Posted in DIYs

Using a Bullet Journal in Blogging {{Collab w/ Hayley}}

I’m doing a collab today!! Hayley (my BFFL who writes at FlourishingbyRestfulFalls) and I like bullet journaling, so we decided to do a collaboration about it. We wanted to show ya’ll how to use it with your blog. Everyone is unique and so we wanted to show the different ways we use our bullet journals to enhance our blog.

You can check out her post here. She has also posted other bullet journaling inspiration on her blog so make sure to go read some of her posts. For the record, I was the one who got Hayley into bullet journaling, so I deserve the credit 😉 😉

I use my bullet journal four different ways to manage blogging (There are so many others! Just do a quick search on Pintrest). Here they are:

#1

I use it to keep track of what I want to post. I guess this would be a mix between an editorial calendar and a post idea list. I love blogging as a hobby, so I don’t give myself extremely high expectations for it. At the beginning of the year I wrote down twelve post ideas that I wanted to write this year (that is once a month, which is not very hard). Every time I complete one of them I check it off.

#2

I keep a running list of all my blog post ideas. Usually my post ideas come to me through out the day randomly (for instance when I”m practicing playing the piano). I write these down in my bullet journal. I have them somewhat color coded by topic. Nothing super strict but a general idea. This is awesome because whenever I need a post idea I can glance at this and I’m bombarded by ideas.

#3

I created a tracker to help me track my habits. In the top I write the different category’s and then everyday I complete them I color in the box. At the end of them month you can see if you completed your habits and it also looks aesthetically pleasing. I looked back on my March tracker and I was extremely consistent (sorry I wasn’t able to take an updated picture of it!). The tracker really helped me want to and remember to read the posts in my reader and such.

You can also do this with non-blog related things as well.

#4

Finally, I created an inspiration page in my bullet journal to keep my inspired. Here I write (very colorfully) various reasons why I love blogging, specifically, ‘blogging things that make me smile.’

It is really fun and inspiring to write down new things. I can look back at them and get inspiration to write more.


Those are the ways I use bullet journaling to help me blog! Don’t forget to check out Hayley’s post here.

Do you use a bullet journal? If so, how? If you don’t, do you want to start one?

Have a wonderful day!

-Rebekah

 

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Posted in DIYs

10 Things to do on Winter Break

Hiya (I feel like a karate person)! Well, Christmas is over now and break stretches on for still another week at least. What are you going to do with all this time? You may already have lots of plans or you may not have any, whatever the case here are ten things to do on winter break.

  1. Take a walk. The past few days I’ve been doing this and it is snow (puns 🙂 ) refreshing. It gives your eyes a chance to rest from all the screen time you are probably having and also provides you with physical activity. So just get out and enjoy God’s beautiful creation.

2. Bake a treat. This is a something I think everyone has done at least once during the winter. I personally love baking and trying new recipes. I especially like trying new recipes I find on Pintrest (check out my Pintrest here).

3. Do a random act of kindness. There are so many ways to help people in need and there are usually even more opportunities around the holidays. You could bake someone something like I mentioned above or bring in cans to a local food drive. Giving back brings so much joy to you and others around you.

4. It is break, take some time to relax and pamper yourself. Read a book, use a bath bomb or face mask, and drink some tea (or cocoa!).

5. Hangout with friends. During school you may be too busy to have time to hang out with your friends so during break have some quality time with your friends. Maybe you could plan a day to go shopping and spend Christmas money, bake a treat together, do a random act of kindness with friends, or do manicures on each other.

6. Take a photo shoot. Take photos are a lot of fun and can really boost self-esteem. This is something you can do with your friends. Plus, you’ll have tons of great Instagram pics for the new year.

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7. Look through old pictures and notebooks. This is a unique and fun way to pass time.

8. Spend time with God. This is something that we should be doing everyday, but you can never spend too much time with God. Being able to just sit and relax in his presence, starting a new Bible study series, or spending extra time praying for people is an awesome way to spend time over break.

9. Hangout with family. If you can, hanging out with family is something really fun to do. Play games with your siblings (our favorites our golf, rummy, and Uno), talk to grandparents, watch Christmas movies together, or bake something.

10. Write letters. I love sending and receiving snail mail. It can be hard to sit down and write a card during the business of life, but over break you have more time. You could write thank you notes to people who sent you presents, send to a far away friends (I’m looking at you Hayley), or distant family members that you are not able to see often.

Well there you go, ten things you should do on winter break. So get off your computer and go have some fun 🙂 Thanks for reading!

-Rebekah

Posted in DIYs, Tutorial

WordPress Tutorial- How to Recover a Draft

Hey everybody! Today I’m going to be sharing with you a WordPress tutorial on how to recover a previous draft of a post. I was mind blown when I figured this out. Before I show you, let me share with you some commentary. I wrote this, back when I thought I had lost the premiere of After Camp. Little disclaimer, sometimes I’m pretty weird, this is an example of that 😉 Also, it may be a bit confusing, I had just typed it in one sitting  and I haven’t changed it since then (except to fix grammatical errors) Without more rambling to interrupt, start reading:

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Hi. I know I was supposed to post over the weekend but I was busy. This isn’t an apology post though, well it sort of is. This is just me. Talking. So I was really busy doing a lot of super fun stuff. I had an awesome swim meet yesterday (we won!) and I went to a trampoline park with some friends Saturday! I was planning on sitting down and writing out part two of After Camp tonight (Monday) and having it posted by tomorrow and that’s when things got ugly. I was already a little angry at myself for not keeping to my time commitment to blogging, but I  thought “I’m not that far behind I can still catch up.”

As some of you may know there is a WordPress app. I use it a lot to reply to comments and read other people’s posts but I don’t write posts on it a lot. So over the weekend I was at a friend’s house and they were watching a movie that I didn’t want to watch so I thought, “Hey! Perfect time to blog on my iPod.” So I went to the draft I had started a few days before and started writing.

Today when I read through it and I saw that it said people had commented on it and for a second I was worried that I had accidentally posted it. I took a closer look only to realize that the comments where the ones from the premiere of After Camp. When I was scrolling I realized that the premiere of  After Camp didn’t pop up any where, my blog home, reader, or on any device. I looked through my trash folder and it looks as though it has vanished. I don’t know how or when, this was about twenty minuets ago.(This was actually January 11th) None of my real life blogger friends answered my calls and I talked to some of my friends but they don’t really understand. So then I sat down and wrote this whole post. Straight. If you’ve read the whole thing congrats! This probably isn’t what anyone really wants to read, I don’t know if I’ll even post this. I probably will. So I just want to say thank you to all of you. You probably don’t know this, but in life I get pretty stressed and though I love blogging it also stresses me out. So yup that’s basically this post. Does any one know how to fix this?

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If I had known this feature on WordPress, well I probably wouldn’t have been so stressed 😉 So, if you ever have this problem. You can look at this post for help on how to fix it. Let’s get started.

how to

So first, go to WordPress admin and click on posts (the little tack thingy) click into the post you want to work on.

how to (2)

Scroll down to the bottom where it says revisions click on it so that all the copies pop up. Click in blue the one you want (this may require trial and error if you are not exactly sure which one you need)

revisions

Click the blue button to restore that revision. You can scroll through to read the post. There is no way to see the pictures unless you restore it, but you can restore different copies as many times as you want.

 

Have you ever had this problem? If so, let me know how you fixed it. That’s it for this post. I hope you found it helpful. If you like this type of posts or would like to see more, comment below. Did that sound like a robot? I don’t know, it sort of did to me! How should I end this post? Have a wonderful day!

spring-desktop_wallpapers

These secret messages are so much fun, but I never know what to put in them 😉

Happy Thursday 😀

Posted in DIYs

My Favorite ATCs

Hi everyone! Today I’m showing you some of my favorite ATCs! If you don’t know what an ATC is check it out here. I know you were probably expecting Part 3 of After Camp, but I didn’t feel like working on it (I couldn’t think of any other good excuses:) DON’T WORRY, it will be up soon. With that being said let me show you my ATCs!

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Here are the first ever ATCs I’ve made. They were made in October of 2012.

Wolf in the snow storm, October 12,2012

Blizzard cheetah, October 12,2012

Shop til’ ya drop, October 12,2012

Wrap it up, October 12, 2012

No Bieber! October 12,2012

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These next two I made in Science class. The one on the left is made with milk, dish soap, food coloring, and toothpicks. Find another version of it here(It’s SUPER fun and cool) The right one is made with salt and food coloring.

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The deer ATC was made 3/18/14 it’s called Growing Horns.

The other three were made during this summers ATC challenge (check it out here)

The four seasons, August 14,2015

A Butterfly, August 2015

Fresh Fruit and Veggies, August 5, 2015 (This is the ATC I’m the most proud of!)

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I made these last five ATCs recently after receiving my prize from Hayley’s  giveaway!

Grateful Moments, December 21, 2015

Untitled, December 22, 2015 (It’s the blue one)

Classic, December 22, 2015

Travel, December 21, 2015 ( The quote says, “And that’s when I realized adventures are the best way we learn.” -Unknown)

Roses, December 21, 2015 (I feel like I should add more but I don’t know what)

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Those are all the ATCs I’m showing you today. I hope you liked it. Do you make ATCs? If so what are some of your favorites? See you soon.

Winter-snow-flakes-winter

Posted in Christmas Posts, DIYs

A Christmas Recipe

I’m sitting at the computer typing while listening to Come On Christmas, by Matthew West (Thanks Sunny!)  If your bored and want something to do this Christmas Break, you should make this Chocolate Bark it’s so good. If you were wondering this is day 10 of Megan’s blogging challenge.

A Christmas Challenge

This recipe is from Familyfun.com (I couldn’t find the link to this website)

Festive chocolate Bark, we have been making it for as long as I can remember. My family has adapted it a bit so here it is for you. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

  • 1 Cup of shelled pistachios
  • 12 oz. of semisweet chocolate
  • 8 oz. of white chocolate
  • 3/4 cup of dried, sweetened cranberries (or unsweetened if your brave)
  • Sea salt or Normal Salt (optional)

Step 1

If not, preheat the oven to 350 degrees and lightly toast for about 10 minuets, flipping occasionally. Let them cool.

Step 2

Melt the semisweet chocolate stirring until smooth. Do the same with the white chocolate (Tip: If you are using the stove top use a double broiler to melt the chocolate. If you use the microwave be extremely careful not to burn them or yourself!)

Step 3

In a small bowl combine the nuts and cranberries. Then stir half of them into the semisweet chocolate. Using a spatula, spread the mixture to about a 1/2 thickness on a large cookie sheet. Drop tablespoonfuls over the semisweet chocolate. With a toothpick or tip of the knife, swirl the chocolates together to create a marbled effect. Sprinkle on the rest of the nuts and berries.

Step 4

Refrigerate the bark for 1 hour or until firm. Then sprinkle salt on top, then break it into pieces. Store the bark in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to a month.

Makes:

About 1 3/4 pounds

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What did you think of the recipe? Was I clear enough? If you have any questions about it comment and tell me. Happy early Christmas!

Merry Christmas, From Americangirlguide

Days Until Christmas: 4! Are you excited?!

Posted in Christmas Posts, DIYs

Chistmas Ornaments

Hi! Today I’m going to be showing you a Christmas gift I made.

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This is an ornament I made! My mom found these right after Christmas last year and bought them for me. Each packet was only a few dollars and contained supplies to make 1 ornament. I made a bunch for my friends and they were pretty easy and very cute!

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I couldn’t find any similar ones online (My mom said they were an old design when she got them) Sorry! Have you made any DIY Christmas presents? Comment below!

A Christmas Challenge

This is day two of Megan’s Christmas Blogging challenge! Check it out here. That is it for today! See you soon.

Merry Christmas, From Americangirlguide

Days Until Christmas: 17

Posted in About, DIYs, Hairstyles, Photo shoots, photo story

Welcome December!

Hey everyone! If you’ve been around my blog for a while you may remember this segment last Christmas season! The girls like to do a count down to Christmas and want to share it with you. The new tag for this year’s is C2C2015. So boring. Sorry! Doll take over. I know it isn’t awesome but my mind is blank(Comment suggestions) The girls are getting really mad at me for rambling so I’ll give it over to them. I hope you like the post:)

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Nikki’s POV

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Being the newest member of the family I was asked to start out this post. We [the dolls] will be showing you how we decorate for Christmas and giving you a run through of the posting schedule. So let’s start!!

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Here is our tree. It’s silver and we decorated it with candy canes and green balls.

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We like to add a tree skirt, and a decorative angel on top!

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My sisters let me do the topper since I never have.

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We also hung our stockings and changed the bed covers.

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Here is the finished room. Well since I’ve been blabbing away, Jessica is going to take over and tell you about our posting schedule.

Jessica’s POV

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Hello my people’s! Ehhh, that failed…. I’ve been trying to come up with new introductions…. I have some work to do. Anyway, here is our posting schedule for this month! Sometimes life gets a little hectic, but we’ll try to stick to the schedule as much as possible:)

December 7th – December 13 The Girl’s Christmas Wish list

December 14th – December 20th Two secret Surprise posts

December 21st – December 23rd What the girls are wearing for Christmas + Who won the series!

December 25th Merry Christmas!

January 1st Premiere of series

We will also be participating in Megan’s 12 Days Of Christmas Blogging Challenge!

A Christmas Challenge

You should totally participate(it looks awesome!) We don’t really have a schedule for that… As you can see there are a lot of posts and hopefully I will get them all in!

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     Can’t wait to see you soon! I love our traditions of setting up the tree! What are your traditions, if you celebrate Christmas? What do you think of our Christmasy sign off?

Merry Christmas, From Americangirlguide

Days until Christmas: 24

Posted in DIYs

Stamhp award

HI. Thank you Morgan for nominating me! I really appreciate it. Let’s get started.

1. What do you have planned for your summer?

I am going to NY and the AGPNY and I’m really busy with just random stuff:)

2. What’s your favorite hairstyle to do on your dolls?
 I love to do all differnet kinds of fishtails.
3. Which American Girl doll looks most like you?
Truly You #59 I own her and she is named BethanySAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES
4. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Umm… Paris or New Hampshire, totally different places:)
I nominate:
 My questions are:
  1. Which historical Caroline or Kit?
  2. Which GOTY do you like the best?
  3. What are your plans for the summer?
  4. Do you have pets?

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Thank you for reading! BTW, I am going camping for memorial day so I won’t be able to post. Bye!

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Posted in DIYs

C2C- Week 3

Hello everyone! Bethany here. Today I’m going to show you some DIY Christmas gifts you can make! These are easy and you should have the supplies at home.Enjoy!

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Your supplies:

-Christmas like cardstock or paper

-stickers and other decorations

-marker, pens,pencils

– ruler and scissors

The supplies you need:

-Christmas like cardstock or paper

-scissors and glue

– Ruler and hole punch

– Ribbon and stickers

-Pencil and other decorations(optional)

I got this idea from Funwithanagfan and click the link for her post on this. I have made about a billion of these for my sisters. It is a doll gift bag to put stuff in.

Stocking stuffers: Mom ALWAYS needs help finding stocking stuffers and so I made a list of some in case you guys have that problem.

supplieas

What you need:

Sweet tooth printable

Tape,scissors, ribbon(optional)

cut

1. Cut out the printable.

oreo

2. Fold and tape.

bow

3. Add a festive bow and sneak it into their stocking!

supplieas

The writer printable

scissors,staple, paper, pen, markers, ribbon(optional)

1. Follow step one from the other DIY and cut out the printable.

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2. Next, take other paper and staple it inside the printable to make a book.

neon

3. Write, Draw or leave blank for your doll to fill!

wrap

4. Add a pencil, Wrap, and hide it in their  stocking!

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I hope you enjoyed this. Sorry it was late. I was sick this week.

Bye!

Bethany