How do you use Pinterest?

Source: someecards.com via Reina on Pinterest

Oh dear sweet Pinterest, you have taken the internet by storm these days!

The stats tell all, and the rush to join and start pinning have left non-pinners wondering why the heck pinterest is so popular?

Here is how I use Pinterest:

A place to organize recipe ideas and easily access... no printing recipes needed!
Sewing and crafty ideas all on one board!
An easy way to work with our contractor on ideas for our upcoming house remodel. {my white kitchen  and mud room/laundry room}
Printables around the web.  In love.
See what content is "pinterest popular" from my site
Share, share, and share!

Still not convinced?

Tons and tons of my facebook friends are now using Pinterest, many of them have never perused a dreaded "mom blog" -- ever.  I think it has the ability to totally change an audience, introduce more content, and prove that blogs do have value.

Source: theblogstylist.com via Bethany on Pinterest

Now, there's been some criticism on Pinterest and the inability to credit original sources, {which you can read more about here} which I believe is a valid concern, but one of my favorite reasons for using Pinterest is to find great new websites to use... like Sprout Robot, which gives me a garden planting guide by my zip code.  Or crafting/sewing websites that once directed via pin, I click and check out more tutorials and content.  A lot of times before I pin {or repin} something, I'll check the original source first to make sure it's actually pointing to the right address, and then I'll make my own pin.  For example, I once pinned what I thought was a huge collection of "free printables" but once I clicked on the link, it actually took me to a blog where I could purchase them.  No big deal, but when you think of how many times that will get repinned, you might end up with some cranky pinners, only because no one is doing their homework.

Source: lovelife.typepad.com via The Encore Bride on Pinterest

The "link with love" movement is inspired by Pinterest, and its goal is to protect online and visual content, and encourages users of Pinterest to make sure they are giving credit to original sources.


So what do you think?  What is your favorite way to use it?  Have you discovered great content and have success stories?  Or have you had issues with content being mistakenly credited?  Please share!

And leave your Pinterest addy here so we can all find some new friends to follow!

What to Blog About {blogging 101}

Well, by now hopefully you secured a stellar blog name, designed it beautifully, but what will you write about?

Here's what I think:  You are unique, and you are you.  So, whatever your blog will be like, it will be fantastic!  Maybe you want to share local deals, or funny tidbits about your life, your kids, your job.  Or maybe you want a space to showcase your brilliant photography or poetry?  Whatever you feel moved to write about, do it!

I talked earlier about my personal blog.  For me, it's a way to share my life here on the ranch with family and friends across the country.  Sometimes I post everyday, sometimes I go weeks without so much as a photo of the girls.  I love to write, and use it as a way to document our life, kind of like scrapbooking. :)  Here I share my handmade loves and other online inspirations, and search for ways to incorporate more giving into my life.  Sometimes they blend together, but mostly they stay separate.  Plus, I think you all could only handle so many pictures of my kids. :)

I found a couple great resources for blogging content, so feel free to check it out!

Hilarious {check out her Letters to Ellen and her vlog about using "Woot!"} and such a great tool.  You can sign up to receive weekly emails with prompts, then link up to her blog with your post on that topic!

Again, I'm pretty much in love with momcomm.  She has great resources for writing including this post about brainstorming using the magazine method.  Love it!

Still stuck on what to post?  Well, you could fill yours days blogging with daily themes, like "Wordless Wednesdays" where you only post a picture.  {I'm not sure where this orginated?  Anyone??}

The Pleated Poppy is a sweet sweet blog/shop that hosts a weekly "What I Wore Wednesday" that is wildly popular!  Plus, you can check out cute outfits and find more fun bloggers with it!

You could always link your photos up too!  There are tons of places, but I have linked up at M3B and i heart faces.

And, I just googled and found this huge list of "memes" which is the fancy word for these little link-ups.

All About Blog Design {blogging 101}

I'm back with some basics of design and html geekiness!

So, a little leg work I've done:  Since blogger has moved to its new template designer, it is much easier to customize!  Little tweaks here and there, and you can have your very own blog design, with your personal touches!

Here are some of my favorites sites to check out:

Makin' Cute Blogs is awesome!  Just go there already!  Soak in all their brilliance!  TONS of tutorials in easy to understand language!  Perfect!

Another super resource for tips like making buttons, watermarking photos, and menus!

Have you visited?  Oh, you must!  TONS of goodness, including tutorials, free fonts, and gorgeous photos!  Such a great site to browse! :)  {I just downloaded the special May 2011 fonts!  So cute!!}


That's just a start to my very extensive list of resources, but I thought I'd give you a little reading material!  Hope you're enjoying  the links and great info!

and happy tuesday-wednesday! :)

A little blogging help {blogging 101}

When I started blogging way back in 2008, the blogging world was a lot different.  {here's my personal blog, which I started when my oldest was just a wee little bug}  Blogger itself has changed dramatically over the years, moving towards more customization and user friendly aspects -- well, besides the little hiccup this past week.

I have gotten a few emails about the how-to's of blogging, and while I'm not anywhere close to an expert on the subject, I have utilized many different tools and sites to boost my blogging knowledge.  I thought I would take this week to go over some common questions and share what I've learned, along with some really great resources.

Today you get the basics:

If you don't have a blog, you can get one, for free!  Blogger is super easy to use, and as long as your desired name is open, it's yours!

You can also use WordPress, which has varying levels of costs ($0 - $17 per year) and honestly, I've heard from many many people that WordPress is the best!

I'm just throwing these options out there, so take what I say with a grain of salt!

We'll talk more about blog design this week, but play around a bit!  Blogger now has tons of options to customize without having to know a single drop of html coding.  {website design language}

here is what you'll find under Template Designer

Now, what will you write about?  Why are you blogging?  What is your purpose?  Do you want to make money, network, share your product, or connect with family and friends?  And just who will read it?  All great questions, and ones you'll want to look at when requesting that blog address!

While you think those over, here are some really valuable resources when it comes to the nitty gritty of blogging.

MomComm is seriously one my my latest, and most favorite resources for all things blog.  She offers weekly blog critiques, great tutorials, and hilarious but oh so true commentaries on social media, writing quality content, and motivating you to become the best blogger you can be!

Must reads:
- Comment Vomit
- Six Non Spammy Ways for Bloggers to Engage on Facebook Fan Pages
- How to Improve your Writing (Without Improving you Writing)

The SITS girls have been around for a while with an ingenious concept:  a place where bloggers can network and connect, and gain followers and supporters, and readers!  They not only offer a huge gathering of bloggers, but host forums and classes to further "teach" you how to blog, and blog right.  I just took part in their "Think Like a Marketer" Series, and it was so helpful!



I'd love to hear what YOU want to learn! 


How to make buttons, headers, curing writer's block, or making sense of twitter/facebook?  Do share!




oh, and have a great day!!!