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Welcome to my writing portfolio!

I am a writer in Portland, Oregon. I specialize in shopping, health and wellness, entertainment, lifestyle, and career-related topics. I also have extensive experience writing for SEO purposes.

I also work with clients to help them land podcast guest opportunities. I'd love to work with you if that's a goal for you or your clients. Check out my services.

Please contact me if there's a resource you'd like to share, if you'd like to commission me for any upcoming pieces, or if you are interested in my podcast services. You can send me an email to npyles86[at]gmail[dot]com or nicole[at]worldofmyimagination. 

NOTE: I've also recently been advised that someone is impersonating me and presenting my blog and writing background (and, I assume, my podcast service). If by any chance you hear from me and the tone sounds completely off (and most of all, it's not coming from the emails noted above), please do let me know, as I'm not sure of their intention. 

Subscribe to my monthly newsletter below for ongoing updates. I'd love to stay in touch.

Career and Business

Health and Wellness

Lifestyle

Entertainment
Better Report •

The Healthiest Meal Options at 15 Fast-Food Restaurants

To that end, we asked registered dietitian nutritionists Talia Follador and Vanessa Imus for their picks at some of the top fast-food restaurants nationwide. Keep in mind, however, that “most fast-food meals exceed sodium targets,” Follador says. “The goal isn’t perfection but rather making choices that include protein, carbs, fat, and fiber when possible. That combination helps promote satiety and prevent potential rebound eating.”
Better Report •

6 Odors Around Your House That Could Be Unsafe

Not all smells around the house are good ones — and we’re not talking about the burnt casserole from last night’s dinner. Certain odors indicate dangerous issues that require immediate attention. Here are a few of the most common, unsafe smells around your home that you shouldn’t ignore.If you smell sulfur, don’t check your fridge for rotten eggs: The smell comes from an additive to natural gas (which is itself odorless) and usually indicates there’s a dangerous gas leak.
Better Report •

Why You Should Never Go To Bed With Wet Hair

Anyone who goes to bed with wet hair could face these issues, but those with long or thick hair have increased risk. “[Long] hair holds moisture way longer, especially toward the mid-lengths and ends. So if you have long or thick hair, it’s likely staying wet for hours while you sleep,” Davis says. “Short hair usually dries faster, so the risk is lower, but your scalp is still sitting in that damp environment for a bit, so it’s not totally risk-free.” 


To make matters worse, the bacteria from...
Better Report •

Should You Freeze Your Credit?

Thanks to conflicts around the world — which bring an increased risk of cyberscams — experts have suggested keeping a close watch on your credit. 


Having a good credit score carries a lot of weight in the modern world. It makes it easier for you to buy a home, lease a car, and even get approved for an apartment. So, if you’ve received a notification that your information has been compromised, you’ve lost your purse or wallet with all of your personal identification, or you’ve started getting...
Better Report •

Why Are People Rubbing Banana Peels on Their Faces?

Studies have shown the peel itself has even greater levels of antioxidants. However, “there is zero scientific evidence to suggest rubbing a banana peel on your face will help with any … skin conditions or signs of cellular aging,” Dr. Shamban says. She adds that the “banana or peel won’t penetrate the matrix or that skin barrier.”


The comparison to Botox is also faulty. Botox is derived from a toxin produced by bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The targeted injections weaken or paralyze facia...
Better Report •

The Two-Minute Test to See if Olive Oil is Past its Prime

Olive oil is a flavor-enhancing ingredient that makes almost every dish taste special.  You can add olive oil to just about everything, whether you have a basic plate of noodles or an extravagant dish of grilled meats and vegetables. However, unlike wine, which gets better with age, olive oil can lose its flavor over time. If you’ve discovered a neglected bottle in the back of your cabinet, you’ll want to check if it’s usable first. Try this two-minute test that will let you know if your olive o...
Better Report •

8 Safety Items You Should Always Keep in Your Car

Going on a road trip has always represented freedom. You get to place the world’s problems on pause and drive towards new adventures. But while hitting the open road on a whim sounds fun, you don’t want to forget about an important need: safety. From car-related emergencies to risky weather to health concerns, you’ll want to take a few essentials to keep yourself and others safe. Don’t worry, preparing for the unexpected doesn’t have to mean overwhelming your car or causing unnecessary anxiety....
Better Report •

How to Create the Perfect Backyard Movie Theater

I’ve always been a movie buff, but these days, I prefer the comfort and convenience of having the theater experience at home. With a simple projector and screen, I’ve completely transformed how I enjoy movies. You can do the same in your own backyard with only a few pieces of equipment — no major DIY skills needed. At home, moviegoer annoyances like people playing with their phones in the dark theater or increasingly expensive snacks are no issue. It will become the ultimate cinematic experience...

How to Get on Podcasts as a Guest - Podseeker | The Best Podcast Search For PR Professionals

Being a podcast guest is a fantastic way to promote yourself, your business, and your craft by connecting with a broader audience. However, becoming a guest is often easier said than done. As a podcast booker, I work with clients who want me to take the driver's seat and land them opportunities. I'm happy to do so and love helping people with this goal, no matter their niche. However, you don't need to hire a third party to do this for you. Today, I'm sharing ways you can get on podcasts as a gu...
The Spruce •

Let Your Garden Bloom—These Are the 10 Best Places Online to Buy Beautiful Flower Bulbs

How We Picked the Flower Bulb Retailers
To select the best places to buy flower bulbs online, we researched various online store options, selecting ones known for their quality bulbs and extensive effort to ensure the shopper had everything they need to start planting upon receiving their delivery. 

We prioritized retailers that made essential information, such as Hardiness Zone, readily available on their website. However, for those who didn't have that information available, we ensured th...
The Spruce •

These Are Our Editors' Favorite Places to Buy a Couch

The couch is the central hub of your living room space. It becomes the place where you can kick back and relax, read to your child, entertain your guests, and even work from home. It’s an investment you will likely spend a lot of time on over the years, so you want to make sure you’re making the right choice.

From sectionals and loveseats, to sleeper sofas and leather couches, there are countless options available. However, before you begin shopping for a couch, consider the features that matt...
The Spruce •

Our Favorite Online Mattresses Are Just as Good as In-Store Options

Buying a mattress online comes with a lot of perks. You gain the same quality as you would selecting one in the store; however, the process is more straightforward and typically includes convenient and fast shipping and even setup, especially if white-glove delivery is included. 

"The mattress features you should inspect will be the same whether you’re shopping in person or online," as well, notes Jeff Kahn, the co-founder and CEO of Rise Science. He suggests "taking full advantage of free tri...
Sleep Enlightened •

How to Sleep Better: 10 Strategies That Actually Work

There’s nothing like getting a good night’s sleep. Not only does it give you much-needed energy throughout the day, but it’s also vital for your physical and mental health. Unfortunately, it can seem impossible to get the right amount of sleep your mind and body need. Ahead, we’ll explore scientifically proven ways to sleep better at night and wake up refreshed. The right conditions in your bedroom can make all the difference in your sleep cycle. “A cool, quiet, and dark environment promotes...
Better Homes & Gardens •

The 13 Best Kitchen Sinks for Your Home

The Bottom Line
Our overall top pick for the best kitchen sink is the Krause Undermount Single Bowl Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink because it is made with a high-quality 16-gauge stainless steel and it has an undermount design, which offers a clean look and is easy to maintain. It also comes with a cutting board and a drying rack that make it a true workstation. 

What to Know About Kitchen Sinks Before Shopping
Material
We recommend shopping for kitchen sinks made from durable materia...
Tom's Guide •

7 best Netflix shows with 30-minute episodes to binge watch right now

From award-winning picks to side-splitting comedies to edge-of-your-seat thrillers, Netflix offers a plentiful array of TV shows for viewers everywhere. It's one of the most popular streaming services out there, and for good reason, considering all the quality content available. However, sometimes you aren't in the mood for an hourlong drama that you might get sucked into for an entire day. In that case, you'll want to check out their shows with 30-minute episodes.Whether you want to watch on a...
Tom's Guide •

7 best winter movies to stream for a cozy night in — and where to stream them

The holidays may be delightful, but the weather outside can get very frightful. As December brings chilly winds, dreary skies, and snow (sometimes), you begin to wonder why you ever liked this time of year at all. When that happens, watching winter movies is the perfect way to keep warm and cozy.We've compiled some of the best winter movies to watch, whether you are in the mood for a monster movie, a disaster flick or a stark drama. These movies will have you reaching for a blanket as you curl u...
Better Homes & Gardens •

Christmas is A Week Away—Shop the Best Tech, Outdoor, and Luxury Gifts To Spoil the Man in Your Life

As you make your holiday list and check it twice, you probably know how challenging it is to find the perfect Christmas gift to properly convey the love and appreciation you have for someone. If you’re searching for the best gift for men in your life, you've come to the right place. Whether he's tech obsessed, an outdoor enthusiast, a travel bug, or simply enjoys the finer things in life, you'll find a thoughtful gift for him here.
Tom's Guide •

7 best political thrillers to stream right now

It's hard to imagine tuning into a political thriller in this intense political climate. Yet these films — whether based on a true event or purely fictional — can provide a fascinating angle into the real-life dramatics playing out before our eyes. Other times, they are a helpful escape that takes us away, even if just for a brief moment.We've listed some of the best political thrillers you can watch on streaming. You'll see a classic inspired by award-winning journalism and others that will mak...
Sleep Enlightened •

Blue Mind Theory: How Being Near Water Can Improve Your Sleep

Whether you love soaking in the sun or simply walking in a park, you probably know firsthand the benefits of being out in nature. Most notably, nature can help boost your mental health and leave you feeling less anxious. It could also benefit your sleep. Being near the water specifically might have extra special powers when it comes to relaxation and sleep. The concept behind this is known as “blue mind theory.” Ahead, we’ll share everything you need to know about blue mind theory and how to...
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Get in Touch

Have a project I may be a great writer for? Need a contributing freelance writer? Want my PR expertise? Write me and let me know what you have in mind. Send me an email to npyles86[at]gmail[dot]com.