7 New Blogger Tips

Hey guys,

I started my blog at the end of April 2016,mostly as an outlet at that time but I also like writing. Today my page views is at 19,611 and I have 5 followers.  I will admit that I haven't always been consistent with publishing a post and that's something that I don't like about myself but then I just try to get better at it. Even though, I'm not a big all-time blogger who gets paid, I do have some blogging tips for new bloggers.

1. First, you have to be consistent with your posts. When I begun blogging, I thought I needed to publish a post every single day, but then I realized that I didn't have to publish a post every day. Every few days is okay as long as you're being consistent so your readers/followers will know when to expect your posts.
2. There are many niches out there and you just have to find one that you fit in to. There might not be just one niche that you fit in to so you can technically be in more than one. For me, I'm not too into beauty and hair but my posts might involved a beauty or hair item, so I call myself a "Lifestyle Blogger".
3. You don't have to start blogging so you can get to the top and have partnerships with companies. I will say that it's hard to get on the top right at first. You have to work on it and take one day at a time. 
4. Going along with my last tip, don't feel defeated if one company says no or if you don't get a response from them. E-mail more companies that fits your niche/ companies you're interested in.
5. Get involved in social media to promote your blog and when you publish posts. Some good ones are a Facebook page, Twitter, Instagram and Google Plus.
6. A good way to make friends with bloggers across the world is to follow them on their blogs and social media accounts. Most of the time, they will follow you back.
7. Last tip is whether or not you want to get on the top, just have fun blogging. Some of your posts might just make a difference in others' lives.

<3 Amanda 

Summer Activities Ideas

(https://www.spiritgroups.org/blog/spiritgroups-summer-style)

Hey guys,

It's already almost July which is crazy to see. This year has flown by. Since it's the summer, the kids are home from school. I thought I would give some summer activities you can do on a sunny day or a rainy day. A good idea that I've seen over social media is to make a bucket list of things you want to do with the whole family, and you could even do individual ones because everyone has their own passions and goals they might want to accomplish over summer break.

Summer Activities Ideas

1. Go to the library and join the summer reading program if your library provides it
2. Have a baking afternoon where you bake cookies, cupcakes; pretty much whatever you want to bake
3.  Go on a bike ride
4. Go to the ice cream shop
5. Go camping. It could even be in your own backyard
6. Go to the pool/splash pad
7. Have a sleepover with friends or cousins
8. Go to the zoo
9. If you're planning to try out for a sport in the new school year, practice before the try-outs
10. Go on a staycation
11. Have a water day with water balloons,squirt guns, etc.
12. Go volunteer somewhere
13. Join a summer sport
14. Go to the beach
15. Have a photo shoot where you're just having fun with friends ( and hold on to the photos for the memories)
16. Go on a hike, if you know of a place near you
17. Go to an amusement park
18. Go to a concert
19. Go to the movies
20. Go to the mall
21. Make a lemonade stand
22. Plant some flowers/vegetables
23. Go dance out in the rain (when there's no thunder or lightning)
24. Have a movie night with candy and popcorn
25. Have a game night (with just your family or invite friends/family over)

Do you have any fun summer activities planned? Leave them down below.

<3 Amanda 

Online Grocery Shopping Review- Shipt

Hey guys,

(Most recent groceries using Shipt)

Are you a stay at home mom, a college student, work a lot or just in general have a busy life? Well, I have a suggestion for you, and that's Shipt. Shipt is an online grocery service. They even deliver more than just groceries. They have two different memberships options available: Yearly is $99/year and monthly is $14/month. Unless your total is $35 or above, you'll be charged $7 for the delivery fee. Concerning payment, they accept all US debit and credit cards. There are different stores where you can use Shipt but that depends on your state and your zip code. My zip code only goes to Meijer and just recently started at Target.  Do you love to shop?? You can apply to be a shopper for Shipt. You can do what you like doing and helping others at the same time as getting paid.

We have a Shipt account because my mom is disabled and can't drive to go grocery shopping so having Shipt as an option is convenient if she can't find anyone to go grocery shopping.  If they can't find a particular item, they will text you (if you checked that you want them to contact you) and ask you if you'd like to substitute that item for another similar item. I like that feature. When they are checking out, some of them will text you and let you know that they will be at your house soon.

A few things are different from the store than Shipt. Shipt increases the prices a little bit so if you look at an ad and then look at Shipt the prices will be higher. You also can't use coupons with Shipt. During the time that we have had Shipt, we have had 2, maybe 3 issues and their customer services is really good in my opinion. 

If you want to try out Shipt or see if it's in your area, check out their site, here. Let me know if you use Shipt down in the comments below.

<3 Amanda