tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42272762508260716432024-03-27T21:26:37.306-05:00My Thread of ThoughtMy Thread of Thought is a craft and lifestyle blog aimed at small business owners. It contains business tips, craft tutorials, holiday ideas, recipes and more.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1137125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227276250826071643.post-18159743145733563482023-08-16T11:42:00.006-05:002023-08-16T11:42:50.657-05:006 Ways to Make S’Mores<p> <img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-10594" height="1500" src="https://blog.annaleehey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/16928157-DF20-490E-8ED3-2565FB9D4EED.jpeg" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1000" /></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">Summer is the perfect time to make s’mores. Here are 6 ways you can make s’mores whether you are indoors or outdoors. You just need graham crackers, a chocolate bar and marshmallows. You can make it vegan by using vegan marshmallows (I love using Dandies marshmallows).</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><strong>Use the traditional campfire method. </strong>I love using this method if I am outdoors<strong>. </strong>This may depend on the weather and if you have a campfire available. This is a great option if you are going camping, but you can also use a firepit in your backyard.</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">You need a metal skewer or long stick you find in the woods to toast the marshmallow. Toast the marshmallow on the stick over the flame until brown and toasty which will take a couple minutes. Rotate periodically to get the full marshmallow cooked.</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">Place a graham cracker half on a plate or napkin. Top with a chocolate bar half. Add the warm marshmallow and place another graham cracker half on top. Press gently. Serve immediately.</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><strong>Use a grill. </strong>This is a great outdoor alternative. Preheat your grill with medium heat. Toast the marshmallow over grill on a stick or skewer. Rotate the marshmallow until golden brown.</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">Place a graham cracker half on a plate or napkin. Top with a chocolate bar half. Add the warm marshmallow and place another graham cracker half on top. Press gently and serve.</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><strong>Use the microwave. </strong>Place 1 graham cracker half on a paper towel or plate and top with a chocolate bar half and marshmallow. Microwave at medium (50%) power in 10 second intervals until marshmallow puffs and chocolate slightly softens. This can take about 30 seconds or up to a minute.</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">Immediately top with the remaining graham cracker half and gently press together. Serve immediately. </p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><strong>Use an air fryer. </strong>This method will give you a get campfire like toastiness. Place 1 graham cracker half on the bottom of the air fryer basket and top with marshmallow. Air fry at 390 degrees F for about 5 minutes or until the marshmallow begins to crisp.</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">Immediately top with the chocolate bar half and the remaining graham cracker half. Gently press together. Serve immediately. </p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><strong>Use the oven.</strong> I like this method the best for making s’mores indoors. It is also great because you can make more than one at once.</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">Place 1 graham cracker half on a cookie sheet. Top with chocolate bar half and marshmallow. Set oven to broil. Put cookie sheet on top rack for 1 - 2 minutes or until marshmallow begins to turn golden brown.</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">Remove from oven and top with a second graham cracker half and gently press together. Serve while warm. </p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><strong>Use the flame of a stovetop. </strong>This is another good method for cooking indoors. Using a long wooden kebab stick or metal skewer, carefully toast a marshmallow over the stove on high heat until golden brown. Rotate periodically.</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">Place 1 graham cracker half on a plate. Top with a chocolate bar half. Place toasted marshmallow over chocolate graham cracker half. Top with second graham cracker half and gently press together. Serve immediately.</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", "Bitstream Charter", Times, serif; font-size: 16px;">Which method(s) have you tried? Let me know in the comments </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227276250826071643.post-13268903330490851782018-01-09T06:40:00.002-06:002023-02-26T14:59:05.842-06:00Want to Win Free Photo Prints?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zSr7hxXK-whjkn6NB2y4iJhOPoTHX-ly3LeM_cxKLYIEI5wEkjThEWeUo3YJcDXFGf573uR0FaXWx3RwGOSeMZSiZTeWzTHuerSIE4f2hzov4EwemnX0goMFLa4EuA0_NGmbGvTQZGWY7-na1R4m6ODplE5qumU8HfmjkN2ON1KLLQcfeBkzFJux/s768/499F9EBB-46CD-4B46-8388-1C900C9FE651.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="644" data-original-width="768" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zSr7hxXK-whjkn6NB2y4iJhOPoTHX-ly3LeM_cxKLYIEI5wEkjThEWeUo3YJcDXFGf573uR0FaXWx3RwGOSeMZSiZTeWzTHuerSIE4f2hzov4EwemnX0goMFLa4EuA0_NGmbGvTQZGWY7-na1R4m6ODplE5qumU8HfmjkN2ON1KLLQcfeBkzFJux/s320/499F9EBB-46CD-4B46-8388-1C900C9FE651.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>
<p>I am uploading a photo print on my personal website every day in 2018. For more info on how to win prints, <a href="http://ift.tt/2md3lgl">click here.</a></p>
<p><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8707" height="1000" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" src="http://ift.tt/2CUIRmV" srcset="http://ift.tt/2CUIRmV 750w, http://ift.tt/2maTGqI 225w" width="750" /></p>
<p>All you you have to do is enter your email as a comment on the photo you want to win a print. I will be choosing winners randomly.</p>
<p><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8358" height="1000" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" src="http://ift.tt/2CVF0Ww" srcset="http://ift.tt/2CVF0Ww 1000w, http://ift.tt/2mdKp0K 150w, http://ift.tt/2CVF1ty 300w, http://ift.tt/2m8cuGW 768w" width="1000" /></p>
<p>Besides photos, I will also be offering prints of quotes and my original fine art so there will be a nice variety of prints to choose from.</p>
<p>Let me know if you plan to enter!</p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227276250826071643.post-20346412536164624822018-01-01T15:25:00.001-06:002018-01-01T15:25:13.886-06:00My New Year Resolutions<p>These are my resolutions for the new year.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8647" src="http://ift.tt/2B2eWop" alt="" width="1000" height="1000" srcset="http://ift.tt/2B2eWop 1000w, http://ift.tt/2iEynwK 150w, http://ift.tt/2B1WUm2 300w, http://ift.tt/2iGo0sm 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p><strong>Stay healthy.</strong></p>
<p>I want to workout more, at least a few times a week. I am vegan, but I slipped up a few times in 2017. I want to try to stay vegan and be more strict about the food I eat. I am also trying to save money when I buy food.</p>
<p><strong>Get organized.</strong></p>
<p>I want to stay organized in both my business and personal life. I want to go through my files and photos on my computer and phone and organize them. I also want to get rid of unnecessary items.</p>
<p><strong>Save money.</strong></p>
<p>i want to save more money and keep some money in a savings account. I also want to pay off all my bills this year.</p>
<p><strong>Keep blogging.</strong></p>
<p>I want to continue blogging, posting on social media and listing items on my website and Etsy consistently. I also want to post an eBook for sale every month.</p>
<p>What are your resolutions for 2018?</p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227276250826071643.post-64788278406464365512017-11-21T22:43:00.001-06:002017-11-21T22:43:31.816-06:00Snowflake Planner Collection<p>Now is the perfect time to buy a planner for 2018. I started offfering planners in my shop and thought I would show the snowflake collection. These planners come in a couple different designs but all have a snowflake clip and fun snowflake design.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8645" src="http://ift.tt/2B1602h" alt="" width="1000" height="1000" srcset="http://ift.tt/2B1602h 1000w, http://ift.tt/2iGnWJ8 150w, http://ift.tt/2B1Tsb6 300w, http://ift.tt/2iEyloC 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8646" src="http://ift.tt/2B19G4i" alt="" width="1000" height="1000" srcset="http://ift.tt/2B19G4i 1000w, http://ift.tt/2iEylVE 150w, http://ift.tt/2B1f736 300w, http://ift.tt/2iEymsG 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8647" src="http://ift.tt/2B2eWop" alt="" width="1000" height="1000" srcset="http://ift.tt/2B2eWop 1000w, http://ift.tt/2iEynwK 150w, http://ift.tt/2B1WUm2 300w, http://ift.tt/2iGo0sm 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>The <a href="http://ift.tt/2AZwnWz">Good as Gold Planner</a> is white with polka dots. It is perfect for staying organized.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8648" src="http://ift.tt/2iEyp7Q" alt="" width="1000" height="1000" srcset="http://ift.tt/2iEyp7Q 1000w, http://ift.tt/2B1SPOD 150w, http://ift.tt/2iEyqbU 300w, http://ift.tt/2B160iN 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8649" src="http://ift.tt/2iEyqZs" alt="" width="1000" height="1000" srcset="http://ift.tt/2iEyqZs 1000w, http://ift.tt/2B4eVQu 150w, http://ift.tt/2iDVl70 300w, http://ift.tt/2B2Q5km 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8650" src="http://ift.tt/2iEIcL5" alt="" width="1000" height="1000" srcset="http://ift.tt/2iEIcL5 1000w, http://ift.tt/2B1f7jC 150w, http://ift.tt/2iEyrN0 300w, http://ift.tt/2B2eWEV 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>The <a href="http://ift.tt/2iEysR4">Red Snowflake Planner</a> uses a bright red color that stands out.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8653" src="http://ift.tt/2B3RHdr" alt="" width="1000" height="1000" srcset="http://ift.tt/2B3RHdr 1000w, http://ift.tt/2iFn7A1 150w, http://ift.tt/2B0wmBA 300w, http://ift.tt/2iGmnLh 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8651" src="http://ift.tt/2B1TrE4" alt="" width="1000" height="1000" srcset="http://ift.tt/2B1TrE4 1000w, http://ift.tt/2iEyvwe 150w, http://ift.tt/2B1SQ59 300w, http://ift.tt/2iEyw3g 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>In contrast, the <a href="http://ift.tt/2AZwph9">Light Snowfall Planner</a> comes in a light blue color with a snowflake design printed on the cover.</p>
<p>You can find all these binder planners in my shop.</p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227276250826071643.post-18884370401880561382017-11-18T18:47:00.001-06:002017-11-18T18:47:12.218-06:00100 Things<p>These are some of my recent discoveries around the web.</p>
<p><a href="http://ift.tt/1e3JCDU" target="_blank" rel="noopener">100 Happy Days</a></p>
<p>This site has a challenge where you take a photo of something that made you happy for 100 days in a row. You can post on Tumblr, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or email.</p>
<p><a href="http://ift.tt/2ze9CSd" target="_blank" rel="noopener">100 Things to Do Instead of Procrastinating on the Internet</a><br />
This site has a bunch of random ideas for things do instead of wasting time online like making your own body scrub, volunteering or writing in your journal.</p>
<p><img src="http://ift.tt/2mGS6Qy" width="427" height="640" /></p>
<p>What inspires you?</p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227276250826071643.post-77606898084272367662017-11-09T12:42:00.001-06:002017-11-09T12:42:31.727-06:00Negative Space<p>I love working with negative space in photos. I took these photos for the A Beautiful Mess photo class a while ago, but I thought I would post them anyway.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-7099" src="http://ift.tt/2Ax7rX2" alt="" width="636" height="439" srcset="http://ift.tt/2Ax7rX2 636w, http://ift.tt/2zriQcZ 300w" sizes="(max-width: 636px) 100vw, 636px" /></p>
<p>I took this photo of me sleeping for the Fresh Perspective challenge, but I thought it worked for this topic too. I like all the white space in this photos and interesting angle.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-7287" src="http://ift.tt/2Ax7thC" alt="" width="1000" height="1000" srcset="http://ift.tt/2Ax7thC 1000w, http://ift.tt/2zpHoDj 150w, http://ift.tt/2AuWvci 300w, http://ift.tt/2zq9fmL 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>The natural white negative space came out in this photo from putting it on a white background. It reminds me of snow and wintertime.</p>
<p>Having negative space in your photo can make for a much more interesting composition. Do you ever work with negative space in photos?</p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227276250826071643.post-49348779752939684572017-11-02T01:07:00.001-05:002017-11-02T01:07:13.644-05:00Planner Pages and Refills<p>I just stocked up on new planner pages and refills <a href="http://ift.tt/2iTRdCI">in my shop</a>. These planner pages can be added to binder planners such as the ones found <a href="http://ift.tt/2z8BHqP">in my shop</a> or other brands.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8638" src="http://ift.tt/2iWLsEJ" alt="" width="1000" height="533" srcset="http://ift.tt/2iWLsEJ 1000w, http://ift.tt/2z7YT8P 300w, http://ift.tt/2iTRfdO 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8639" src="http://ift.tt/2z8BIuT" alt="" width="1000" height="708" srcset="http://ift.tt/2z8BIuT 1000w, http://ift.tt/2iTRfKQ 300w, http://ift.tt/2z7YVgX 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8640" src="http://ift.tt/2iTRgOU" alt="" width="915" height="1000" srcset="http://ift.tt/2iTRgOU 915w, http://ift.tt/2z8BJyX 275w, http://ift.tt/2iWLufP 768w" sizes="(max-width: 915px) 100vw, 915px" /> <img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8641" src="http://ift.tt/2z7YVNZ" alt="" width="1000" height="1000" srcset="http://ift.tt/2z7YVNZ 1000w, http://ift.tt/2iWLvjT 150w, http://ift.tt/2z7YWl1 300w, http://ift.tt/2iTRiq0 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8642" src="http://ift.tt/2z8BSCv" alt="" width="1000" height="863" srcset="http://ift.tt/2z8BSCv 1000w, http://ift.tt/2iTRju4 300w, http://ift.tt/2z8BLH5 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>I will do a post later with more info on the planners I am selling. I love binder planner set because it is easy to add to them with planner pages.</p>
<p>Let me know which is your favorite. Do you use a planner?</p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227276250826071643.post-11909448771133185032017-10-30T20:03:00.001-05:002017-10-30T20:03:13.439-05:00Last Minute Halloween Costumes<p>I posted some last minute Halloween costumes <a href="http://ift.tt/2l6LHxy">in my shop</a>. These could work well to wear on Halloween or to add to make a full costume.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8624" src="http://ift.tt/2z6pIft" alt="" width="570" height="570" srcset="http://ift.tt/2z6pIft 570w, http://ift.tt/2yZywSj 150w, http://ift.tt/2z3XCl7 300w" sizes="(max-width: 570px) 100vw, 570px" /> <img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8626" src="http://ift.tt/2yZzRsm" alt="" width="1000" height="1000" srcset="http://ift.tt/2yZzRsm 1000w, http://ift.tt/2z6pIMv 150w, http://ift.tt/2z0ydGE 300w, http://ift.tt/2z3XCS9 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8623" src="http://ift.tt/2yYD7UH" alt="" width="570" height="570" srcset="http://ift.tt/2yYD7UH 570w, http://ift.tt/2z3XEtf 150w, http://ift.tt/2yZ0A8c 300w" sizes="(max-width: 570px) 100vw, 570px" /> <img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8627" src="http://ift.tt/2z3XF0h" alt="" width="1000" height="1000" srcset="http://ift.tt/2z3XF0h 1000w, http://ift.tt/2yZC07r 150w, http://ift.tt/2z3XFxj 300w, http://ift.tt/2z1zIok 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>Why not <a href="http://ift.tt/2z3XGBn">be a pumpkin</a>? Just adding a fun tote bag or wearing leggings can make any outfit in to Halloween themed one. You can also add full makeup to make it in to a jack o lantern or pumpkin costume.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8628" src="http://ift.tt/2z0ycm4" alt="" width="1000" height="1000" srcset="http://ift.tt/2z0ycm4 1000w, http://ift.tt/2z63NVR 150w, http://ift.tt/2yZzT3s 300w, http://ift.tt/2z6pKE7 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>A ghost is an easy costume to do with this outfit. I have a ghost printed dress and skirt in <a href="http://ift.tt/2z3XGBn">my shop</a>. No need to use a white sheet over your head with this cute dress.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8629" src="http://ift.tt/2yZC1Ix" alt="Spider Halloween Costume" width="1000" height="1000" srcset="http://ift.tt/2yZC1Ix 1000w, http://ift.tt/2z6pMMf 150w, http://ift.tt/2z0PzmW 300w, http://ift.tt/2z4gtwq 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p><a href="http://ift.tt/2yYIOCf">This dress</a> has images of spiders on top of an orange spiderweb. Add makeup to make this outfit in to a full costume. You can draw spiderwebs on your face or body using eyeliner.</p>
<p>What are you going to be for Halloween?</p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227276250826071643.post-1586866152500297462017-10-28T18:48:00.001-05:002017-10-28T18:48:47.256-05:00Black and White Map Collection<p>I am now offering <a href="http://ift.tt/2yc4RYX">fashion in my shop</a>! This collection has images of maps on clothing pieces and accessories. You can get a map of the world or any custom location you want.</p>
<p>This collection was inspired by old maps and a love of travel. I took images of maps and made them black and white because I liked the unique look of the maps in black and white. I think I will add some different color maps and more map items in the future though.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8580" src="http://ift.tt/2lnPN4y" alt="" width="1000" height="1000" srcset="http://ift.tt/2lnPN4y 1000w, http://ift.tt/2yc4SvZ 150w, http://ift.tt/2lpbgK9 300w, http://ift.tt/2yc38mm 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8581" src="http://ift.tt/2lnPO8C" alt="" width="1000" height="1000" srcset="http://ift.tt/2lnPO8C 1000w, http://ift.tt/2yc4T31 150w, http://ift.tt/2lnPOFE 300w, http://ift.tt/2yc4U75 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8582" src="http://ift.tt/2lpRMFc" alt="" width="1000" height="1000" srcset="http://ift.tt/2lpRMFc 1000w, http://ift.tt/2yc4UE7 150w, http://ift.tt/2lnPPJI 300w, http://ift.tt/2ycqKXW 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8583" src="http://ift.tt/2lmlYRC" alt="" width="1000" height="1000" srcset="http://ift.tt/2lmlYRC 1000w, http://ift.tt/2yc4VIb 150w, http://ift.tt/2lp9pFm 300w, http://ift.tt/2yc4Wfd 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8584" src="http://ift.tt/2lnPQgK" alt="" width="1000" height="1000" srcset="http://ift.tt/2lnPQgK 1000w, http://ift.tt/2yc4WMf 150w, http://ift.tt/2lnPRkO 300w, http://ift.tt/2yc4Xjh 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>You can also add this matching necklace for free with any purchase of a map themed item if you use the code <strong>MAPGIFT</strong>.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8588" src="http://ift.tt/2lnPRRQ" alt="" width="1000" height="1000" srcset="http://ift.tt/2lnPRRQ 1000w, http://ift.tt/2yc52U7 150w, http://ift.tt/2loaZHx 300w, http://ift.tt/2yc4YUn 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>Would you wear a map dress?</p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227276250826071643.post-25802103934310617662017-10-26T14:56:00.001-05:002017-10-26T14:56:32.180-05:00Halloween Prints and Cards<p>Do you shop for Halloween? These are some Halloween photo prints I listed:</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8306" src="http://ift.tt/2yMlOZv" alt="" width="693" height="1000" srcset="http://ift.tt/2yMlOZv 693w, http://ift.tt/2gM43SV 208w" sizes="(max-width: 693px) 100vw, 693px" /></p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8307" src="http://ift.tt/2yMlQ3z" alt="" width="300" height="433" srcset="http://ift.tt/2yMlQ3z 300w, http://ift.tt/2gLkcIf 208w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p>
<p>These minimalist cards are perfect for wishing someone a happy Halloween. You can find them <a href="http://ift.tt/2yMTlmn" target="_blank" rel="noopener">in my Etsy shop</a>. I also have these photo prints:</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8308" src="http://ift.tt/2gM45u1" alt="" width="1000" height="1000" srcset="http://ift.tt/2gM45u1 1000w, http://ift.tt/2yMTmqr 150w, http://ift.tt/2gLkdMj 300w, http://ift.tt/2yMTmXt 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>This <a href="http://ift.tt/2gM46OB" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cobwebs</a> photo was taken when we had Halloween decorations up.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8310" src="http://ift.tt/2yMlRVb" alt="" width="918" height="1000" srcset="http://ift.tt/2yMlRVb 918w, http://ift.tt/2gM47lD 275w, http://ift.tt/2yMTo1x 768w" sizes="(max-width: 918px) 100vw, 918px" /></p>
<p>This <a href="http://ift.tt/2gLkf6T" target="_blank" rel="noopener">photo</a> was taken of light coming in from the window. I think the dark moody feeling of this photo is perfect for Halloween.</p>
<p>Find everything in my Etsy shop.</p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227276250826071643.post-9515718532382621552017-10-24T18:26:00.001-05:002017-10-24T18:26:05.202-05:00Birthday Balloons<p>My new collection in Move the Needke is all about birthday balloons. I was inspired by an image I saw of watercolor like balloons and decided to make my own pattern of balloons in various color.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8212" src="http://ift.tt/2h6FGwh" alt="" width="775" height="1000" srcset="http://ift.tt/2h6FGwh 775w, http://ift.tt/2zAbHDR 233w, http://ift.tt/2h68vcj 768w" sizes="(max-width: 775px) 100vw, 775px" /></p>
<p>This birthday card is perfect to wish someone a happy birthday.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8214" src="http://ift.tt/2zA8swh" alt="" width="775" height="1000" srcset="http://ift.tt/2zA8swh 775w, http://ift.tt/2h5MmuJ 233w, http://ift.tt/2zBSm4X 768w" sizes="(max-width: 775px) 100vw, 775px" /> <img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8215" src="http://ift.tt/2h6R8YJ" alt="" width="1000" height="838" srcset="http://ift.tt/2h6R8YJ 1000w, http://ift.tt/2zBSn91 300w, http://ift.tt/2h80tjg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>You can also get custom invitations on this pattern.</p>
<p>How do you celebrate your birthday?</p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227276250826071643.post-88596330290012412532017-10-21T02:24:00.001-05:002017-10-21T02:24:15.989-05:00Leaves<p>I listed a bunch of new photo prints in <a href="http://ift.tt/2l6LHxy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">my Etsy shop</a>. I have a variety of items in my shop, but I am focusing on prints for now.</p>
<p>Some of the photos are new. A bunch of the photos are old photos that have been edited. I played around with different techniques for editing and some photo prints have different variations.</p>
<p>This is a series of photos called “Leaves” where I played around with color. I had the original photo of leaves and changed the color to make it more abstract.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8315" src="http://ift.tt/2zrkTdt" alt="" width="1000" height="912" srcset="http://ift.tt/2zrkTdt 1000w, http://ift.tt/2l4imDY 300w, http://ift.tt/2zriAqL 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8316" src="http://ift.tt/2l6LJ8E" alt="" width="1000" height="912" srcset="http://ift.tt/2l6LJ8E 1000w, http://ift.tt/2zpYnSr 300w, http://ift.tt/2l6LKcI 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8317" src="http://ift.tt/2zpWXXZ" alt="" width="1000" height="912" srcset="http://ift.tt/2zpWXXZ 1000w, http://ift.tt/2l6LKJK 300w, http://ift.tt/2zpOG6r 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8318" src="http://ift.tt/2l6LLgM" alt="" width="1000" height="912" srcset="http://ift.tt/2l6LLgM 1000w, http://ift.tt/2zr9LNX 300w, http://ift.tt/2l5MCyj 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8322" src="http://ift.tt/2zqLEPg" alt="" width="1000" height="913" srcset="http://ift.tt/2zqLEPg 1000w, http://ift.tt/2l6LMkQ 300w, http://ift.tt/2zqrmWa 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8323" src="http://ift.tt/2l4UrEt" alt="" width="1000" height="912" srcset="http://ift.tt/2l4UrEt 1000w, http://ift.tt/2zqLDea 300w, http://ift.tt/2l6LMRS 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>I offer photo prints in many sizes and you can choose to buy luster, matte or glossy. I also offer the photos on greeting cards and custom items.</p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227276250826071643.post-74380031677410423892017-10-17T13:51:00.001-05:002017-10-17T13:51:22.208-05:00How to Design a Blog<p>Want to design the perfect blog? The design of your blog is important because it draws viewers in. Here are a couple of my favorite blog design tips:</p>
<ol>
<li>Think of a <em>theme for your layout</em>. Do you want it to have a artsy and colorful look to match your brand (good to use for Etsy owners or artists)? Do you want it to look more simple and minimalist (great if you want more focus on the content)? Think of a few words to describe the look you are going for and even make a mood board or inspiration board. Choose a few layouts you really like from other blogs and make a note about what you like about each of them.</li>
<li>Make sure you use a font and font size that is easy to read in your blog entries. Good fonts to use are Tahoma and Verdana. On graphics, you can use more unique fonts. <em>Stick to a few basic fonts to use throughout your blog layout.</em></li>
<li>Choose a <em>couple main colors for your layout</em>. I like checking out Design Seeds for color palettes which will give you ideas of color combinations to use. Do not use bright colors against white that are hard to read.</li>
<li>What rules will you have for your blog? Will you blog 3x a week? Do you have different collaborators? <em>Consider these rules when creating a layout</em> because you want the design to work with your blog. If you have different writers, you might have a plugin that shows who the author is for each entry.</li>
<li>Have <em>personalized graphics in your blog posts</em> with the title of your post that fit the style of your blog. These are perfect for sharing on social media. Canva is a good tool to use to create blog or social media graphics that are the right size.</li>
<li>A sidebar is important to have in your blog and you should consider its features when designing a layout. How will you draw viewers in? Have an avatar or image yourself to personalize your blog. I also like to include a “read more” link or clickable image that takes viewers to my about page. Include social media icons if you use social media pages. Also, include other links on your blog such as a link to your website or Etsy shop, but try not to overfill your sidebar with widgets. I like to have a newsletter or subscribe opt in also so readers can stay connected.</li>
<li>Have share or Pinterest button or click to tweets</li>
<li>Check how your layout looks on different browsers. I like using Browserling. Also, check on your phone or tablet to make sure your blog is responsive.</li>
<li>Fill in a style guide to keep track of your info. Write down the basic fonts, colors and rules you’ll use.</li>
</ol>
<p>Download my eBook, Your Thread of Thought. You will learn how to find a platform to blog, what to blog about, how to create a layout, how to promote your blog and more! You will also get s free workbook with worksheets to help you blog.</p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227276250826071643.post-11927778768711549582017-10-14T15:47:00.001-05:002017-10-14T15:47:30.139-05:00Autumn Woods<p>I love looking at photos of autumn. These photos remind me of the feeling, scents and imagery of autumn.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-7824" src="http://ift.tt/2zafAPz" alt="" width="1000" height="666" srcset="http://ift.tt/2zafAPz 1000w, http://ift.tt/2zoRGkf 300w, http://ift.tt/2z9gVWZ 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-7825" src="http://ift.tt/2zoRGRh" alt="" width="1000" height="562" srcset="http://ift.tt/2zoRGRh 1000w, http://ift.tt/2z94w5t 300w, http://ift.tt/2znRDVW 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-7826" src="http://ift.tt/2z7BqDq" alt="" width="750" height="1000" srcset="http://ift.tt/2z7BqDq 750w, http://ift.tt/2zoRHoj 225w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-7819" src="http://ift.tt/2zafBmB" alt="" width="1000" height="750" srcset="http://ift.tt/2zafBmB 1000w, http://ift.tt/2zoacJA 300w, http://ift.tt/2zafBTD 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-7818" src="http://ift.tt/2znVNx3" alt="" width="1000" height="667" srcset="http://ift.tt/2znVNx3 1000w, http://ift.tt/2z8PRHp 300w, http://ift.tt/2zoc8ls 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-7822" src="http://ift.tt/2zafCqF" alt="" width="1000" height="625" srcset="http://ift.tt/2zafCqF 1000w, http://ift.tt/2zp3jHM 300w, http://ift.tt/2z8u9Dl 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-7823" src="http://ift.tt/2zoRIZp" alt="" width="1000" height="666" srcset="http://ift.tt/2zoRIZp 1000w, http://ift.tt/2zafEyN 300w, http://ift.tt/2znI6hw 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>What makes you think of autumn?</p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227276250826071643.post-7761804037663227722017-09-26T03:24:00.001-05:002017-09-26T03:24:27.540-05:0010 Companies You Didn’t Know were Vegan<p>Vegans avoid all animal products when possible. Part of being a vegan is avoiding non vegan brands in other products besides food. It can be easy to shop vegan. Though it may not be possible to use vegan products 100% of the time, people who are vegan may come up with personal items they avoid (e.g. they avoid leather, but still buy beauty products with beeswax). Here are some vegan alternatives to products other than food.</p>
<ol>
<li>Did you know glue sometimes isn’t vegan? EcoGlue is a completely vegan glue you can use for daily use or any of your craft projects. Animal glue is traditionally used in paper and wood processing, bookbinding, painting, conservation/restoration and for making musical instruments and furniture. Making your own items or buying handmade or vegan brands is one way to make sure the glue used is vegan.</li>
<li>Do you use beeswax? Beeswax is used in bookbinding and some beauty products. I found a vegan beeswax called</li>
<li>Poppy’s Cleaners</li>
<li>Faux leather, sometimes caused pleather, is not too hard to find. Did you know that products that qualify as vegan or faux leather can be made from materials as varied as cork, barkcloth, glazed cotton, waxed cotton, paper, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyurethane.</li>
<li>Photos, both printed commercially and at-home, use paper that contains gelatin. Non-photo quality paper avoids gelatin.</li>
<li>Bone fine china tableware can contain animal bones. Earthenware or porcelain that’s creamy white is usually vegan. Find china that’s origin is mineral.</li>
<li>Many makeup brands are vegan if you check the labels. Urban Decay came out with a Vegan Palette that’s both vegan and uses vegan inspired colors. I have seen seen popular brands, like Bobbi Brown, carry vegan products. Looking for natural brands or handmade beauty products is always a good idea.</li>
<li>Lush often has vegan bath products that use natural ingredients. I also love being soap on Etsy. Just search for “vegan” in the search bar and tag your items vegan if you carry vegan products in your shop.</li>
<li>Vegan clothing is not hard to find. High end brands often carry vegan products. For example, Nine West carries some high end vegan products.</li>
<li><a href="http://ift.tt/2cM3iUw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kat Mendenhall</a> sells the first 100% vegan true Texas style cowboy boots on the market.</li>
<li>Love shoes? Just type in the word vegan when searching for products on Zappos. vegan http://ift.tt/2fmGgol Mendenhall sells the first 100% vegan true Texas style cowboy boots on the market.</li>
</ol>
<p>Want to find more vegan brands. Get my free printable with a list of vegan brands.</p>
<p> </p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227276250826071643.post-89161322001728230022017-09-24T18:41:00.001-05:002017-09-24T18:41:13.926-05:00New Prints and Wall Art<p>Want a free printable quote? Just scroll to the bottom of this blog post!</p>
<p>I am now offering prints and wall art in my shop, <a href="http://ift.tt/1c0gIDa" class="broken_link">Move the Needle</a>. I also relaunched my Printables shop, <a href="http://Http://printablesandthings.etsy.com" class="broken_link">Printables and Things</a>, which will be selling digital printable PDF versions of the physical prints.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I like these printable quotes because you can print them out from home and use them in your binder, on your desk or even frame it as wall art. The possibilities are endless. If you want to see a blog post with ideas on how to use these quote prints, just let me know.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8221" src="http://ift.tt/2xoNTp9" alt="" width="1000" height="755" srcset="http://ift.tt/2xoNTp9 1000w, http://ift.tt/2fKBotU 300w, http://ift.tt/2xq499o 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>You can download a free printable quote here.</p>
<p>This quote says, “she created a life she knew she loved.” I love this quote because it shows how you can create any life you want. I have this quote on my Erin Condren and thought it was a good quote to giveaway for free.</p>
<p>Leave me a comment and let me know how you use prints.</p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227276250826071643.post-47244828806465968052017-09-21T14:38:00.001-05:002017-09-21T14:38:23.063-05:0010 Ways to Cleanse Your Body<p>If you are feeling sick or out of touch with your body, cleansing your body can be a good way to get rid of bad toxins and feel better again.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Dry skin brush</strong> before you take a bath or shower. I also like dry brushing my face, but use a brush made especially for your face so it has softer bristles.</li>
<li>Take a warm <strong>salt water bath</strong> or steam in the shower.</li>
<li>Deep breathing can help calm you down. <strong>Do</strong> <strong>yoga</strong>. Try just doing 20 minutes of yoga a day or picking up a yoga DVD or video series.</li>
<li><strong>Drink water.</strong> Try adding a couple extra glasses a day.</li>
<li>Try <strong>eating healthier</strong>. Go on a cleanse or add a couple healthy foods in to your diet. Check out these <a href="http://ift.tt/2xleili" target="_blank" rel="noopener">30 cleansing foods</a> that naturally cleanse your body.</li>
<li>Use a <strong>neti pot</strong> to naturally cleanse your sinuses.</li>
<li>Try the <strong>hydro therapeutic technique</strong> of taking a shower with hot water and then switching to cold. Afyerwards, get under covers.</li>
<li>Go for a <strong>run or walk</strong>. Try exercising at least 20 minutes a day or move your body in some way.</li>
<li>Get a <strong>massage</strong> or do a self massage with your favorite oils.</li>
<li>Try <strong>drinking hot tea </strong>with herbs in it or taking an herbal soak bath.</li>
</ul>
<p>What do you do to cleanse yourself? Let me know in the comments.</p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227276250826071643.post-56547044084256596602017-09-18T06:31:00.001-05:002017-09-18T06:31:55.230-05:003 Vegan Cheese Sauces<p>Have you ever tried making vegan cheese sauces? I missed cheese when I became vegan and I am always looking for a good cheese alternative. These are three of my favorite cheese alternative recipes.</p>
<h2><strong>Basic Cheesy Nutritional Yeast Sauce </strong></h2>
<p>The secret ingredient to this cheese sauce is the nutritional yeast which gives the sauce a cheesy flavor. You can find nutritional yeast at most grocery stores or health food stores.</p>
<p><strong>Ingredients: </strong></p>
<ul id="ingr">
<li>2 tablespoons Earth Balance or butter alternative</li>
<li>1 tablespoon all purpose flour</li>
<li>6 tablespoons nutritional yeast</li>
<li>3/4 cup soymilk</li>
<li>2 teaspoons mustard (I have also used mustard powder)</li>
<li>Salt and pepper to taste</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Instructions:</strong></p>
<p>1. Mix the flour and milk together in a medium bowl until all the flour clumps are gone.</p>
<p>2. In a large pot, melt the butter spread over medium heat. Add soymilk and flour mixture and nutritional yeast to pot and stir.</p>
<p>3. Reduce heat to low-medium. Add additional ingredients and cook 5-10 minutes or until the sauce thickens. Add additional flour to thicken sauce if needed.</p>
<h2><strong>Potato Carrot Cheese Sauce</strong></h2>
<p>This is similar to the above recipe, but it uses vegetables.</p>
<p><strong>Ingredients: </strong></p>
<ul id="ingr">
<li>2 cups potatoes, peeled</li>
<li>1 cup carrots, peeled</li>
<li>1/3 cup melted Earth Balance or oil</li>
<li>1/2 cup water</li>
<li>1 tablespoon lemon jioce</li>
<li>1/2 cup nutritional yeast</li>
<li>Salt and pepper to taste
<div class="tasty-recipe-instructions"></div>
</li>
</ul>
<p><b><strong>Instructions:</strong></b></p>
<p>1. Chop the potatoes and carrots and boil them for about half hour or until tender.</p>
<p>2. Blend all ingredients together or combine or a large bowl.<br /></p>
<h2><strong>Daiya Cheese Sauce</strong></h2>
<p>If you want to use a fake cheese alternative to make melted cheese sauce, I love the Daiya cheese brand,</p>
<p><strong>Ingredients: </strong></p>
<ul>
<li>1 cup cooked white cannellini beans</li>
<li>1/2 cup soymilk</li>
<li>1/3 cup Daiya vegan cheese shreds</li>
<li>Salt and pepper to taste</li>
<li>1 tablespoon Earth Balance or olive oil</li>
<li>1 teaspooon turmeric (to give it color)</li>
</ul>
<div class="recipe-instructions">
<p><strong>Instructions:</strong></p>
<p>1. Mash or blend the beans with the soymilk, Earth Balance, turmeric and salt and pepper.</p>
<p>2. Heat on low over medium heat. Add the cheese and cook, stirring, until the cheese is melted.</p>
</div>
<p>Let me know if you try any of these sauces out.</p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227276250826071643.post-4358857059521703562017-09-10T21:58:00.001-05:002017-09-10T21:58:04.608-05:00Create Your Own Customized Products<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8206" src="http://ift.tt/2xf0rP7" alt="" width="1000" height="666" srcset="http://ift.tt/2xf0rP7 1000w, http://ift.tt/2eP1taa 300w, http://ift.tt/2xeHXyo 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>If you love creating and customizing your own products, check out <a href="http://ift.tt/1c0gIDa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">my new website for Move the Needle. </a></p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8208" src="http://ift.tt/2xfiiFH" alt="" width="854" height="1000" srcset="http://ift.tt/2xfiiFH 854w, http://ift.tt/2ePqJ0a 256w, http://ift.tt/2xeSNo1 768w" sizes="(max-width: 854px) 100vw, 854px" /></p>
<ol>
<li>Find a decorative pattern you like.</li>
<li>Choose an item to customize the pattern on.</li>
<li>Select any other details or variations and checkout.</li>
</ol>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8209" src="http://ift.tt/2eP1uee" alt="" width="837" height="1000" srcset="http://ift.tt/2eP1uee 837w, http://ift.tt/2xfabZG 251w, http://ift.tt/2eP1uLg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 837px) 100vw, 837px" /></p>
<p>I am selling everything from notebooks to laptop cases. My Etsy shop is also restocked with a bunch of new items that I am hoping it will increase my sales.</p>
<p>Let me know your favorite pattern in the comments.</p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227276250826071643.post-15399710532543397652017-09-05T02:12:00.001-05:002017-09-05T02:12:10.655-05:00How to Come Up with Blog Post Ideas<p>Do you know what to blog about? You will need to come up with blog post ideas every time you create a new blog post. You may have a lot of ideas already. Other times, you might feel stuck. Here are some tips for staying inspired.</p>
<p><strong>Write Outside of Your Blog</strong></p>
<p>If you usually blog on the computer, why not try writing somewhere else? It helps to keep a list or notebook with ideas of what you want to blog about. I like to write draft posts of blog posts on a notebook and then edit them on the computer later. You can even draw or doodle when you write in a notebook to get ideas or what you want visual photos to look like. Another idea is to use an application like Bean to write without distraction.</p>
<p><strong>Take Photos</strong></p>
<p>Instead of writing a blog post first, take some photos. This can also help if your blog isn’t usually visual and you just want to get ideas. Try taking photos of your daily activities or things that inspire you for a day or a week. Go through the photos later and choose the best ones to inspire blog post ideas or add to your blog posts to make them more interesting.</p>
<p><strong>Look at Other Blogs</strong></p>
<p>Joining a blog community or looking st other blogs can help you stay inspired. Many other blogs encourage other bloggers to join them in blogging about the same topic or using a certain tag. Comment on a blog with a similar topic and let them know their blog post inspired a topic on your blog.</p>
<p><strong>Search for Keywords</strong></p>
<p>SEO can help you come up with popular blog topic ideas that will get you noticed in search engines. Try using Google Keyword Planner to find different keyword phrases that may be a good title for your blog post or a starting point when you write.</p>
<p><strong>Look in Books</strong></p>
<p>If you don’t care as much about writing this week’s trending topics, try looking in books or magazines. Pick an article in a magazine or a topic in a book to inspire a blog post. I like to look through old issues of magazines and see if I can find topics that would be interesting on my blog.</p>
<p><strong>Look at an Old Blog Post</strong></p>
<p>If you have old blog entries, find a couple popular posts you really like. See if you can rewrite them with a new spin, add on to them or write an additional blog post on the same topic.</p>
<p>Want specific ideas on what to write about? Download my free blog post idea printable here.</p>
<p>Here are some specific ideas on what to blog about if you are stuck:</p>
<ul>
<li>Do a day in the life or post some personal photos that let people know more about you.</li>
<li>Post your favorite ways to promote your business. Write about your favorite tools, websites or applications to use.</li>
<li>Make a list of your top 10 favorite ________.</li>
<li>Do a survey or let viewers ask you questions.</li>
<li>Post what you ate that day or what you are planning to make for dinner.</li>
<li>Post what inspires you or what it on your wishlist.</li>
<li>Make a tutorial that gives step by step instructions how to make something or accomplish a task.</li>
<li>Write about your favorite blogs or give a shoutout to other bloggers.</li>
<li>Try to change up your media. Add a video if you usually don’t make videos or add a photos if you usually do mostly text entries.</li>
</ul>
<p>How do you come up with blog post ideas?</p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227276250826071643.post-38654777085924917652017-09-04T16:12:00.001-05:002017-09-04T16:12:23.127-05:008 Popsicle Recipes to Try Out<p>Homemade popsicles are perfect for hot weather. While it is still summer, why not trying making your own popsicles? They are not too hard to make. These are some popsicle recipes I found on Pinterest that I would love to try out.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8141" src="http://ift.tt/2wz7aD1" alt="Yellow Popsicles" width="667" height="1000" srcset="http://ift.tt/2wz7aD1 667w, http://ift.tt/2iWqZPU 200w" sizes="(max-width: 667px) 100vw, 667px" /></p>
<p>I love the bright yellow color and hint of chocolate on these <a href="http://ift.tt/28Lz04G" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chocolate Passionfruit Popsicles.</a></p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8153" src="http://ift.tt/2iXmsg9" alt="Cookies and Cream Popsicles" width="1000" height="1000" srcset="http://ift.tt/2iXmsg9 1000w, http://ift.tt/2wzdqKN 150w, http://ift.tt/2iW2QZw 300w, http://ift.tt/2wyWVOY 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>These <a href="http://ift.tt/2iVSHfw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cookies and Coconut Cream</a> Popsicles are vegan and use coconut milk and Oreo cookies for a cookies and cream flavor.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-7989" src="http://ift.tt/2wzu2SL" alt="" width="788" height="903" srcset="http://ift.tt/2wzu2SL 788w, http://ift.tt/2iWy7fa 262w, http://ift.tt/2wzmL5s 768w" sizes="(max-width: 788px) 100vw, 788px" /></p>
<p>These <a href="http://ift.tt/225kiFn" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Blackberry Ombre Popsicles</a> get their natural color from the blackberries.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-7991" src="http://ift.tt/2wzu3WP" alt="" width="611" height="753" srcset="http://ift.tt/2wzu3WP 611w, http://ift.tt/2iWlmRF 243w" sizes="(max-width: 611px) 100vw, 611px" /></p>
<p>For a breakfast treat, try these <a href="http://ift.tt/2wOg6oG" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Easy Breakfast Yogurt Popsicles</a><br />
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-7992" src="http://ift.tt/2iXeJyp" alt="" width="590" height="833" srcset="http://ift.tt/2iXeJyp 590w, http://ift.tt/2wzGgei 212w" sizes="(max-width: 590px) 100vw, 590px" /></p>
<p>Try making Thai Iced Tea Popsicles.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8149" src="http://ift.tt/2iXmrZD" alt="Carrot Cake Popsicles" width="1000" height="668" srcset="http://ift.tt/2iXmrZD 1000w, http://ift.tt/2wzhISu 300w, http://ift.tt/2iXpuAL 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>For something unique, try this <a href="http://ift.tt/2rXaaUV" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Pudding Pops</a> recipe.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8150" src="http://ift.tt/2iXmswF" alt="Mint Popsicles" width="773" height="1000" srcset="http://ift.tt/2iXmswF 773w, http://ift.tt/2wzxwF3 232w, http://ift.tt/2iW2QJ0 768w" sizes="(max-width: 773px) 100vw, 773px" /></p>
<p>I would love to try these <a href="http://ift.tt/2t9MDD4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mint Chocolate Dip Popsicles</a> that are also vegan.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8151" src="http://ift.tt/2iXJmny" alt="Berry Popsicles" width="1000" height="738" srcset="http://ift.tt/2iXJmny 1000w, http://ift.tt/2wzifE8 300w, http://ift.tt/2iY3hT5 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>These <a href="http://ift.tt/2wzeWMU" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pitaya Rosewater Berry Popsicles</a> use frozen strawberries to give them a berry taste.</p>
<p>Have you ever made your own popsicles?</p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227276250826071643.post-76534797570997627502017-07-26T18:34:00.001-05:002017-07-26T18:34:07.057-05:00Vellabox Review + Giveaway<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8097" src="http://ift.tt/2v8TxL6" alt="Vellabox" width="667" height="1000" srcset="http://ift.tt/2v8TxL6 667w, http://ift.tt/2w1GSWZ 200w" sizes="(max-width: 667px) 100vw, 667px" /></p>
<p><a href="http://ift.tt/2fUcYvS" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vellabox</a> is an artisan candle subscription box. They sent me a subscription box to review. We are also hosting a giveaway (scroll to the bottom to see how you can win a free monthly box).</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8091" src="http://ift.tt/2w1HQSO" alt="Vellabox Reviews" width="1000" height="986" srcset="http://ift.tt/2w1HQSO 1000w, http://ift.tt/2v9mXJg 300w, http://ift.tt/2w1GAPC 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>I love the cute little yellow box Vellabox came in. Candles are delivered monthly from the finest American candle makers.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8092" src="http://ift.tt/2v91gJf" alt="Vellabox Candle" width="899" height="1000" srcset="http://ift.tt/2v91gJf 899w, http://ift.tt/2w1GXtL 270w, http://ift.tt/2v9Au3j 768w" sizes="(max-width: 899px) 100vw, 899px" /></p>
<p>The theme for this box was Fourth of July for the July theme. I love the patriotic theme and you can still use all the items even though it was a little after Fourth of July when I received the box. The candle was wrapped in this cute blue star bag.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8093" src="http://ift.tt/2w1GY0N" alt="Vellabox Candle" width="1000" height="862" srcset="http://ift.tt/2w1GY0N 1000w, http://ift.tt/2v9ArEF 300w, http://ift.tt/2w1GYxP 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>The candle that came in this box was from the company <a href="http://pontie.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pontie Wax</a> from Brooklyn, NY. You can see their instagram <strong><em><a href="http://ift.tt/2v9v2O7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@pontiewax</a></em></strong></p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8094" src="http://ift.tt/2w1NUe6" alt="Pontie Wax Candle" width="1000" height="869" srcset="http://ift.tt/2w1NUe6 1000w, http://ift.tt/2v9pBhQ 300w, http://ift.tt/2w1spu1 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>The fragrance for the candle was fig mixed with oil from olive. It isn’t made with vegetable soy wax and natural oils that are highly fragrant. I loved the natural scent of this candle. They also had information about a bergamot and amber scented candle that was listed on their notecard and I think came in other boxes (you get a random candle). I think it is great you get a full size candle and they make sure the company makes quality candles that are hand poured in small batches. I only wish the box was filled with more candles!</p>
<p>I love lighting candles to relax and set the the mood so I thought this subscription box was a great idea. I used to collect candles, but haven’t bought candles lately so this box made me want to start collecting candles again and get different scents.</p>
<p>They also included a SPF15 Original Lip Balm from All Good from Morro Bay, CA. The lip balm is all natural and cruelty free inspired by wilderness. It is reef friendly and gluten free. The lip balm made my lips really soft and it is great to carry around or stick in your purse. Follow their social media <a href="http://ift.tt/2v9gpKw">@allgoodbrand</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Vellabox and My Thread of Thought are doing a giveaway of a 3 month Lucerna subscription!</strong> The Lucerna subscription contains a 4oz hand-poured artisan candle monthly plus one surprise gift.</p>
<p>All you have to do is subscribe to My Thread of Thought on <a href="http://ift.tt/2w1y6Id" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Feedly</a> (you can also search for “mythreadofthought.com” directly on Feedly), share this post and leave a comment with your email address.</p>
<p>The giveaway ends August 1. The winner will be chosen randomly from all the entries. I will leave a post and email the luck winner. Good luck!</p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227276250826071643.post-17114205740050711902017-07-22T14:01:00.001-05:002017-07-22T14:01:44.295-05:00Dot Dot Dot<p>Did you know polka dots are thoughy to be relaxing? I have a board on Pinterest dedicated to dots</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-7984" src="http://ift.tt/2tzPpDF" alt="Polka Dots" width="515" height="740" srcset="http://ift.tt/2tzPpDF 515w, http://ift.tt/2tQ3lom 209w" sizes="(max-width: 515px) 100vw, 515px" /><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-7982" src="http://ift.tt/2tzoYxZ" alt="" width="527" height="688" srcset="http://ift.tt/2tzoYxZ 527w, http://ift.tt/2tPW5ZF 230w" sizes="(max-width: 527px) 100vw, 527px" /><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-7981" src="http://ift.tt/2tzEZE5" alt="" width="531" height="649" srcset="http://ift.tt/2tzEZE5 531w, http://ift.tt/2tPP1MG 245w" sizes="(max-width: 531px) 100vw, 531px" /><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-7976" src="http://ift.tt/2tzLBCe" alt="" width="545" height="576" srcset="http://ift.tt/2tzLBCe 545w, http://ift.tt/2tQ3msq 284w" sizes="(max-width: 545px) 100vw, 545px" /><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-7978" src="http://ift.tt/2tzBkWE" alt="" width="413" height="793" srcset="http://ift.tt/2tzBkWE 413w, http://ift.tt/2tQpL97 156w" sizes="(max-width: 413px) 100vw, 413px" /><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-7977" src="http://ift.tt/2tzcoPk" alt="" width="542" height="806" srcset="http://ift.tt/2tzcoPk 542w, http://ift.tt/2tQ77xQ 202w" sizes="(max-width: 542px) 100vw, 542px" /><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-7974" src="http://ift.tt/2tzOJxX" alt="" width="526" height="793" srcset="http://ift.tt/2tzOJxX 526w, http://ift.tt/2tPWT0E 199w" sizes="(max-width: 526px) 100vw, 526px" /></p>
<p>Do you like polka dot patterns?</p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227276250826071643.post-1467404410846689732017-07-19T00:18:00.001-05:002017-07-19T00:18:12.382-05:0010 Things I Can Do For You as a Virtual Assistant + Free Toolkit for Creative Business Owners<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-7783" src="http://ift.tt/2uxON0Y" alt="" width="700" height="577" srcset="http://ift.tt/2uxON0Y 700w, http://ift.tt/2te5ZVx 300w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p>Are you a creative business owner? I just relaunched <a href="http://annaleehey.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">my personal site</a>. Instead of focusing on my art and personal projects, the new site is all about resources for business owners and creatives.</p>
<p>The main thing I sell on the website is <a href="http://ift.tt/2uy0BjT">services as a virtual assistant</a>. You can buy any of my packages or work with me hourly. Services are great for creative business owners who need extra help on their social, Etsy or blog. I have worked as a virtual assistant for several years on Upwork so I am excited to launch on my own website also. Here are ten examples of things II can do with you as a virtual assistant.</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Create your Etsy shop.</strong> If you don’t have an Etsy shop, I can get you up and running. I can create your profile, write policies, write an about page and get your first listings up.</li>
<li><strong>Promote your Etsy shop.</strong> If you already have an Etsy shop, I can promote your products. For example, I can do paid advertising or promote your listings in the Etsy forums to get more views.</li>
<li><strong>Promote your KickStarter campaign.</strong> Do you not have the funds you need for your business? I can start or promote your KickStarter campaign. I helped launch a successful KickStarter campaign through social media promotion that raised over $35,000 to create coastal paintings in to functional dinnerware for <a title="Kim Rody Art" href="http://ift.tt/2rxFmxm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kim Rody Art</a>.</li>
<li><strong>Improve your listings.</strong> SEO is a method that will use the write keywords to get your product noticed. I can edit your tags, description and title to use SEO to get your listings noticed. I can also write you descriptions or help you choose photos to use with your listings. I edited descriptions and helped with SEO for <a title="Cecelia Aurand Jewelry" href="http://ift.tt/2s74HeG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Cecelia Aurand Jewelry</a>, a new shop on Etsy that sells jewelry.</li>
<li><strong>Fine tune your social media.</strong> If you haven’t touched your social media in a while, I can improve your social media page by updating your cover photo, writing your bio and creating photo albums.</li>
<li><strong>Grow your following on social media.</strong> When I grow your following, I will grow it organically. This means I won’t use robots to get you fake followers. Though you may not get a higher number of followers in a short time, the followers you get will be genuine and interested in your business. For example, I promoted <a id="id_6c6b_6ca8_c2e8_3917" title="Gardens of the Sun" href="http://ift.tt/2rxyoZw" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" name="id_6c6b_6ca8_c2e8_3917">Gardens of the Sun</a>, on Pinterest and helped grow their audience organically.</li>
<li><strong>Interact with your audience.</strong> If you already have an audience, I can interact with them and create new posts on social media. I can also update your mailing list and send e-mail updates.</li>
<li><strong>Write blog posts.</strong> Do you have a blog? I can write high quality, SEO posts for you and include images.</li>
<li><strong>Bulk list items.</strong> Do you need something a little different? I have bulk listed over 1000 items in <a title="Cuff Links R Us" href="http://ift.tt/2s76osB" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Cuff Links R Us</a>, a shop that sells cufflinks on Etsy and eBay. I can bulk list your items or transfer your listings from one site to another.</li>
<li><strong>Work as your personal assistant.</strong> I can schedule appointments, send e-mails, contact companies or anything else you need for your business. If there is another project you need me to work on, I am flexible.</li>
</ol>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-7730" src="http://ift.tt/2tduYIs" alt="" width="700" height="587" srcset="http://ift.tt/2tduYIs 700w, http://ift.tt/2uxTiZA 300w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p>If you are looking for a freebie, check out my free toolkit for creative business owners. You will get access to the toolkit just be subscribing to my newsletter. Whether you have a handmade business, blog or freelance business, this library has goodies for you to start or grow your business. This toolkit has over 10 printable documents and spreadsheets.</p>
<p>Let me know what features you would like to see on my personal website.</p>
<p> </p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227276250826071643.post-1863272247651238442017-07-11T14:30:00.001-05:002017-07-11T14:30:26.389-05:00How to Write an About Page for Your Etsy<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-7724" src="http://ift.tt/2tKA8fZ" alt="" width="667" height="1000" srcset="http://ift.tt/2tKA8fZ 667w, http://ift.tt/2t0Rok2 200w" sizes="(max-width: 667px) 100vw, 667px" /></p>
<p>Have you written an about page on your Etsy shop? An about page is important because it lets your viewer get a more in depth look at your shop. To edit your about page, go to Your Shop > Shop Settings > About Your Shop on the <a href="http://etsy.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Etsy website</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Members</strong></p>
<p>Your shop viewers will like to see who is behind the shop. The members section allows you to include a short bio of yourself. You can add info about yourself, what your other job is, your hobbies or where you live. You can also add a photo. Add a headshot or a photo of you working in your studio. You can also add other members or people who work on your shop.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6046" src="http://ift.tt/2tKA2F9" alt="About Page" width="962" height="1000" srcset="http://ift.tt/2tKA2F9 962w, http://ift.tt/2t1rm07 289w, http://ift.tt/2tKA3cb 768w" sizes="(max-width: 962px) 100vw, 962px" /></p>
<p><strong>What’s Your Story? </strong></p>
<p>Every shop has a unique story behind it. Your about page lets you share this story to your viewers. Start with a story headline that describes what your shop is all about.</p>
<p>The story section allows you to elaborate further on your shop. You can write about how you came up with the idea of your shop and how it get started. Maybe you have an interesting story or reason behind why you started your shop. Maybe you wanted to raise money to donate to a charity so you decided to open a shop selling a specific item to start earning money. Maybe you lost your job and thought opening an Etsy would be a unique way to earn money. Let your viewer know what your shop is all about. You can also include info on how your shop has grown throughout the years or places you have been featured on. Maybe you were featured in a magazine. This is a good place to write about it.</p>
<p>The story page also allows you to add five photos. Use high quality photos that are displayed 760 x 428 pixels. Since you already include photos of your items on your shop page, include other photos here. Studio photos work well such as photos of you working in the studio or in the process of making your craft. You can also add photos from craft shows, places you’ve been featured on, displays or your items or group photo shots of items.</p>
<p><strong>Links</strong></p>
<p>Finally, there is a section for shop links where you can include links to your shop blog and social media sites. This will help viewers find you on other websites.</p>
<p>Etsy might allow you to work with an outside manufacturer. If you do work with a manufacturer to create items for your shop, you can apply to work with a manufacturer in this section. Etsy will review your application.</p>
<h2><strong><a href="http://ift.tt/2t12NAz" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Grab my free printable for creating an about page here!</a></strong></h2>
<p>Be sure to share it on social media.</p>
<p>What tips do you have for creating an about page for your Etsy?</p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0