSINESS CARDS!!! You never know who you will meet or when you will meet them. Go to network events, meet people and BE NICE TO THEM!!! Be personable and genuine. Don’t try to gain something from them but instead ask yourself what you can do for them rather than what they can do for you. Leave a lasting impression as you never know when you will see them again.

 5.) BE Social Media Savvy but also smart with social media. If you are going to put up personal pictures that you wouldn't want your boss to see then make sure your privacy is on point and you know exactly who you are accepting to see your accounts. I have so many connections and networks on my social media and I have no idea how many of those I will probably work for or with one day. Don’t let them think of you as unreliable or sloppy.

6.)  Create a Brand – I don’t know how many people come up to me and are like “Hey you’re Michelle Apples” and is it because I am famous? No, definitely not, but it is because my name has a brand that people are beginning to become familiar with. Create a brand so people remember you, it’ll go a long way.

7.) Have Confidence
 Even if I am having a fat day or I get caught by Jensen Ackles in an elevator after a sweaty gym session, I still remain confident (even if I don’t feel it). By always acting confident, you will begin to always feel it! To the point of running into a hottie the other day on the street, that I met once awhile back, and I didn't even realize I was a gym mess. Confidence & owning/liking who you are goes a long way.

 8.) Dress Well – OK I will be the first to admit I need to work on this. I work a lot from home and often get lazy with my style but that being said I see a huge difference when I put effort into what I look like than when I don’t. Not only do people respect you more but it will also give them a better, more put together impression of you.

 9.) Be Early - People will see you as more reliable and trustworthy if you are early for things rather than frantically on time or late. How is someone going to trust you on set, risking thousands of dollars an hour, if you can’t show up on time?

10.)  Stay Organized – Not only will you respond to deadlines better but you also will feel more relaxed under stressful situations and people respond better to professionalism and organization. 

10 Ways To Get Serious About Social Media

  1.)Find your “hit” and use it.

I have heard many people say “they don’t want to be typecast” but I say why not!? You are specific. Sure you don’t want to be typecast to thin but also you wouldn't try to sell makeup to an old man (unless he was buying it for his wife). Know you’re typecast and play into it (at least until you have a well known brand). Learn who your target audience is and how to use that to make your brand sparkle.

Just because you are branded a specific way now, doesn't mean your brand cannot change. I have gone from being branded as a makeup artist, to pageant girl, to actor/business woman.

So you are probably thinking well how do I find my “hit”? There are a few different things I have done to pinpoint my hit which has helped me a lot:

A) Talk to strangers – ask them questions on how they view you. Typical questions may include: Are you sexy or conservative? Are you relaxed or high strung? What is your age?  Are you loud or quiet? Be careful not to dress a certain way in order to retrieve specific results. Dress as neutral as possible in order to get accurate answers.

B) Look at TV Shows/Films casting in your area and figure out which ones you would most likely be brought into casting for. This will help pinpoint which market you will likely be sold to and why?

These will help determine your “hit” & your target market and be able to start you on the right path to make your social media effective.

 2.) Target your Audience 

Who is your target audience? Which social media platforms work for you?

Narrowing down your target market and audience will really help you determine what social media platform is right for you. As an Actor, I think it is ideal to have Twitter because you can be in tune with different networks/producers/directors etc, without even leaving your house. It will really give you a lot of insight into the industry if used effectively. It’s really about where your ideal audience is and where you can be most effective for you.

3.) Do your Research.

Research is so effective when using social media. Follow people in this industry that will not only inspire you but also give you knowledge. Know which shows cast in your area and find out who is working on those shows. Having an insight to those accounts may just help you to know what they are looking for when casting a specific show. Learn who the directors/casting directors are in your area. Knowledge is power. It will not only give you insight but make you feel more comfortable to know what to expect when you walk into the room.

4.) Be Personable

 Take the time to personalize things, don’t just respond to respond.

EVERYONE hates those spam messages (you know what I’m talking about). The ones which are so impersonal and probably go out to 100’s of people instead of being tailored to you. I think it’s being lazy!!! If someone is reaching out to you, reach out back as the person you are. People are reaching out to you, not to a robot. People connect with people and they want to see your real life so show them that. It will not only up your followers, because they are intrigued by you, but it will also add value to you as an individual. Also, you leave such a solid impression when you respond to people based on their needs + interests.

5.) Bio

   Create a personal bio that stands out. It is ok to have professional stuff in your bio but adapt it to show your personality. Stand out from the crowd. Make people

intrigued by what you have to offer.

6.) Profile Picture

Make sure it is professional but shows your personality and reflects who you are. If you’re funny, don’t have a serious head shot. But make sure you are using it across all your profiles so they match and you’re easy to find. You need to remember that the people may not know you and they need to easily be able to be aware that you are the same person across your profiles.

Cover photos-

Make them compelling. Make them fitting of the season or of your newest product launch. Whatever you do, don’t waste your cover photo space. Make sure it reflects what it is your branding yourself as.

7.) Careful of SPAMMING

I get asked to post things to my network daily and I choose not to post 90% of things. It isn’t because I don’t want to help people out, but it gets to be too random and all over the place especially if it doesn’t situate to your brand. Be careful what you are posting and if it is relevant to what you are trying to achieve with social media. Don’t send mass messages and don’t try to over sell yourself because people get annoyed. Everyone hates those aggressive sales people that are pushy so don’t be one.

8.) Communities

Actors like to connect with other actors. Look online in Facebook Groups, Google+ Communities and other online clubs or organizations. Community is important. Social media is interactive, it’s engaging.

9.) Serious about hash tags.

It still blows me away when I go to Instagram or Twitter and search under #Vancouveractors how very few Vancouver actors come up, it’s mostly photographers. Yet there are so many Vancouver actors (they clearly must be hiding under a rock) and here is a way that by one phrase on a hashtag it opens up a world to find like-minded people that have the exact same passion as you. Figure out key phrases people might use when looking for content such as: #actors, #actorlife and #VANCOUVERACTORS and then search for those phrases. Now don’t go and just try to sell yourself to these people but engage with them.

10.) Add value but personalize it.

Figure out why you stand out. What makes you “you” and why would people be intrigued by that? Add value to your brand and always be personable.