Guest Post - 10 Things You Should Do Before You Hit Publish

Today, I am changing it up a bit and having Cait from Cait's Cozy Corner guest posting for me today. Cait contacted me and asked if I was interested in letting her do a guest post on 10 Things You Should Do Before You Hit Publish.

I knew that I would love to read these items and I hope it helps my fellow blogging friends along the way. So Cait, take it away.

A good blogger should have a check list before they hit publish on a blog post. I have to admit, I have moments where I can be over my head, half asleep and after I hit publish on a post, realize that my content is all over the place. #BloggerFail. I thought, why not share some things I do before I hit publish so you can have a great checklist to reference.

1. Start With An Outline - There were moments when I first began blogging where I would just start writing. After a while, I would run out of points or gt what I wanted to write. Sometimes I would get bored all together. I’ve started to write simple outlines on the points I wanted to talk about on my blog post. It’s super simple- just write a few sentences that include some of the main points I want to talk about. It also ensure that I don’t miss out on crucial points that I may have later on. I also tend to write faster when I know what the key points are.

2. High Quality Content - Next, once your outline is finished, you can start to write your post. One of the key points I always look for is making sure that it’s high quality. What exactly do I mean by that? Let’s move on to step 3!

3. Think Of Keywords- I never realized the importance of keywords until I really started to get serious about blogging. They are essential to getting your blog noticed. Google Keyword Planner is a great way tool to help you pick targeted keywords that are relevant to your post.

4. Link To Older Posts/Articles- A great way to get Google to rank your post for targeted keywords is really just by telling Google what your post is about in your own blog. Link to other blog posts or articles using those targeted keywords I just talked about. These will come up when people are searching for those keywords and boom- your blog appears!

5. Attractive Title- Think of your headline as something that will attract readers. Don’t get discouraged- it can be tricky to think of a good blog post headline. Your main point is to generate a click so make sure that it’s specific enough to do just that. For example, I love writing “ Top 10 … “ and then a topic. That gains interest itself and the topic could be anything like “Top 10 Books To Read This Summer” or “ Top 10 Summer Tops Under $40”. Whatever your title- make sure it’s attention worthy.

6. To The Point- Although you do want a lot of great keywords and good content, you also don’t want your topic to be all over the place and writing redundant words. Make sure you go back to your post and relook at what you wrote. I try to make each point about a paragraph long to keep my readers engaged and not feel overwhelmed when looking at my post. Short and sweet am I right?

7. Images- Did you know horizontal images allows your blog and content to more shareable on Facebook on Twitter? I try to add these images on my blog post and I’ve already seen huge results! I actually just have a basic template and use it for the majority of all my posts. Two of my favorite tools to create them are using Canva and Picmonkey plus it’s FREE!

8. When To Use Vertical Images- If you’re not into Twitter or Facebook have you thought of Pinterest? The longer the better for Pinterest images! Make sure to use bright images to gain attention.

9. Add A Call To Action  - Of course this can all depend on your blog niche and how you interact with your audience, but have you thought of adding tweet boxes? Although certain hosts don’t support like this Blogger, adding a Tweet Box is a quick way of sharing quick ‘call to action’ blurbs that can be tweeted out quickly by just one click.

10. Double Check - Before you hit publish, make sure all of the tips and tricks are in your post. It can take a bit to see your blog take off, but staying consistent with all of these tips can pay off. For instance, Matt Anton can attest to the struggles of learning about what it means to hit publish on a post and ranking in a Google Search. A man who used to spend hours playing video games, now was finding a passion in website developing, learning everything  about SEO tips and how to make the most of the internet. He developed his own site, NJ SEO. They can help build a meaningful relationship with clients using social media. They also develop effective content strategies for forward thinking companies, bloggers alike.

Success stories don’t happen overnight but they do happen! Keep doing all you can to build your blog up by incorporating these 10 steps before hitting publish.

I know I didn't have a Confessions post or a Thoughts on Thursday post for you today, but I still have the link up below for those of you who did write one because I still want to read them! So please link up below and I will be back next Thursday with some confessions and thoughts.

Remembering the Little Things

With all of the crazy terrible twos action we have had in our house lately, it is nice to sit down and remember the little things. Those are the things that get us through each day and it can be something so small, but have such a meaningful impact on us.

Today I am linking up with Jenn, Jessica and Leslie for Remembering the Little Things.

- On Friday when I picked up the girls from daycare, I received two packages that had carnations attached to them. While I didn't open the packages, I did put the flowers in water and they are still going strong. On Mother's Day, I opened the packages to find a sign that said LOVE in cursive using their hand as the O and their feet as the V. They each made one for me and then there was another larger craft with flowers all over it. It was so sweet and they are proudly hanging in my office.

- Avery is a Daddy's girl through and through, but lately in the mornings after she has gotten dressed, she comes into my room to help me get dressed. She asks me each morning if I want to wear my boots and when I tell her no my black flats, she searches for those. She brings me my shoes and wants to sit next to me while getting ready. She also picks out my necklace each morning.

- Monday evening we were winding down for the evening, so Sutton asked if she could sit in my lap which I said of course. She proceeds to get in my lap and pulls the blanket over us so we could cuddle and watch some tv before their bedtime. Just the sweetest.

- On Friday when we were visiting my parents, my mom cut the girls bangs. It reminded me when I was a little girl and my mom cut my bangs.

- Since Avery was home sick on Monday, I took Sutton to daycare by herself. I wasn't sure how she would do without her sister there, but it didn't phase her at all. When I picked her up and we got into the car, she asked where Avery was. I told her we were going home to see her and daddy. We were greeted at the door by Rory and Avery and they girls squealed with joy at seeing each other. They played so hard that evening.

- Each evening after we put the girls to bed, they call us back in about 5 times to put their blankets back on them and tuck them in again. While it does get annoying to do it over and over again, it is so sweet that they don't want us to leave them and they want extra kisses in the evening.

- Every morning when we are leaving for work and daycare, the girls have to give Walter his treats. They all know the routine and look forward to it every morning. Then when it is time to go, they tell Walter, bye Wa-wa, see you later, wub you.

- My girls are learning the concept of time more and more. When they want to stay up longer, they tell me 5 minutes and hold up five fingers. Or sometimes it is one minute. But each night they always ask for more minutes.

- Counting with your toddlers and them being so happy that they know their numbers!

Mother's Day Weekend

I am just getting around to writing about my weekend since yesterday I wrote a post about spending $10 at Target. I mean how hard is it to spend $10 at Target? Not hard at all. I go and buy all of the things. What is hard is keeping it to around $10. But I digress.

Our weekend started off Friday afternoon. I got off just after noon and headed out to lunch with my parents and sister. We dined on some BBQ before I headed over to Ulta to pick up a few make up essentials. The make up post got me really excited about new products and I went out and bought a ton. Probably too many, but I want to try all the things. Ha.

After my Ulta stop, I went to my parents house to hang out while the girls were still napping at daycare. Once I knew they would be up, my mom and I headed over to pick the girls up and then grabbed iced coffees on the way home.

We hung out at my parents house for a few hours. The girls had snacks, playtime and kept my parents on their toes the whole time. We left just before 6 pm so we could get the girls dinner. We had a 40 minute drive and the girls were getting hungry even though they dined on many snacks. I made the girls dinner and picked up things around the house while they ate. Once they were done, we got in our pjs and snuggled until daddy got home from golf. He got home just in time to put them to bed for the evening.

He came baring salads for dinner and I opened a bottle of wine. We watched Parenthood and went to bed early.

Saturday morning we realized that in the middle of the night our internet went out and I tried to fix it all morning, but nothing was working. Boo. No Netflix that day. We got ready and went to our favorite muffin place for muffins and coffee. After a mini breakfast, we took the girls to the park to burn off some energy. We were only going to be there for 30 minutes, but ended up being there for an hour and a half.

Look at the joy on Sutton's face!

And the not so joyous toddler

After the park, we headed home to hang out while Rory mowed, edged and fixed the sprinklers. After feeding the girls lunch and putting them down for naps, I headed out to the grocery store and a few errands.

Just enjoying some snacks on the coffee table

I made a new recipe that night. I had to improvise on a Pinterest recipe I found and it turned out to be really good. I hope to post it in the next week or two when I make it again. So good and perfect for Spring/Summer.

We also bathed the girls Saturday night since we would be out Sunday evening, so we got everything ready for the week ahead Saturday evening. Rory had a work trip to go to on Monday, so we wanted to get everything ready for that as well.

The girls went to bed and we watched Fargo and called it a night.

Sunday morning I got to sleep in until 7:30 and I call that a huge win. I would have loved to sleep in longer, but it is harder when you can hear toddlers running around the house. They didn't get the memo that it was Mother's Day. They were still hyped up and made many messes for me to clean up.

Rory ran out to get us coffee while the girls terrorized the house. I took a long shower and then got ready for the day. The girls made an even bigger mess that I had to clean up before heading out to brunch with my in-laws. Rory made reservations for indoors since the weather was supposed to be crappy, but they sat us outside. It was windy and a bit chilly, but we made do and it gave the girls the chance to run around a bit more.

After brunch, we took the girls home for naps. While they napped, I headed out to have mimosa with my friend Stacey. So nice catching up with her for a few hours.

On my way home, I stopped at the store to grab a few things to make the Special K bars MacKensey posted back around Easter. I got home and Avery was very fussy, but I made the bars and Rory gave her a breathing treatment because her cold was acting up. Once I was done and Rory was done give Avery her treatment, we headed over to my sister's house for a Mother's Day BBQ. She and her boyfriend made tri-tip, roasted potatoes and green beans complete with wine and homemade beer. Sutton ate a ton and had a blast, but Avery's cold got the worse of her and she didn't want anything to do with anyone except Rory. She didn't even eat dinner and that is huge for Avery. 

I did manage some smiles out of Avery long enough to snap this photo.

After dinner we had the dessert bars and then headed out. It was a short visit with my sister, her boyfriend and my parents, but at least we all got to spend some time together on Mother's Day. 

Avery's sickness really ramped up and she had a high fever of 102 degrees. We gave her some vicks, lavender oil in her diffuser, propped her mattress up and hoped for the best. The girls woke up a lot Sunday night which caused Rory and I to have little sleep.

Rory ended up cancelling his work trip because the girls seem to get sick when he is gone and he feels guilty not being around and helping out when they are sick (and saving me from using ALL of my sick leave). I told him to still go on his trip, but he said it can wait until June. 

Rory stayed home with Avery on Monday and was able to get the AT&T guy to come over and fix our internet. We had our box replaced, new wiring and a whole bunch of other stuff done since our system was really old and basically fried. So now we can finish Parenthood. Only three episodes left.

How was your weekend?

While it wasn't the best Mother's Day I have had (I only have two others to compare it to), I am just grateful for the family that I do have and the love I received on Sunday.

$10 at Target

I am so excited to be co-hosting my first $10 at Target link up. You all know how much I love Target and I know how much you all love Target. It just runs in our mommy blood.

I go into Target with a set list every time and I always end up buying way more. Either I hit up the dollar spot and buy all the things or I hit up the shoes and decide I need a pair or three. I just can't help it. Oh and don't get me started on the Cat and Jack line for my girls. I love their clothes and shoes and want to buy it all everytime I am there. Just too cute.

But anyways, I was at Target a couple weeks ago and I was browsing around the framing area to hang a large coffee bag that we got on our honeymoon in Hawaii (yes it has been almost 4 years of having it and not hanging it), and I found a new summery candle that I had to have my hands on, Watermelon Twist.

It smells like 4th of July because we always have a huge plateful of watermelon. Plus it was on sale from $10 to $7.50.

From the home decor area, I went towards the candy aisle because I was searching for the large Andies Mints for my husband. He loves them so much and has got my daughters hooked on them. So bad. After I found the large Andies, I saw my favorite Airhead Bites in the family size and scooped those up. I got them for $2. Those babies came with me on my work trip to Las Vegas at the beginning of the month.

In total I spent:
$7.50 candle
$2.00 candy
$0.74 tax

Total: $10.24

Now it is your turn to share with us how you spent your $10 at Target.

Stephanie | www.wifemommyme.com
Beth | www.ourprettylittlegirls.com
Becky | www.bybmg.com
Tif | www.brightonabudget.com
Heather | www.myglitteryheart.com 
Ashley | http://www.ashleynewell.me
Emily | www.threeboysandagirlblog.blogspot.com​
Shani | www.sunshineandmunchkins.com
Sarah | www.foxysdomesticside.com
Johannah | http://johannahsirois.blogspot.com
Stephanie | www.thegiftygirl.com
Kristyn | www.everyonessleepingbutmom.com
Danielle | www.sparklesandlattes.blogspot.com
Jess | www.secretsofasahmom.blogspot.com
Christine | www.swordfightsandstarrynights.com

An InLinkz Link-up

Friday Favorites

I am so happy today is Friday. This week feels like it has taken forever. We don't have much on the agenda this weekend, but that is just the way I like it. We have several weekends coming up where we are out of town or really busy, so an easy weekend is welcoming.

ONE. I am finally getting around to reading Lauren Graham's Talking as Fast as I Can. We all know how much I LOVE Gilmore Girls and Parenthood (only 5 episodes left), so I don't know why it has taken me this long to read Graham's book. Have you read it?

TWO. This past weekend, I went shopping and I bought myself a lot of pretty little things. I was going into the trip thinking I needed sandals, work tops and maybe a purse if I found one cheap enough. Well I got everything but the sandals and I spent a lot more on the purse than I thought I would, but Kate Spade. Ha.

I can't find the Kate Spade bag online nor can I find anything from Loft that I bought. I bought a soft pair of beach draw string shorts, a tie up black tank top and a buttery soft pink top. From J Crew, I bought these three items.

 pineapple

 stripped tank

sweater

THREE. The terrible twos are no joke and I hear three isn't much better. I feel like we are barely surviving over here. I often wonder how one has more than one child after surviving the terrible twos. Either you have your kids so close together that you don't hit the toddler tantrums until after your second is born or it was so awful that you forget about it and still have another child.

Phew. We have been doing more timeouts than I can count. And I find myself thinking that I don't like my children right now. I love them something fiercely, but that doesn't mean I have to like them all the time. It hurts my mama heart to think that way, but this stage is rough.

I now understand all the memes with kids throwing fits. I also understand the Instagram posts with the wine glasses being filled to the brim.

Toddlers are hard.

 via

 via

via

FOUR. Did you see my favorite make up products that I posted yesterday for this month's Girl Chat? If not, check it out here and see my favorites and some of my favorite bloggers favorites.

FIVE. Have any of you heard of microblading? It is a "procedure" where you cut the area in your eye brows to make them fuller, perfectly shaped and darker. My cousin has it and I am intrigued by it, but the thought of basically tattooing make up on me scares me.

I am linking up with April, A Little Bit of Everything, Karli, Meet @ the Barre and Cup of Tea.

Girl Chat - Favorite Make Up/Beauty Products

It's time for another round of Girl Chat. This time we are talking about our favorite make up and/or beauty products. I am going with make up as it is one thing I do spend money on consistently and something that I have done tons of research on.

Below are my favorite products. I have tried them all and LOVE them.

FOUNDATION:

IT CC Cream

I use this as my foundation each morning. I used to use Mac, but I have found this works so much better for me. It lasts all day long, even though a gym session and has SPF 50 in it. It has beautiful coverage and doesn't feel heavy.

PRIMER:

Primer

I started using Urban Decay's eyes hadow primer many years ago and I have never looked back. I have tried a few others when they came as samples in Birchboxes or using points at Sephora, but none of them compare to UD.

This keeps my eyes hadow in place, doesn't leave a crease and lasts through a gym session.

EYE SHADOW:

Too Faced Natural Eyes

As with most make up, I have tried most brands of eye shadow, but I always come back to this palette. Not only does it have my favorite set (Silk Teddy, Push-up and Erotica), but it allows me to go from day (classic) to evening (fashion) with colors that are similar but bolder. I can swipe on the new shadow over my day shadow and it looks really pretty.

BROWS:

Eyebrow Pencil

Anastasia makes the BEST eye brow pencils. I never used to worry about my brows until I started seeing an esthetician and he recommended that I color my brows since they were pretty light. Then I got my make up done for my engagement photos and they used an eyebrow pencil and again for my wedding photos. So I knew it was time to invest in a good eyebrow pencil. 

I tried the ones from my professional photos, plus a few others and the best is Anastasia.

BLUSH:

 Hourglass

This was another recommendation and I haven't turned back. Unless I wear bronzer. After I had the girls, I was in desperate need of new make up, a new mommy makeover and a way to feel good about myself. My skin changed during pregnancy and I wanted to compliment it, so I headed into Sephora and the sweetest ladies helped me. They recommended this blush and since I never wore blush, I was hesitant. I only wore bronzer, but they changed my make up routine with this blush. It goes on with the prettiest hue and makes you glow. Perfect for a new mommy who is tired.

CONCEALER/DARK CIRCLE CONCEALER:

Dark Circle Concealer

This stuff comes from the make up Gods. If you have children, stay up late or just plain look haggard in the morning, then this dark circle eraser is for you. I love this stuff. If I get 2 hours of sleep or 9, I still look like I didn't sleep much. This stuff covers up my dark circles and adds brightness to my eyes. I use it daily. Even when I don't wear much make up, I swipe this on to make me feel a bit more put together. Add this and the UD primer and you don't even need a full face of make up.

MASCARA:

Sadly, I don't have a favorite mascara. I have tried so many and some are good for the short term, but then I am over them for one reason or another. I want full, long, thick eyelashes and no mascara compares to when I had eyelash extensions. Those were the best, but the price and how hard they are on your eyelashes stopped me. I wish I had them all the time, but they are not doable for me. So for now I just change my mascara up often.

What are your favorite make up and/or beauty products?

To link up - just grab our graphic, link up, and let's getting to chatting!  Make sure to stop by a few others linked up for an extra bit of girl chat! 

Danielle / Sparkles and Lattes - Bloglovin' - Pinterest - Instagram
Emily / A Little Bit of Emily - Bloglovin' - Pinterest - Instagram
Lindsay / Lindsay's Sweet World - Pinterest - Facebook - Instagram - Twitter
Lizzie / This Happy Life -  Bloglovin' - Pinterest - Facebook - Instagram
Sierra / Beautifully Candid - Bloglovin' - Pinterest - Instagram - Twitter

10 Things I Suck At

About a week ago, Rebecca wrote a post about the things she sucks at and I kept nodding my head. I thought it would be fun to share somethings that I suck at (all jokes aside).

Holding my breath in the water. Or more so swimming and not plugging my nose. I have done it, but it seriously takes me forever to get used to not breathing through my nose in the water. Water always goes up and and back down my throat and I feel like I am choking.

On the same note, snorkeling. I get so worked up in the water that a shark is going to be near that I breathe very rapidly for the first 10 minutes before I can calm myself down.

Eating well. I have so many friends who eat Paleo, or gluten free or no alcohol except weekends and I just can't do it. Or maybe it is, I DON'T want to do it. I usually chose a salad over most things for lunch, but if you put pizza or pasta in front of me, load it up!

We love making pizzas at home.

Not worrying. I tend to worry about everything. Seriously, if stress falls in my lap, I go right to the worst case scenario and I worry about it until it either pans out or I am proven wrong. Example: the daycare situation. Ugh. I stayed up all night worrying about it and you know what, we got it figured out and I worried myself for nothing.

Keeping my body healthy. Or in other words, not having surgery all the time. I feel like I have had more surgeries than most people have at my age. Not counting minor teeth surgeries, I have had: knee surgery, foot surgery, abnormal cells in my cervix, emergency c-section, breast abscess, two umbilical hernias and augmentation. What's next?

Buying things. I will hem and haw over things and justify why I don't need them. I usually end up regretting not getting it, but I have a hard time just going out and buying things for the sake of buying something. My husband often has to encourage me to buy something.

Running. I may run several times a week, but I feel like I suck at it. I am not one of those people where it comes naturally, nor do I really LOVE it. I just do it because it keeps me fit and I can finally run again after having knee surgery. I really wish I loved running and could run half marathons and the RTO that is coming up.

Making decisions. I am one who usually just goes with the flow on most things. So when my husband asks where I want to go for dinner, I usually don't have an answer. I would rather him chose and then I say if I want it or not. I know, it's bad, but I hate making decisions like that.

Responding to emails. Sometimes I get right on it, but other times I just let them sit there. Sometimes for weeks. It isn't because I don't want to talk to the person, it is just pure laziness. Then I get on top of my game and answer all my emails and it feels so good.

Filling the Brita. My husband gets on me all the time for this, but I suck at refilling the Brita. I will let the water get down to about a glass and then fill it, but never before that. I have even emptied the Brita and put it back in the fridge.

Golfing. I love to try to golf, but I am not good at it. I think if I took lessons and really gave it a try, I could get better, but who has the time now. I do enjoy playing it, but I am not good at it. I love when I hit a great shot and call that a win for the day.

Golfing on our honeymoon

Don't forget to link up tomorrow with myself and some awesome ladies for Girl Chat - What are your favorite make up/beauty products?