Thursday, June 28, 2012

TGIF #25 - Share what you did this week:)

{Don't forget to link up your bloglovin page here!}

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This is the weekend before the 4th of July!!  Can you believe it!!??


Thank you for linking up last week!  I just love looking at all the fun things that were shared:)

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I get the newspaper on the weekend just for the coupons, and I always feel bad throwing out the paper!  This Newspaper Roses Wreath shared by A Bunch of Bishops would make for the perfect solution!!  It is so pretty, I just LOVE it!!



Another favorite of mine is this Homemade Grout Cleaner shared by Practically Functional.  My shower is in dire need of this!!


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Without any further delay...let's start the party!  

What have you done this week???


Two Sasters



After linking up we would LOVE it if you:

 Follow Two Sasters (via GFC or email)
 Grab a button and place it somewhere on your blog
 Visit others, get ideas, be inspired, make friends :)

 By linking up your photo, you give us permission to use them in features 

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Co-Hosting Bloglovin Blog Hop

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I am super excited to be co-hosting a Bloglovin' Blog Hop with Jenny from The NY Melrose Family, Amy from While Wearing Heels, Melissa from The Life of a Not So Ordinary Wife, Pamela from Pamela's Heavenly Treats, Barb from Second Chance to Dream, Sarah from Becoming Martha, Elle from The Princess Diaries and Carolyn from My Simple Messterpiece for the month of June. 


What's Bloglovin' you ask?  Well, only the greatest way to keep track of the blogs that you love.  With the discontinuation of Google Friends Connect, I decided that I needed to find another way to keep up with all of my favorite blogs that are not hosted by blogger.  I signed up for Linky Followers and I've had great success with gaining new followers, but I’m finding I don’t get any traffic to my site from Linky.  I also do not enjoy reading my favorite blogs from there.  I stumbled upon Bloglovin' and I am in love!  It is very similar to Google Reader, in that you can see the beginning of the post and the first picture attached to the post.  Plus, Bloglovin' automatically updates your posts, unlike Linky Followers, which you have to manually update each time you write a new post.  I don't know about you, but I just don't have the time to do that every time.  Another added bonus is there is a Bloglovin' application for IPhone and Android devices.  Woohoo!  Like I don't spend enough time reading blogs.  Now it's a simple touch.  Love it!


***These are the complete instructions for sign up, so skip to the rules if you already have Bloglovin'***
In order to participate in this hop you need to sign up for Bloglovin’.  Go to Bloglovin'.   Hit the green sign up button in the right hand corner.  Next enter an email address and create your password.  You will get a confirmation eamil that you will need to follow a link back to Bloglovin' to continue the process.  Once you click on the link you will be brought to a page where it says to choose blogs to follow.  You don't need to do this.  Click next in the bottom right hand corner.  The next screen let’s you know about the mobile app so just click next again.  This screen will show that you are not following any blogs.  Click on Account in the upper right hand corner and toggle down to widget.  Choose the widget you want displayed on your page.  Put your url into the search query and it should pull up your site.  Click on your site and it will say display this icon.  The next page should bring you to a screen that has you display it into your layout.   Once you hit publish you’re done!  If you view your blog you should see the icon and now your followers can add you to their Bloglovin’ feed.  Seriously, so simple.  So let’s get to the blog hop.  This is a party so make sure to have some fun and mingle.


 There’s only a couple of rules:

2.      Add Bloglovin' to your blog.


3.      Post our button for the blog hop on your page to promote the fun.


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If you're interested in co-hosting next month send Jenny an email at russej10@gmail.com.  She also has some sponsor spots still available for July, which you can find here.  Alright, so let's have some fun and mingle!





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Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Wordless Wednesday - $hopping $avings:)

My little one passed out real early tonight, so I ran out to three stores to score some great deals!! 

CVS:  Spent $17.87, but have $10 in ECB to spend next time



Stop and Shop:  Spent $9.12



Walgreens: Spent $15.27, but have $12 in RR to spend next time



WOO HOO!!!  I am so excited that I got so many things that I needed and saved a lot of money:)

So while not my typical WW post, I was just too excited that I had to share!

Linking up to these great parties:)
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Techy Tips - How to make Custom Headers for your Side Bar

It's Tuesday - time for more Techy Tips:)


Want to spice up your side bar?  Let's make some headers!!



To start off, create a blank white slate which we talked about last week here.

Next, you will need to resize.  My sidebar headers are 250 wide by 50 tall, but you can customize to your own blogs size.


Be creative and using various fonts and pictures make a nice side bar header!


You will now need to save your newly created header image - I use Photobucket.


I like Photobucket because obtaining the HTML code is so simple!


Copy the HTML code.  In Photobucket, all you have to do is click on the code and it is automatically copied!  Like I said...simple!

Head back over to your blog's dashboard.  Under Layout, select "Add a Gadget".


In the Gadgets menu, select HTML.


Paste your code (a control-V will do the trick) and save.


Sit back, admire...and then make a few more!!


Hopefully that inspired you to pretty up your blog!  If you need any help, just ask!!

Note:  For the headers on my side bar, I started out with digital scrapbook paper {which I hate to say I downloaded forever ago and I cannot recall where - once I find I will definitely add the source here} instead of the blank white image.


Linking up to these great parties:)
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Monday, June 25, 2012

Shop Handmade on Mondays - {Linky}

Happy Monday Friends:)

I have weddings on my brain after having a wonderful time at our friend's wedding this past weekend!!

Mrs. Why Knot sells adorable bracelets for bridesmaids, Mothers of the Bride/Groom, flower girls and friends!!  Go check them out!!  They would make a great gift!



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I have so much fun selling our Handmade items in our Etsy Shop and I know so many others out there feel the same way I do:)  That being the case I have decided to promote handmade items every Monday by hosting a weekly Link-up party...YAY!

So for all of you small business owners selling handmade items (on Etsy or elsewhere), please feel free to join in on the fun and promote your items!!




Two Sasters


After you have linked up your handmade items we would LOVE it if you:

♥ Follow Two Sasters (via GFC or email)
♥ Visit other shops that have linked up

Link up here!! Note:  It would be helpful if you could include a description of what you sell in {}'s - for example: CGCDesign {children} 


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Thursday, June 21, 2012

TGIF #24 - Share what you did this week:)

Hope you all had a terrific week!!  I am SO excited for this weekend!  It is my birthday and the hubby and I are going to a wedding:)

Apologies again for missing last week, but a certain little person was just so much more important!!

Without any further delay...let's start the party!  

What have you done this week???




Two Sasters




After linking up we would LOVE it if you:

 Follow Two Sasters (via GFC or email)
 Grab a button and place it somewhere on your blog
 Visit others, get ideas, be inspired, make friends :)

 By linking up your photo, you give us permission to use them in features 

Share

S'Mores - Campfire not required!

We try to visit our parents on the weekends...usually mine on Fridays or Saturdays and my husbands on Sundays.

One weekend after dinner my Mother-in-law told me her dessert was inspired by something she pinned.  When she brought out a tray of S'Mores I was in heaven!  Graham Crackers, Marshmallows and Chocolate...seriously, what is not to like???

The hubby and I decided to make them one night and I took pictures so as to be able to share:)  Here is what we did!!

Supplies:
Graham Crackers
Marshmallows
Chocolate


On a piece of tin foil, I created a s'more.




Popped this into the oven on broil for a few minutes.



And we enjoyed!!



You could also use the microwave instead of the oven for an even faster treat!

Linking up to these great parties:)
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Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Wordless Wednesday

She is soooooo tiny...


Happy WW everyone!!

Linking up to these great parties:)
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Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Techy Tips - How to start from scratch in PicMonkey

It's Tuesday and that means it is time for another Techy Tip!!  YAY!



When I first came across Picnik - and now PicMonkey - I fell in love!!  I found it easier then messing around with Photoshop:) 

However, with Photoshop I was able to start fresh if I wanted to.  I knew there had to be a way I could do the same thing in PicMonkey and after playing around a bit, this is what I came up with.  {This was especially important to me when I was making my blog headers - which I promise to post about soon!!}

Step 1:  Open up PicMonkey and upload an image (it can be anything..we won't use it anyways).





Step 2:  Select Overlays and then Geometric Shapes.  Choose the rectangle.




Step 3: Choose the color that you would like for your background.  I choose white so that I would have a nice clean, white blank page.




Step 4:  Enlarge the rectangle so that it covers over the entire photo.  You will no longer be able to see your uploaded picture.

Next, use the merge tool to merge (you guessed it) the white rectangle with your initial photo.



Step 5:  Have fun with the PicMonkey features and fun stickers to create whatever you want!



Enjoy playing around:)

Note that this is probably just one of many ways to do this.  If you found another way, I would love for you to share your solution in the comments:)  


Linking up to these great parties:)
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Monday, June 18, 2012

Shop Handmade on Mondays - {Linky}

Happy Monday!!

How awesome is this Chalkboard Vinyl from Blissful and Domestic Vinyl Designs?!?  I can see this on my wall - my little one would have SOO much fun playing with chalk!!


♥♥♥♥♥

I have so much fun selling our Handmade items in our Etsy Shop and I know so many others out there feel the same way I do:)  That being the case I have decided to promote handmade items every Monday by hosting a weekly Link-up party...YAY!

So for all of you small business owners selling handmade items (on Etsy or elsewhere), please feel free to join in on the fun and promote your items!!




Two Sasters


After you have linked up your handmade items we would LOVE it if you:

♥ Follow Two Sasters (via GFC or email)
♥ Visit other shops that have linked up

Link up here!! Note:  It would be helpful if you could include a description of what you sell in {}'s - for example: CGCDesign {children} 


Share

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Happy Father's Day!!

Hope everyone is enjoying Father's Day!!  We {finally} finished up our presents, the hubby is enjoying playing a round a golf and my little peanut and I ran in another 5K this morning.  I would say that makes for a successful day!!

This weekend was also extra special as my new little niece headed home yesterday!!  As promised here is a picture of our two girls:)



When the hubby came home from golfing, this is what greeted him.  I think he liked it:)


I got the wood and magnetic sheet from Pick your Plum, the vinyl and card I made with my Cameo and the glass magnets I made using the tutorial Brilliant Like Fireflies linked up to our TGIF party.

Happy Father's Day to all our favorite men:)
Linking up to these great parties:)
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Friday, June 15, 2012

A new addition...

Apologies for missing this week's party - we will be back next Friday!!

Yesterday we added a new little girl to the family!!  She is absolutely perfect!

Cortnee is busy being a new Mom and I am so excited to be an Aunt!!!

My little one has so many plans for her new little cousin too:)

Pictures will soon follow!!  Enjoy your weekend!!

Linking up to these great parties:)
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Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Wordless Wednesday {with Linky}

We spent some time at the park this weekend but only had my (poor quality) camera phone.

After playing around in PicMonkey, this is what I ended up with:)



Better, right?




Linking up to these great parties:)
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Techy Tips - Guest Post from Kelley at the Grant Life!

Welcome back to Techy Tips on Tuesdays!!

Today we are soooo excited to have Kelley from The Grant Life visiting and sharing some blogging etiquette!!



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Hi!  My name is Kelley and I blog over at the Grant life.  I'm a momma to two blonde haired, blue eyed babies and I run a little online store called loveables.  I love diet coke, How I Met Your Mother, twitter and anything with sugar.  Throw in a rainy day where I can snuggle with my babies and I'm a happy lady.   

I have a blogger tutorial series going on every Thursday and Im so excited to be sharing one of my most viewed tutorials with yall today!  I love the Two Sasters and am so excited to be here today!   



The fun thing about blogging is there are no rules.  You can write what you want, when you want and how you want.  Dont misunderstand this, there may be no rules but there is blog etiquette.  Blogs are not just internet addresses, they are journals, photo albums, and personal letters.  They contain more then words and pictures, they are made up of hard work, love and time.  With all that goes into creating a blog, the last thing you'd want is to offend the writer.


Comments
1. Comments are always appreciated, and they are your calling card.  You should make your comment honest and memorable, if possible.  And always be nice!  
2. Its nice to reply to the comments you receive in a timely manner.  This gets harder the more your blog grows, but at the same time its key to helping your blog grow.
3.  Never leave a mean comment!  If you dont have something nice to say.. DONT say it!   



Link Parties
A link party is a collection of posts from different bloggers.  A blogger hosts the party on their site and allows others to link up their posts to the collection.  The host blogger gains followers and has increased page views, while the blogger that links a post gains exposure.  Its a win-win for the host and the person who links up.  

1. It is common courtesy to comment on at least two other links from the party.  By taking the time to look at other posts you are increasing page views and your chances of a new follower.  It is generally frowned upon to link and leave.  
2. Make sure to thank the host for having the link party.  It takes time to put together a party and it is very kind to let them know its appreciated.  
3. It is also nice if you add the link party button to your blog (but not required).  This will increase link ups and views of not only the host but your linked posts as well.
4. Make sure you read the link party rules and that the post you are sharing is appropriate for that party.  For example, dont share a craft post on a food link party.  


Blog Hops
Very similar to link parties but instead of linking to a specific post, you share only your homepage.  Blog hops are intended to increase your followers and page views.  Its a great way to find fun new blogs.  

1. Link up only your homepage!  Some people dont read through the rules/instructions and share a post instead.  Link parties are for posts, blog hops are for homepages.  


Following
There are a few different ways to follow a blog.  You can follow through e-mail, RSS feed, or Google Friend Connect (GFC).  The more followers you have the more page views you will have.  

1. You are NOT obligated to follow anyone.  
2. Just because someone leaves a comment saying "Im your newest follower, please follow me back!' does not mean you have to follow.  Its liking casting a net into a school of fish; they are hoping that at least a few people follow them back.  
3.  If you follow someone let them know by commenting.  

Giving Credit
Im not going to go into copyright laws, but just make sure to always always always credit your source if the  project, photo, or idea is not your own.  It is acceptable to use these as long as the reader understands that you are not the original source and that source is stated in the post!

the Grant life


Buttons
Buttons are your business card in the bloggy world.  They direct people to your site and help increase your page views/followers.  When a button has a 'grab box' underneath it, the blogger wants you to take their button and post it on your site.  It helps with page views/followers and SEO (search engine optimization.. thats a whole other can of worms!)  


All this is generally accepted blog etiquette that I have learned over the past year of blogging.  Im sure some of it will change next year, or maybe even next month, but if you take anything away from this I hope you remember to GIVE CREDIT TO OTHERS and always be nice!  

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you."  Matthew 7:12
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Do you have a bloggy question that I can help you with?  Let me know.. I'd love to help!

*****

Thanks Kelley!!!!  Be sure to check out her fantastic blog!!


Linking up to these great parties:)
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