Why are Constance Jones & Julie Durda talking about boogers?

 

Sharing a special moment with my co-worker--Local 10's Julie Durda!  Yes we talk about boogers in the morning! 

Gross right--but hey, it got your attention! Find out why we talk about boogers during the morning news-- click on the image below! 

 

At a time where Local TV news viewership is down—news anchors and reporters have to find better ways to connect with their audience. According to Pew Research Center’s annual “State of the NEWS Media”—there has been a 6 percent declined in viewership between 2006 and 2012! Only 28 percent of those aged 18 to 29 now regularly watch TV news. That’s down from 42 percent just six years earlier!

So, why do I say all this?!? SIMPLE—Dare to be different. Its helped our morning newscast! Our ratings continue to climb in a highly competitive South Florida Market. Don’t be afraid to take risk and find new, unusual or unexpected ways to connect with your audience! (or customers) 

What tips would you give to connect with viewers?

Wearing Cruciani For Children: Fashion With A Purpose!

Miami Children's Hospital Cruciani Bracelets

What's better than fashion with a purpose! This limited edition bracelet featuring the Miami Children's Hospital (MCH) logo was created by world-renowned Italian fashion brand--Cruciani!  They recently partnered with MCH to create this unique fundraising initiative! Cruciani made a historical contribution to MCH Foundation--by donating more than 600,000 lace bracelets--which are available online! 100% of the proceeds benefit the Together For The Children campaign!  By wearing this bracelet, you share the mission for healthy, happy children everywhere! So, I rocked mine on-air! Take a look!

Who says Orange and Red doesn't match!

Leather and Orange-- ALWAYS a good combo!

You may be asking yourself-- What Is Cruciani Bracelets? These Italian macrame (the same knotting technique used to make friendship bracelets) lace bracelets exploded in popularity in August 2011! Tons of celebrities have worn them-- as you can see below!

Beyonce, Heidi Klum and Rita Ora all wear Cruciani

  Please be sure to check out the website-- and support CHILDREN!

Join the movement by making a $15 donation and you’ll receive a bracelet of your choice, available in 10 different colors. 

6 Things You Should Know About the Hamptons

Summer in South Hampton 2014

 When I first learned my husband was accepted into two major Summer Art Shows in the Hamptons, I flipped! Not only did this signify an amazing step forward in his career, but for me (The Artist Wife), it meant a posh coastal getaway!  

Me & The Hubby-- #HappyInTheHamptons

 The location was definitely foreign to me! Outside of what I’ve learned from Sex in the City and Gossip Girl, I was truly clueless to the “Hamptons Summer Lifestyle.” I goggled and researched travel blogs to no avail. After spending two weeks in the Hamptons, I felt the need to put together my own list of things YOU MUST KNOW about the “Hamptons Summer Lifestyle!”

Sex and the City - Hamptons Scenes

 1.      Book Early-   You will not find big-name chain hotels in the Hamptons. There are a few bed and breakfast locations and rooms for rent.  If you have enough cash- you can book a house. Since there are limited places to stay, rooms fill up fast. So be sure to plan your vacation early. There are dozens of travel websites that offer great suggestions.   

We stayed at the Southampton Village Motel-- which was far from a motel as we know it! There are free bikes available for you to ride into town or to the beach.  It was a cozy beautiful hotel, but the average weekend stay can cost over $560 per night—so be prepared (and save your pennies)! 

2.      Dress Code-  This “Texas-turned-Miami Girl” was definitely overdressed for several events!  The Hamptons Summer Lifestyle is completely fun “Country Chic!” So pack the shorts, tanks, sundresses and flip flops. 

3.      Where’s the money?  This shouldn’t come as a surprise, BUT not everyone in the Hamptons is rich. Upon my rough survey of the residents, I would say over 30% of the people who vacation in the Hamptons are just regular, hard-working people wanting some vacation fun. (or maybe just trying to make some connects)  However, during our time there, we met members of the Kellogg Family (Net Worth $3.5 Billion)! They have several homes in the Hamptons. 

My New Hashtag- #ArtistWifeLife--This was taken at Art South Hamptons Art Fair

4.     Where’s the party?  There are no clubs in the Hamptons and there are only a handful of pubs!  When it comes to nightlife in the Hamptons, you have to be invited to a house party. These parties range from fraternity-style college parties—to P. Diddy’s All White Party.  During my stay, we went to a few house parties. Nice, simple, and yes of course-FUN!

Strawberry Cucumber Cocktail-- Hamptons Style

5.      Late Night Munchies? - The Hamptons are known for being a community of small villages—with most businesses closing early at night! There are just a few places that stay open late. And when I say a few- I mean like 3.  After a long day at the Art Shows, we wanted to order pizza. Well—that’s not an option. No pizza delivery. We did find a great Chinese place open till late (11pm) It’s located right on Hamptons Road. It was our saving grace on a few nights!

Beach Life- SELFIE!

6.      Parking at the Beach—For RESIDENTS ONLY- The Hamptons truly prides themselves in being an exclusive community. That means, if you want to enjoy the beautiful white sandy beaches, you have to have a “Residents Only Parking Pass.” The good news-- the Hamptons are so small—it’s easy enough to just ride your bike or walk.

Have you traveled to the Hamptons? If so—what tips could you offer for travelers?

Constance Jones takes the Ice Bucket Challenge

 

Wet hair--Don't care! This week,  the Ice Bucket Challenge has truly soaked the nation. Everyone from Justin Timberlake to the Miami ABC Local 10 News Team has poured ice water over his or her heads!  The goal is to raise awareness for ALS-- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease!  Since the challenge started, the Association has welcomed more than 100,000 new donors to the cause and challenged others do the same or make a donation to fight ALS within twenty-four hours.

 The Association’s mission to find a cure for ALS while funding the highest quality of care for people living with the disease. Not only did I take the plunge-- I made a donation!

  Join me in supporting the ALS Association in creating a world without ALS! Click here to find out more-->  http://inflnc.us/TbkQ6 

  Here's my video below!

 

 

Constance Jones Summer Looks

Sexy Romper

 Here are some of my favorite looks from the summer! 

Rompers ruled my world at all of my events! There's no better time than Summer time to wear a fab romper! These floral prints are both from Touchdolls. And most of these outfits are less than $50- right in my price range!!!

Pants Romper Set from Touch Dolls!

Floral Fun Dress

Stripped Sun Dress

Makers Experience Miami

Constance Jones at Makers Miami

Several Miami Bloggers were invited to the VIP Makers Event for a sneak peak of their new fall line! Maker’s Shoes is a Miami based design house that caters to women and men for high-quality, fast fashion-forward footwear.It's one of the fastest growing brands in South Florida.

Members from Media Bloggers Connect were invited to the "Sole Critics Bloggers Social!" A few lucky bloggers got a chance to take home a free pair of shoes!  Some of Miami's fabulous bloggers who showed up at the event includes Talitha Haynes with Talitha's Take and Jenn Moreno with "Let's Talk Miami Today."  

Jenn Moreno, Constance Jones & Talitha Haynes

To learn more about Makers click here!  

Constance Jones with her husband Troy Simmons