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Best Writing Tips for Bloggers: Increase Your Reader’s Engagement
Blogging is a writing style like nothing else. It is far from the academic writing you are probably used to. Once you have mastered marketing your blog, you have to learn how to keep the reader engaged. Do you notice when you’re on someone’s blog and before you know it you’re at the end? Smooth writing, that’s what is happening when a writer can easily take a reader from the beginning to the end. It’s what we all strive to be and with practice and implementing the following tips you can easily improve your copywriting skills. Let me break it down for you: First tip: You have to create an…
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3 Ways to Market Your Blog on Social Media
Marketing your blog on social media has never been easier than it is now. Don’t roll your eyes! It’s true! I know many see it as a daunting task which is why it is common for many bloggers to outsource the marketing of their blog to a virtual assistant. Psstt I know a really awesome VA! If you’re not ready to hire a VA just yet, what you can do is learn everything possible about marketing your blog on social media, do the work and witness the power of social media channels! I hear you though… How do I do that and which channel is best for me? The best…
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Hidden Gems of Yellowstone
I hope more than anything you are reading this because you are planning your trip and want to learn the hidden gems you cannot miss in Yellowstone. There is no other place on earth like Yellowstone and I promise after your trip – you’ll already be planning your NEXT! Yellowstone is HUGE over 2.2 million acres – that is the size of Rhode Island and Delaware > COMBINED! 5 Hidden Gems of Yellowstone While I’m sure you already know the MUST SEE places such as Old Faithful, the Yellowstone Grand Canyon, and Mammoth Hot Springs. To truly experience Yellowstone, you have to visit the hidden gems that often get overlooked…
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5 Actionable Steps You Can Take Today to Improve Your Online Presence
The marketing world is changing, and in many ways digital marketing is taking over the marketing landscape. While there’s still a place for effective traditional marketing methods, these 5 actionable steps will help you succeed in your digital marketing efforts. Follow a content calendar A content calendar is essentially a blueprint for online marketing. But before you begin building one, educate yourself about the platforms you should use, and create your calendar based on the optimal times to post for the platform and type of content you’re posting. Make content relevant to your business, but get creative by researching holidays during the year and national days to stay unique and…
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Read This When You Want to Give Up: Motivation for Entrepreneurs
Burn out. Exhaustion. Why isn’t this working? Maybe I’m not good enough… Those are all feelings and thoughts that run through our head – as mothers,entrepreneurs and just as human beings! Don’t get caught up in noise and think you’re less than or different – because we all feel this way at different times. What is important to remember during these times is DO NOT GIVE UP! That is the best piece of advice you need to remind yourself when you are feeling like you have nothing left in you ….DON’T GIVE UP – DO NOT. So often – right as someone is about to give up – THAT is…
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So You’re Thinking of Starting a Blog?
Starting a blog is such a fun, creative project that can eventually make you money. Wait: You mean writing about the things I am passionate about can earn me money?! ….Yes! If you have been throwing around the idea of starting a blog and thinking about ideas to write about, researching what to do and how to do it…. Here is the most crucial advice you need to know BEFORE you start a blog: JUST DO IT Just do it…just launch your blog already! Nike didn’t adopt that motto for anything – they adopted it because it is so true in many aspects of life – blogging being one of…
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What is a Mastermind Group: Definition and Benefits
A mastermind group is a group of 4-8 people with a similar goal in mind coming together and helping each other accomplish those goals. The term mastermind group was coined by Napoleon Hill in his book “Think and Grow Rich”. He, along with so many other successful entrepreneurs, have contributed their success solely due to their mastermind group. Understand: “A Mastermind group is mandatory to achieve online success.” – Pay Flynn What Does a Mastermind Group Do? Every mastermind group is different. They can be virtual or in-person meetings, they can meet once a week or once a month, they can consist of entrepreneurs in one niche or different…
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Easy Hair Routine to Achieve Your Best Curls
Where are my curly girls?! And by curly girls – I mean even if you have the slightest wave to your hair – read on! Above is my transformation after starting the Curly Girl Method. If you’ve never heard of the Curly Girl Method prepare to have your mind blown! First, join the Curly Girl Method facebook group (over 110k+ curlies) giving advice about what curly girl method’s work for them. But with over 110k people – it easily gets overwhelming with all the different products and routines everyone is talking about. I am going to outline for you what curly girl method worked for me and my hair! Final Wash…
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7 Products That Will Improve Your Face
If you’ve ever had issues with your skin – you know how important it is finding that perfect product! I have always had skin issues – really bad acne, huge pores, and now mama is about to be 30 and fine lines are setting in! I know what it feels like to feel insecure about your face so I truly hope one of these products helps you the way they have helped me! Everyone’s face needs are different but this is what has worked for my super dry/sometimes oily/ super acne filled face… 1. Grapeseed Oil If you only purchase one product on this list – LET THIS BE IT!…
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Easy Way to Transform Your Business This Year
Setting goals for your business is so important – we hear this all.the.time! So when 2019 started to approach, I wanted to start making goals to transform my business. But the thought of a goal that would take me 365 days to get there created this heightened sense of anxiety for me and guess what …. I quickly decided not to set any goals because it seemed so overwhelming. THEN Pete McPherson came down from the blogging gods and created this podcast episode that totally changed my goal setting strategy for 2019. The answer: break it up into 12 weeks! Your goals do not have to be annualized! That’s crazy thinking…
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Make 2019 the Happiest Year
‘Tis the season for New Year’s resolutions – hashtag New Year New Me! Just kidding – I’ve never been big on New Year’s resolutions UNTIL I recently started listening to the Happier Podcast by Gretchen Rubin. Sidenote: If you are looking for a new podcast to get into – look no further! The Happier Podcast is one of my favorites! I love everything Gretchen stands for and all her passions. Recently, she reviewed her “18 for 2018” list. This is a list of 18 things she wanted to get done in 2018 that would, in turn, make her happier. This motivated me to start a 19 for 2019 list. I…
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What I’m Into November 2018
I do these post monthly and I would love for you to comment back what you’re into, based on the different categories. I am always loving suggestions! Reading Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott – I’m not lying when I say this was one of the most inspiring books I have ever read. Lamott gives a detailed break down of the writing class she teaches her students at a University in California. She is a fantastic writer and I loved reading her advice. Girl Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis – So I put this book on my holds list at the library back in June. Turns out I was 258 on…
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Fun Christmas Traditions to Start with Your Family
Holiday traditions are one of the most important parts of the Christmas culture. These family traditions are the activities and events that your children will look forward to all year long. And eventually, they will pass down to their children. Our family has so many traditions we do during this time of year. Some of them are traditions that were passed down and some are ones that we created ourselves. 1. Cutting Down the Christmas Tree Clark Griswold style – every year we head out to the local tree farm and cut down our Christmas tree. The kids get to pick the tree and ‘help’ saw it down. I love…
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Why I Gave Up Social Media for 30 Days
I had this huge life changing epiphany years ago after my first child was born. If something didn’t bring positivity into my life – I was removing it. To be honest this is still an aspect of my life I struggle with. But removing the negativity off my social media was super easy. That is the great thing about social media right? We get to control who and what we interact with. I typically have a positive experience when using social media. So why get rid of it? I decided to get rid of social media for 30 days because I found myself constantly grabbing my phone, mindlessly scrolling and…
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Things to do in Galveston with Kids
Galveston is such fun historic beach town to explore. My kids and husband live for the beach. I live for weekend getaways, so a weekend trip to Galveston it was! Since this was a short weekend get away we didn’t want to cram too much into the short time we were there. I love taking vacations and living a slower, relaxed, mindful life. We stayed at a condo through AirBnB putting us beachfront. We use AirBnB every time we travel. I can’t say enough good things about it. We rented this condo from Angela through AirBnB and it was perfect for us. The condo also had access to a heated-pool and…
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What I’m Into October 2018
I do these post monthly and I would love for you to comment back what you’re into, based on the different categories. I am always loving suggestions! Reading On Writing Well by William Zinsser – I always read other bloggers recommending this book. I appreciated the tips! Zinsser has some really good advice on methods and principles to use when writing non-fiction. Everybody Writes by Ann Handley – This was SUCH a good book! The tagline is “Your Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content” and it is! I read this book in less than 3 days and it’s a pretty good size book. I couldn’t put it down but probably…
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10 Gift Ideas for the Man Impossible to Buy For
We all have that man in our life who is impossible to buy for. While I personally like buying experiences vs. items for my loved ones, it is fun to give fun little gifts every once in a while. I have compiled 10 ideas to help ease the buying process for you. All of these items are from Etsy because I am all about buying homemade from small businesses. Ya know helping a family put food on their table instead of helping a CEO buy another vacation home. Without further ado- 10 unique gifts for the man impossible to buy for: 1. The Beer Lasso I’m putting this as number 1…
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5 Mistakes People Make When Visiting Yellowstone
Many say “Once you visit Yellowstone it will forever call you back.” And that is the truth. I hope if you are reading this it is because you are planning a trip to Yellowstone because it will forever change you. This is from my experience while exploring the area several times and I hope it helps make your trip absolutely incredible – in fact, I know it will. 1. Don’t Skip the Following Places We all know it’s a must do that you see Old Faithful erupt, take in the beautiful colors of the Grand Prismatic and slow down for the abundant wildlife throughout the park but there are beautiful…
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Mindfulness for Beginners
For the record – I am a beginner. When I created Free Spirit Planner, the name was inspired by my personality during our traveling adventures. My love for planning the travel itinerary prior but then triggering my inner free spirit to just go with the flow during the vacation. But something happens to me every time we travel – I absolutely love the person I become while we are vacationing. I become the person I want to be in my everyday life – more carefree, more laid back, go with the flow, ‘it is what it is’ type of person…MORE MINDFUL. I started becoming obsessed with vacations – solely for…
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What I’m Into – September 2018
I do these post monthly and I would love for you to comment back what you’re into, based on the different categories. I am always loving suggestions! Reading Tribes by Seth Godin – I.loved.this.book! Seth talks about how each of us has the ability to start a movement and create a tribe of like-minded people – more so because we all need a tribe to belong to. This book is such a confidence booster outlining that every single one of us are leaders in our own unique way! Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull (president of Pixar) – Brene Brown recommended this book saying it had a profound impact on her work…
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How to Teach an Entire Preschool Curriculum with Play Doh
I’m a little obsessed with education (being a former teacher) but honestly, I don’t even think that matters – I think most parents are obsessed with education. Watching our children learn and grow is by far one of the best parts of being a parent! Like a lot of you I am always looking for new things to incorporate into our day that promotes learning, but I’m not talking about spending hours researching, prepping, and implementing an activity – only for my 3-year-old to spend less than 5 minutes engaged with it and then wanting to move on to the next thing. That is why I love play doh activities…
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How to Take Guilt-Free Me Time
Me time?! Oh, that got your attention, didn’t it? What mom doesn’t LOVE me time!? Lord Jesus give me a break from these kids!! Even though we typically spend the ‘me-time’ either talking about the kids, worrying about the kids, or looking through old pictures of the kids! You’re smiling because it’s true…. But we all know moms need time away from the kids and family life. It makes us better moms. While we shouldn’t feel guilty taking time for ourselves, we typically do – it’s like it’s in our DNA. So how do we take me time without feeling guilty? VOLUNTEER! Give back to the community! It makes me…
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3 TED Talks That Changed My Life
If you’re not familiar with TED Talks, they’re videos from expert speakers covering topics such as education, business, creativity, humor, etc. Their slogan is “ideas worth spreading.” And that is exactly what I am doing; spreading some of these influential speakers ideas that have changed my life. Look: TED Talks are the perfect way to consume new information or grow as a person because you can listen to them via podcast or youtube, while you’re taking a walk or washing dishes. Or you can relax on the couch with a warm cup of coffee and watch the videos before starting your day off (my favorite way to watch them). 1. Brene…
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What I’m Into – August 2018
My monthly “What I’m Into” post where I will mention different things I have been into throughout the month such as what I’m reading, what shows I’ve been watching, etc. I would love for you to comment back on what you’re into, based on the different categories. I love suggestions! Reading Four Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss – I was first introduced to this book back in 2011 but didn’t pick it up to actually read it until a few weeks ago. This book is life changing! The title is more of a marketing strategy that is meant to entice you (and it works!). The book is motivating to help…
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Surviving a Two-Vessel Cord Pregnancy
“There are complications with your pregnancy.” A phrase no pregnant woman wants to hear. Unfortunately, this was my reality with my second pregnancy when I was told our baby was developing with a two-vessel umbilical cord and calcium deposits on his heart. I scoured the internet for support during my pregnancy and I hope to be that now to other women dealing with this condition. It all began when: We found out I was pregnant in July 2017. We were planning for this and so excited when it happened! I was starting my internship in August and graduating with my master’s degree in December. Our baby was due in March…
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Detour to Hot Springs National Park
You’re planning on heading to Hot Springs National Park?! Ahhhh there is something about National Parks that free my spirit and feed my soul. While most of the National Parks are out west, one lies not too far from the Mississippi River: Hot Springs National Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas. If you live close by or are passing through, here are a few things to keep in mind while exploring the park: 1. Not Your Typical National Park We took a detour on our trip home after the holidays in December to explore Hot Springs NP and I’m glad we did! However, Hot Springs NP is not your typical NP.…
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Why You Need to Vacation on South Padre Island
Hopefully, you’re listening to your inner free spirit and planning your next beach getaway?! Many people associate South Padre Island with Spring Break madness and college kids everywhere but the other 11 months out of the year it is a stunning beach oasis. Understand: South Padre is the closest to Mexico beaches you will get without crossing the border. When is the Best Time to Go? Let me reiterate: If you are looking for a family getaway, do not venture anywhere near South Padre Island during Spring Break. My family has been lucky enough to explore South Padre in the offseason multiple times, which is the time I recommend going.…
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Easy Sink Cleaning Hack
Isn’t there just something so calming about an empty kitchen sink? Clearing the dishes in the sink is one thing but then going the extra step and scrubbing the sink so it’s sparkling and shining…who is motivated enough to do that? Well, not me until I learned this awesome sink cleaning hack that makes the chore simple, easy and the sink looks fucking awesome after! I’ll spare you the chit chat and get down to the process. One of the best parts about it is the materials are so easy and I guarantee you have the supplies right under your kitchen sink! These are the only materials you will need:…
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5 Products That Will Transform Your Curls
If you’re a curly girl like me I am sure you are always looking for ways to improve your curls! Here are the 5 products I have discovered in the years trying to tame my curls. For my full hair routine from beginning to end click here. Products to Transform Your Curls Shampoo/Conditioner The first products I use for shampoo and conditioner are the Not Your Mothers Brand. I discovered them a couple of years ago and they have hydrated my hair and really transformed my curls. Here is a great graphic that shows what kind of NYM may work best for you: Denman Brush While I am in the…
