Hiring a Copywriter? Ask for Writing Samples

If you have a project that requires the services of an experienced copywriter, you might not know the first place to start to hire one. Should you try to get a referral from your coworker who knows someone, or type 'copywriters in new jersey' and see what Google spits out? Or maybe you should try a freelancer platform like Fiverr or Upwork? Regardless of which route you take, you're going to have to do some serious vetting before you hand over the details of your project and, of course, your money.

The first step to hiring a copywriter is to ask for writing samples and bonus points if the copywriter can point to an online portfolio with links to their published work. As a copywriter, I often have to provide this to my prospective clients. This felt like a safe place to compile some of my previous work done for various clients. A fair warning: Like my clients, it's all over the place.

1. Essential Oil Spotlight: Juniper Berry

(written for the blog https://dianazapata.com/)

You must know by now that our only joy is keeping you happy and healthy. Keeping you well informed about all the health and beauty secrets that over time, we’ve come to treat as gospel. We live for it. So, in keeping with our life’s mission, today we’re going to be discussing the wonder that is Juniper Berry Oil.

Juniper (Juniperus Communis) is a coniferous evergreen shrub that is a member of the pine family. It is commonly found on heaths and mountains in parts of Europe, Southwest Asia, and luckily for us, North America. Specifically in the United States, the plant can be found growing most abundantly in the Appalachians Mountains, and in the western states of Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Utah. The tree is colorful and distinct, short reddish-brown trunks give rise to prickly needle-like, blue-green leaves, the female trees produce blue or blackberries, and just for a touch of drama, it flowers yellow. Added to its beauty, is its scent. When crushed, the leaves which grow in threes off the woody twigs, emit an apple or orange-like scent.

It’s no wonder then, that ever since the ancient Greeks did us the favor of discovering it, every part of the Juniper tree has been used and loved for varying purposes. The berries and branches are used for medicinal and spiritual purposes. The aromatic wood is used for furniture and the evergreen tree is popular as an ornament plant. In steam distilling Juniper essential oil, the entire plant once again shows its value. Traditionally, the wood, twigs, needles, and berries are all used. However, Juniper berry oil is extracted solely from the berries and is superior in quality. The process produces a pale oil, watery and light, with a fresh, woody, and fruity fragrance.

Interesting History Bit: Juniper oil has had a very interesting history. For the first few hundreds of years, it was heralded as a tonic for the urinary tract, and then later for the value of its oil. However, in the 17th century, the first Juniper flavored drink was devised. It was made to be used as a diuretic and was marketed and sold throughout Europe as a cure for stomach issues, lower back pain, arthritis, and gall stones. The drink was called gin. As I’m sure you can imagine, the public quickly found new ways to enjoy it. While gin as an alcoholic beverage gained popularity, Juniper lost its reputation as a medicine. Luckily, the two are now treated very separately, as they should, and the oil has once again regained that favor.

Juniper oil can be used in many different ways, which is great because it means you can maximize all of its benefits, which are plentiful. The fresh aroma of the oil is renowned for its calming and stress-relieving properties. Deep, mindful inhales will leave you feeling instantly calmer and lower anxiety. Also a great option for vapor therapy, use a burner to diffuse the oil and enjoy its air-purifying properties. Once you’ve used it to cleanse the air, why not add a few drops to your bath to add not only a wonderful scent but also the benefits of pain relief. Soak for at least thirty minutes, let the oil seep into your skin and release all the tension in your joints. Juniper oil has been known to help with muscle and joint pain as well as swollen joints, so seriously, soak. A few drops added to almond oil bring relief to arthritis.

Lastly, add the oil to your lotions and face creams for a boost to your daily skin regimen, and to aid with several topical skin conditions. Juniper oil is particularly good for treating eczema, the lightness of the oil makes it a good option for people with oily skin, who can’t handle the oilier alternatives.

Juniper oil is one of those that should be used, and used a lot, but with caution. The main chemical components of juniper berry oil are a-pinene, b-pinene, camphene, sabinene, y-terpinene, a-phellandrene, myrcene, a-terpinene, 1,4-cineole, b-phellandrene, terpinen-4-ol, p-cymene, cayophyllene, and bornyl acetate. It also has trace amounts of camphor, limonene, nerol, linalool, borneol, and linalyl acetate.

So while it may be great for your urinary tract, in too large doses it can be harmful to your kidneys. How much is too much? How will you know? What if I told you, you don’t even have to worry about it. This is why we’re here.

https://saucabodymind.com/collections/all-products/products/essential-body-oil

Why not take the uncertainty out of it and get an already blended essential oil mix that contains safe amounts of the wonderful Juniper. We recommend our Essential body oil, which is thoughtfully crafted with nine essential oils, of which Juniper is one. You’ll love it, and you’ll love using it worry-free. If you wish, the link above will take you directly to our shop, where you can read up more on this amazing body oil, and the exact blend of oils it contains. While you’re there, feel free to roam, there are so many other wonderful things to discover. So please, don’t be shy.

See you soon.

2. Venue Spotlight: Walton House in Homestead, Florida

(written for the blog https://bluesparkphotography.com/)

You’ve done the hard part, you’ve found the one you want to spend forever with. But now you need to choose your forever venue. The place that will accompany the memories of your most special day, forever. With all the gorgeous venues across the country, you could choose from, we’re not judging you for feeling a little overwhelmed. We’re here to help. We’re about to help you make that shortlist even shorter.

Imagine the charming, historic style that English cottages are known for, surrounded by the vibrant tropical splendor of Florida. At Walton House in Homestead, Fl, you don’t have to imagine. Outside, the greenery overpowers everything, all five acres of botanical garden of it. Take a stroll and indulge in the sensory feast, get lost in it, there isn’t a place you can find that isn’t Instagram-worthy. Start at the coral rock swimming pool with cascading waterfall, letting the realization that you really are in paradise slowly wash over you. Next, to the large lagoon with white swans and Japanese koi, and a sunken pond with a waterfall. Yes, another waterwall. At the heart of this tropical wonderland is the Indonesian-style Chikee hut with an expansive deck right next to the lagoon. It’s hard to miss, which is just as well because it is a must-see. And when you’ve had your fill of the tropical paradise, say goodbye to all the exotic friends you just made. The property boasts an impressive collection of flamingos, parrots, macaws, giant tortoises, and monkeys, just to name a few.

Need a break? Need to go somewhere and sit down and take it all in, drink in hand? Well all you have to do is turn your sites to the true star, Walton House itself. The gorgeous historic structure can only be described as the quintessential English cottage, with its wood frame and stucco exterior. It stands proud and different from all the neighbouring residences, a classic beauty in a sea of modern style, with all the charm to match. According to waltonhousemiami.com, the beauty was built in 1917 by W.K Walton. It is as breathtaking now, as we can only imagine it was then. Inside, every room is dripping with as much charm as you would have hoped, making you feel both at home and in a dream. The expert use of space, the perfect balance of luxury and cosiness, makes this the ideal wedding venue. The sweet, subtle touches in the antique bridal suite will leave you breathless. What’s more, it’s yours for the entire day, from 9am until the end of your reception.

The house serves a number of different functions, as a private venue for parties and photoshoots, but it’s no surprise that it marries itself so well to weddings. It can house up to 150 guests, the 100 candle lit lanterns and 4000 bistro lights acting as witnesses as you all dance the night away. The only complaint you’ll have is that you can’t spend the night at the wonderful venue, but you won’t complain for long. Getting to and from the historic Walton House is a breeze, the property is conveniently located just thirty minutes south of Miami International Airport and forty minutes from South Beach. So there is absolutely no reason not to keep the party going.

Perhaps most important, is the promise this venue offers, not just on your wedding day but long after. Long after the dust from your dancing shoes has settled, and all your guests have gone home. When you reach for that wedding book, you’ll relive all the wonder captured in every image in this enchanting place. You’ll travel back to the European style horse stable where you and all your bridesmaids took that fail of a jumping photo that hangs in your hallway. Or perhaps back to the English flower garden, where even surrounded by all flowers, your dress still stole the shot. Pictures are forever, and you’ll want to take yours here. Walton House promises to deliver all the wonder worthy of your big day.

3. Why shoot film?

(written for the blog https://bluesparkphotography.com/)

It truly is incredible just how far technology has propelled us in the direction of advancement, in every area we can imagine. In some areas however, while the convenience and ease of such advancement is great, we find ourselves feeling a little nostalgic for a simpler, older era because we find ourselves still in awe of how beautiful it remains. One such area is photography, and no matter how much times passes, we can’t get over the beauty of film. Not only because it satisfies the ‘forever vintage’ part of us that thinks everything older is better, but also because it satisfies the logical part of us that can convincingly argue that film is better. We’re absolutely convinced, and I hope you stay with us because I’m pretty sure by the end of this article you will be too. There is a reason that film photography has stood the test of time.

The origins of photography are a bit vague, being that it was so long ago and it wasn’t recorded. But we do know that the art we so love originated around 1800, where we had a documented failed attempt by Thomas Wedgwood. That was followed by the first successful attempt in 1820 by Nicéphore Niépce. Although a success, several days of exposure were required and the results lacked the refinement we enjoy today. In 1939, Niépce's associate, Louis Daguerre propelled us even further by developing the daguerreotype process that only required minutes of exposure to produce a clear, detailed image. This was the birth of photography as we know it. Over the centuries, a lot has changed and gotten better; film speed, lens quality; the ability to develop in colour and even to shoot film digitally. All these things have made shooting film more intricate, more precise, perhaps more difficult but certainly more beautiful. Whatever the advancement the process is still the same, at least for shooting black and white. There is nothing nothing more exciting than dipping your prints into your tank in the dark, pouring developer in daylight, adding a stop bath and a fixer before rinsing with running water. There’s almost a childlike excitement as you hang the images up to dry and wait. There’s nothing like entering your dark room and holding the perfect, dry image in your hands for the first time. I think that’s the thing about shooting film that makes us so nostalgic about it, the craftsmanship. The time consuming nature of the exercise and the requirement for patience all work together to remind us just how much of a craft photography is.

But, alas, time has moved on and given us the almighty digital camera. How does film fare against digital and what are the key differences between the two? Well, for starters the sensor used to take a photo is very different. For film cameras a light sensitive film is placed behind the lens. When a photo is taken the shutter opens for a predetermined period of time and light hits the film. The result is a photo "printed" on the film. For a new photo the film is then rolled to expose fresh film. Digital cameras have a fixed electronic sensor (sometimes known as CCD) situated behind the lens. The sensor is built from tiny light sensitive sensors each representing a pixel, and the pixels together create an image. The images are electronically saved on digital media and can be electronically emptied. So, shooting digitally is much easier and faster, and less expensive. Film costs money, as does developing whereas storing images on a digital camera does not. Digital cameras allow you take an infinite number of images, because you can always insert a memory card or discard the ones you don’t like to free up space. Digital cameras often come with self correcting for images, which can rectify the colouration and blur in images without you even thinking about it. Lastly, with a digital camera feedback time is instantaneous whereas you have to wait for images to get developed with a film camera. In short, digital is easier and faster and so much more convenient.

With all of that said you would think that shooting film should be discarded altogether, but it isn’t. In fact, it remains one of the most sort after and idealised forms of photography. It is romanticised by both photographers who shoot film and those who don't. Why? Well, I think the best way to answer that is to show rather than tell. One of my two all-time favorite film photographers is Jose Villa, whose fine art wedding photography can accurately be described as a portfolio into whimsical. Don’t believe me, take a look for yourself here: http://josevilla.com/ The second is Elizabeth Messina, whose photography continuously captures love so well. Browse through her wonderful gallery at: http://www.elizabethmessina.com/).

lawn

I love both these photographers because of what they are able to do every time they step behind a lense: capture beauty in whatever form it may present itself in front of them. I’m drawn to them because in their art I see my own. I see the love I have for the perfect moment, not the one the bride posed for, but the one right after when instead of the perfect smile she has on her face the true joy and relief of realising that everything is going according to plan. The quick hand squeeze between her and her new husband as they make their rounds, availing themselves to family and friends even though they really just want to be with each other. Mom’s tears as she listens to her new son make vows to her precious daughter, because those vows aren’t just for the bride.

When you have the privilege to share in people’s most treasured moments as a photographer you start to have an inkling about when these moments will happen, and that kind of premonition is priceless when it comes to shooting a wedding. After all, a special moment only lasts for a moment.

Check out all the special moments I’ve been lucky enough to capture in film, and it’s okay if you fall in love with the art of it.

See you soon.

4. The reach of EAB destruction is spreading

(Posted on May 1, 2018 by nonjabuloarahill for https://www.lawndoctor.com/)

As we discussed in our previous post, the pest Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is the single most destructive factor for ash trees. Unfortunately, their reach is expanding. More and more trees are being infested by EAB and we need to do something about it. The first EAB infestation was discovered near Detroit, Michigan in 2002. Today, EAB has infected millions of trees in 31 states in the US and the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec.

How Does EAB Spread?

There are two main ways that EAB spreads. The first is by the natural reproduction methods of the species, whereby adult specimens lay their larvae in neighboring ash trees who then reach maturity within those trees and then lay their larvae in neighboring trees as so forth. The second is by people unknowingly carrying infested ash firewood to a region that didn’t previously have EAB and thus introducing those new ash trees to the pest.

What Can You Do?

Spread awareness about this growing EAB problem. Share this blog post, talk about your ash trees with your neighbors, friends and family. Study this map of the federal quarantine boundaries to know which areas are most affected by the EAB infestation, and more importantly, which areas are not affected so you don’t unknowingly transport infected wood into those regions. The red borders show the areas you can’t transport wood out of without a permit. For peace of mind, Always source wood locally. Get your trees sprayed. Even if you are in an infested zone and your ash trees can’t be saved, you should still consider getting them treated. Treating the tree may not save it, but it will kill the EAB, which means they can’t infect another tree.

What Can We Do?

As your local lawn experts, we pride ourselves on staying up to date on all new information about invasive species and all their treatment options. In particular with EAB on ash trees, the damage has been devastating and we are happy to be part of the solution.

Our Services Include:

Soil Drench The product is mixed with water and then pouring the solution directly on the soil around the base of the trunk or injected a few inches below ground at multiple locations near the base of the tree. This solution is then taken in through the roots and moves throughout the tree.Bark Injection Product is injected directly into the trunk of the tree by drilling through the bark and into the outer sapwood at the base of the tree. This method is the most versatile as it allows for the treatment of trees where soil treatments may not be possible, like trees growing in wet, sandy or restricted soil environments.

Bark Spray. The product is sprayed on the lower five to six feet bark with a low-pressure sprayer and then absorbed by the tree.

Connect to your local Lawn Doctor today for more information on how we can help save your ash trees!

5. Venue Spotlight: Fairchild Gardens

(written for the blog https://bluesparkphotography.com/)

If you’re thinking about having your wedding in Florida, then you’re already a fan of the tropical climate that the region boasts. If you like a tropical climate then you love tropical plants. And if you love tropical plants then you’ll love Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden. The garden, in South Florida, has an unparalleled dedication to native plant life, and walking through it feels like a slice of paradise. For the whimsical bride who wants to be transported somewhere exotic on her special day, this may just be the one.

Not sure what kind of setting you want but also don’t want to be limited because you value having options? Well then you’re really going to love Fairchild Gardens. According to http://www.fairchildgarden.org, the venue offers three ceremony locations and four reception locations, with the ability to customize your very own special package. Regardless of which you choose, that they are all located in this wonderful botanical garden means that they each come built in with whimsical ambiance and breathtaking views.

The Bailey Palm Glade is a gorgeous setting, overlooking both the Glade Lake and Royal Palm Lake. This is perfect for the bride who doesn’t want anybody to miss her big day. With its ability to accommodate up to 280 guests, nobody will have to. Regal Palms create a long, narrow view along the garden’s landscape, bringing your vision of paradise to life. Perhaps its most beautiful feature, are the limestone staircases leading past the lily pool. A path purposefully designed to give you an unforgettable entrance.

The Historic amphitheatre is for the bride with a flair for drama. Indulge your up to 350 guests with something to post about, as they enter through a land bridge. Watch their faces fill with wonder as you all take in the enchanting coconut tree grove that is your surroundings. A setting both intimate and extravagant, romantic and historic, this one is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Last, and by no means least, The Allee and overlook is the perfect option for the bride who values intimacy. Your private, close knit affair will see your 80 guests enjoy the tree lined overlook, and a magnificent key-hole vista overlooking Pandanus Lake. Treat them to panoramic views of the garden’s lowland areas and lakes, providing a striking contrast to the narrow Allee. Almost as striking as you in your dress, standing out from a world of greenery. Almost, but not quite.

For your reception choose between the peacefulness of the expansive manicured lawns and loggia of the Garden House, or the picturesque wonder of the white peak tents of the Lakeside Marquee. Take everyone's breath away with the floor-to-ceiling views from the ‘Cedar and Gold’ decorated Glasshouse Cafe. If all of those are not for you, then maybe what you’ve been waiting for is the Adam R. Rose and Peter R. McQuillan Arts Center, whose combination of art, science and nature will leave you feeling inspired.

Whatever your fancy, the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Gardens are sure to have something for you, something as unique as you, and something for every budget and taste. The warm staff will make your wedding and reception the best that they possibly can, with an attention to detail worthy of your royal brideliness. You’ll want to experience it all over again. Picking a venue can be stressful, and it’s nice to find a place that makes it so easy. We love that they offer you so many different options, and we’ve loved capturing incredible moments at this gorgeous venue. Whichever location you choose, those pictures will be stunning. Guaranteed.

6. Niyamas

(written for the blog https://dianazapata.com/)

We’re so happy to have you back with us and we’re excited to give you your weekly dose of yoga inspiration. In continuing with our dive into The Yoga Sutras of Master Patanjali, this week we'll explore the second of the eight limbs of yoga, the Niyamas. Like the Yamas, the Niyamas (or observances) are also broken up into five practices. However, where the Yamas were more of an external guide to help facilitate our relationships with others, the Niyamas are decidedly more internal. They provide the blueprint for the maintenance of the practicing yogi’s internal environment of body, mind and spirit. The practice of Niyama teaches us inner-strength and discipline, both of which are necessary to progress along the yoga path. Take a deep breath in through your nose and exhale it slowly through your mouth, and let’s begin.

Shaucha (purification) is the first Niyama and it focuses on cleanliness, it is actually considered by many to be the main aim of yoga. The yogis observed that impurities in either our internal or external environments were a hindrance to the goal of attaining wisdom and spiritual liberation. Thus the practice includes a number of techniques for cleansing both the body and the mind. The practices of asana, pranayama and meditation cleanse and purify the body and mind, as well as strengthening their capacity to maintain a pure state of being. In our daily lives, we can observe the practice of Shaucha by consciously observing what we put into our bodies, what thoughts we allow to occupy our minds and what emotions we indulge. It is our duty to continuously monitor our environments and purify them as needed. Purity of body and mind allow us to enjoy radiant health, clarity and happiness in all aspects of our lives.

The second Niyama, Santosha (contentment) deals with acceptance of whatever it is that life has brought us. When we practice acceptance of, and contentment with our circumstances we find joy. Contentment leads to happiness because it stops us comparing ourselves and our lives to those of others, it teaches us to find joy in what we have. The yogis observed the fleeting nature of happiness that comes from material possessions, and this practice serves to free us of that trap. True happiness can never come from worldly goods, because those can always be taken away. The practice teaches us to look inward for the joy that lasts. When we do look outward, it teaches us to look with joyful eyes at all that we do have, freeing us from the suffering that comes if we instead only see all that we don’t have.

The third Niyama, Tapas (asceticism) focuses on intense self-discipline. The word ‘tapas’ translates to heat, in particular, the heat that builds during moments of intense effort. The yogis believed this heat also creates an internal fire that illuminates us and burns our mental and physical impurities. This internal fire was seen as a source of spiritual energy. Tapas is the practice of will power, which is displayed in moments when we force ourselves to do something we don’t want to in order to bring about a positive change in our lives. It teaches us to showcase the discipline required willingly and with a positive attitude. So whether you’re picking up dog poop or taking out the trash again, be mindful of your spirit and do it with a joyful heart.

Svadhyaya (self-study) is the fourth Niyama and it translates directly to ‘to recollect the Self’. It is concerned with contemplation and meditation in an effort to teach us to see the true divine nature of our beings. It teaches us to be aware of ourselves by reflecting on our actions and mistakes and seeing them as opportunities to grow. When we are mindful of our goals and desires, we can better keep guard of ourselves and notice when we act in harmony with them or when we unconsciously act to counter them. The yogic practice of Svadhyaya also involves the study of sacred and spiritual texts as a guide to our deeper internal world where our true self resides, in pursuit of our connection to the divine.

Ishvara Pranidhana (devotion) is the fifth and final Niyama, which focuses on our surrender. Not in a manner of defeat, but in a manner that exalts our entire practice. It is the surrender of ourselves and our practice to a higher power. The practice also teaches us to show devotion to that higher power. Not to the self, because another central goal of yoga is to let go of that which we consider the self (the ego). The practice teaches us to stop our constant identification with ourselves and open ourselves to learning how to identify with the divine, a much higher experience. It calls for our dedication, devotion and surrender to allow us to experience life as we were meant to, as enlightened beings.

The goals always seem too grand, perhaps unreachable, but yoga is called a practice for a reason. It will take time, all we have to commit to is continued practice and the rest will follow. Practised daily, the five Niyamas help cultivate a life filled with happiness, self-discipline, self-confidence and of course, peace. Though challenging, they force those who practice to continually grow and better themselves. And, as with all things yoga, over time the practice does get easier. So take a deep breath in through your nose and exhale it slowly through your mouth. Do that every time you need to center yourself, just don’t give up. You’re right where you need to be, right this moment.

Namaste