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Tiffany Dodson, Associate Market Editor at Self

Tiffany Dodson is the Associate Market Editor at SELF. When it comes to knowing what the newest trends in fashion, beauty and e-commerce are, she leads the charge. Tiffany’s been published in Teen Vogue, Bustle and Galore Magazine to name a few. I’m excited to share a fun story about her childhood as well as some amazing beauty tips in her interview below.

The Interview

What’s the most on brand situation from your childhood that predicted your career as a writer and editor?

I used to be really into writing my own plays and short stories as a kid. One Christmas morning while I was in middle school, my aunt gifted me with a tape recorder (how fitting!), and it basically became my best friend. I took that thing everywhere and always had a pack of blank tapes at the ready. I even recorded a soap opera on it off the top of my head—and voiced all the characters myself—which became one of my favorite after school hobbies.

If you haven’t had any sleep and need to look “fresh faced to the world,” what 3 products are you using?

It’s so funny that you asked this question, because I’ve recently written a story about it! If I could only choose three products to fake a full night’s sleep, it would undoubtedly be a good moisturizer (Tidal Brightening Enzyme Cream by Sunday Riley is one of my favorites), concealer (right now I’m using Fenty Beauty’s Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch), and a natural looking highlighter like the Hydra Highlighter Stick by Noto Cosmetics.

What’s the most versatile beauty product in your handbag?

One of the most versatile products in my bag would probably be my Bite Beauty Multi-Stick, because I can literally use it everywhere (but I usually just stick to my lips and cheeks).

What’s your favorite organic beauty brand and why?Right now, I’m really loving all of the body washes and oils from Esker. The brand is entirely organic and plant-based, and smells and feels amazing—I use it every day.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
I’ve gotten a lot of great advice over the years, but one thing that continues to resonate with me is something my grandmother always said, “you pick your battles.” Not everything is worth fighting over or stressing out about, which still rings true today and always.

Want to keep up with Associate Market Editor Tiffany Dodson on Instagram? Click here to get the latest scoop on amazing products and trends!

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In Lifestyle on

Elise Roberts: Producer at CNN/HLN

Elise Roberts is an award-winning news reporter and TV producer with over a decade of experience. Tireless dedication to her craft catapulted Elise from broadcast journalism to producing segments for one of the most respected and recognized news networks, CNN/HLN. When she’s not in front of the camera, Elise enjoys hosting community events, fashion and interior design. Multi-talented and beautiful, she transitions from role to role with ease and confidence. It was my pleasure to speak with Elise and learn more about what has influenced her most. Get all the details in her interview.

What did you dream of being as a child?

Funny enough, I always wanted to be a ‘news lady’ when I grew up. Every night, my family would tune in to the local news and I always thought the women handled themselves with so much poise and grace. not to mention, they were confident in their delivery and knew what they were talking about. It didn’t take long for me to figure out, this is exactly what I want to do. I would read out loud to my Barbie’s. In fact, I would read just about anything out loud that had words on it. By middle school, my love for writing also grew. I did the school announcements, won essay projects and scholarships. I even contributed an essay for the program of my high school commencement. No one was surprised when I became a journalist.

Was there a person in your life who heavily influenced your career choices?

You know the saying: It takes a village. That is definitely the case for me. I have friends and mentors who help me along the way. And like many women on TV, Oprah laid my foundation for media. Much like myself, she heard no countless times but her perseverance made her one of the most successful women of our time. She’s never boxed herself in to just being a TV News anchor. She knew when and how to move on in a way that used all of her talents. I’ve the pleasure of meeting and interacting with her on two occasions where I thanked her for being unapologetically herself. I also gained some valuable career advice that I have kept to myself for quite sometime.

On the other hand, there are people whom I’ve never met who helped shape my career. Tamron Hall is at the top off the list. She writes her own rules and it’s nice to see a confident beautiful woman of color who can hang with the best of them and do it with sass.

What’s your favorite room to style and why?

My love of fashion easily translates to my love of decor. I’ve always said if I weren’t working in TV, I would definitely be in design. Whether fashion or home decor. Lucky for me, my friends and family always call on me to help design their spaces so I get to dabble in it quite a bit. The living space is my favorite space. I love finding great anchor pieces of furniture and then layering fantastic rugs, art and accessories. I’m currently obsessed with the designs of Monet Masters. These ladies are phenomenal!

What advice would you give your younger self?

Don’t worry. You’ve got this.

What’s something that most people don’t know about you?

There’s a lot. Despite what you see on my Instastories, I’m actually pretty private. But there are a few things: I read a passage from my bible every morning, I love to dance, I don’t drink coffee, I love old school hip-hop, I think I’m the best TeeTee on the planet, and if there were a movie about my life: my family and friends would suggest that Gabrielle Union play me. How’s that? 🙂

You can connect with Elise on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!

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Dana Oliver: Beauty Director at Yahoo Lifestyle

When it comes to luxury beauty, Dana Oliver’s expertise is second to none. As Beauty Director at Yahoo Lifestyle, she covers beauty news, features and interviews celebrities and influencers within the beauty vertical. Her video series “Full Coverage With Dana Oliver,” highlights the latest in editor-approved beauty products to make you feel and look your absolute best. Dana has also been an advocate for diversity and inclusion and recently participated in an Inclusive Beauty Talk with Barney’s New York. I’m excited to share a piece of her journey with you below.

Have you always been into beauty? At what age did it become evident?

My earliest beauty memory is watching my mother apply Fashion Fair foundation — everything from the powder pink compact to the creamy brown texture of the makeup is imprinted on my mind. I also fondly recall my grandmother’s favorite perfume, Elizabeth Taylor White Diamonds. Seeing how the women I love most incorporated beauty into their daily routine definitely intrigued me. But it wasn’t until I was a preteen and started experimenting with my own hair, rocking braided hairstyles inspired by Brandy that my love for beauty really blossomed. I love how my attitude changed and confidence grew with every box braids, micro braids appointment.

If you could only use 3 skincare products, which ones would you recommend?

I swear by sunscreen and strongly recommend applying a facial sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30. One of my current favorite is by Black Girl Sunscreen — I love how it doesn’t leave a white cast on my dark complexion.

I am also a HUGE fan of SK-II Facial Essence Treatment. The texture of my skin is much smoother and overall clearer since making this a part of my skincare regimen.

Now that I am a mom, I get way less sleep than I’d like to. So I keep dark under-eye circles at bay by smoothing on OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright Eye Crème. This product also makes for a moisturizing prep before applying any eye makeup.

What’s the best beauty hack you’ve come across?

After painting my nails, I like to give them a quick ice water bath to help set the polish and get them to dry quicker.

What’s your favorite quote and why?

My favorite quote is actually a Bible verse that my late grandmother would always reference to uplift me:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

Tell us something about you that most people don’t know.

Most people don’t know that I actually live in Philadelphia. Even though I work in New York City, my home (for now) is Philly. As a child, I spent my summers there with my nana and then I attended undergrad at Temple University. While living in NYC was an experience I’ll never forget, I returned to Philadelphia because it’s where I fell in love and started my family.

Get more insider beauty tips & tricks on Dana’s IG + find out more about her work in the beauty industry here.

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In Interiors & Design, Lifestyle on

Outdoor Living: Gorgeous Patio Inspiration

Spring will be here before you know it and freshening up your outdoor living space will help you to enjoy the nice weather and sunshine with ease. When you put effort into making your patio look nice, you’ll be more apt to invite people over and get more use out of the area. Get inspired by these beautiful outdoor living spaces and all the good times that are to come.

Anna at The Styled Fox has cozy down to a science on her back porch. The sectional is perfect for entertaining friends and provides ample sitting options. The lighting is a great touch that makes the space feel warm and inviting.

Dabito at Old Brand New’s boho inspired outdoor space pairs Moroccan patterns and earthy oranges and browns seamlessly. His adept use of plants grounds the patio, making it a perfect marriage of outdoor and indoor accessories.

I love this back porch transformation from Caitlin and Manda at The Merry Thought. Brilliant white serves as a background for the dark gray sofa and accessories. The black fence is a stark color contrast that brings the space together.

Hope you liked these patio ideas and are inspired to make your outdoor living space beautiful!

In Lifestyle on

Chip & Joanna’s Hearth & Hand Collection For Target

What’s not to love about Chip & Joanna Gaines? Their seemingly opposite personalities are a match made in TV heaven. Joanne’s calm and reserved demeanor juxtaposed against Chip’s off the-beaten-path antics makes them more than interesting to watch. The duo own a bed and breakfast, construction company as well as a storefront, gardening supply and bakery through Magnolia Market. Their company, Magnolia, recently collaborated with Target to create a line of lifestyle products named Hearth & Hand. Here are a few of my favorites from the new collection that you can pick up or order today!

Milk Glass Cake Stand
There’s something about putting a cake in a glass stand that makes it more elegant. Sold in opaque pink or lime green, these stands have a fun but muted color that has classic charm.

Biscuit Serving Set
This serving tray is made with an almond shaded wood and comes with two glass containers for serving condiments. Perfect for serving breakfast in bed, the Biscuit Serving Set is equal parts charming and practical. The tray and glass containers can also be used for staging.

Faux Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant
You would think everyone has a green thumb from all the interiors shows but it simply isn’t true. Plants require maintenance and there’s nothing wrong with buying a high-quality faux plant. This Faux Fiddle Leaf Fig comes in small, medium and large to accommodate your styling needs.

Weekender Bag
Grab a few outfits and your essentials and hit the road with this chic tote bag that comes in dark blue or gray. Leather accents and straps elevate the look while striped interiors provide style.

Orange and Amber Bath Salts
Soaking away the day’s stress always sounds like a great idea to me, especially with the sultry and sweet scents of amber and orange. Treat yourself with this mineral-rich formula that soothes muscles and eases tension.

Are you going to Target to check out the Hearth and Hand collection? I’m definitely interested in channeling some of Joanne’s design aesthetic in my home because it’s rustic and modern while still feeling like home.

If you’re interested in content or creative direction for your brand or website, visit my Services page or email me @ thepineapplepen@gmail.com. Chat with you soon!- Emerald

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