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Blogging Resources

This post contains affiliate links.  I receive commission from purchases you make through these links, at no added cost to you.  I only recommend products I use and truly believe in.  You can read more here.

Starting a blog can be overwhelming so I’ve compiled a list of my favorite blogging resources.  I am suggesting these resources because I either use them and believe in them or know someone who does and trust their judgment.  Some of these recommendations are affiliate links meaning if you click them and end up buying something or subscribing to them I will earn a commission at no added cost to you.

SiteGround

I spent so much time researching different web hosts, a year really.  I knew the choice would be between the top two and I ended up going with SiteGround which is usually ranked 1 or 2 on most hosting lists.  In order to have a successful blog and especially if you plan to monetize it self hosting is a must.  I have been very happy with my site’s speed, load times and uptime.  They have different types of hosting, I use WordPress hosting, and different plans to choose from starting at $3.95 a month.

Web Hosting

restored 316

Recently I re-evaluated my blog theme after deciding to add a Shop page which is currently under construction.  My old theme did not support everything needed for the page so I switched.  I’m now using the Captivating theme from Restored 316 and I love it!  The themes at Restored 316 are beautifully designed and well thought out.  They are feminine yet highly customizable and SEO friendly.  Most themes run around $75.  You will need to purchase the Genesis theme separately in order to use these themes but if you already have Genesis you’re good to go.  There is a ton of support on the website if you run into any problems.  You can watch tutorials for some of the most common questions and even those not so common.  I highly recommend checking out Restored 316 if you’re looking for a blog theme.  And the creator/designer Lauren Gaige is such an inspiration.  You’ll love reading her story and seeing all her beautiful work.

picmonkey

I do all my own photo editing for my blog using Picmonkey. They are a photo editing/graphic making site. Most folks can probably get away with the free version. You’ll be able to use a lot of the powerful tools to create professional-looking graphics, edit pics, or add flair to fun projects. I used to use the free version but upgraded to the basic paid version. There are two different plans to choose from which give you tons of extra options so I think it’s totally worth upgrading. The basic plan runs $7.99/month while the Pro plan runs $12.99/month. The basic plan would suit the average blogger or photo enthusiast fine. Upgrading gives you more access to cool fonts, templates and personalization options plus extra room to save more of your work. You can hop over to their website to check out what they’re all about here.

Creative Market

When I need graphics, fonts or other web creations I always check out Creative Market first! They have a huge selection of themes and templates, too. Prices vary greatly but you can find lots of designs for next to nothing. And if you are a designer you can sign up to become a vendor and sell your products through them. They have so much that they offer and if you create an account you can get freebies every so often.

Creative Fabrica

This is another site that has awesome fonts, graphics and bundles. What’s even better is that on top of finding great things for your website you can also find tons of stuff for other craft projects. Products are offered from creators and are priced really competitively. You can sign up for a free account and receive weekly freebies and incentives.

Have you ever gone to the dermatologist to have a Have you ever gone to the dermatologist to have a full body skin cancer screening?  A few years ago I had a suspicious spot on my hip removed.  Luckily, it was not skin cancer.  My dad had a cancerous mole removed years ago so now I get a screening every year and just had mine today.  Everything looked good which was a huge relief.  But I had had a small nodule/bump thing on my nose that they called something (can't remember) and even though she was not worried about it (I've had it for probably 10 years?) I've been wanting to get it removed.  Well I did today!  I figured I might as well do it now while we're all wearing masks so it'll cover the bandage. Tomorrow i can wear a regular small band-aid so that'll be a lot less obvious. 🤪 Of course they sent the bump off to be biopsied to be sure it was nothing.  Fingers crossed.
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As promised, pics of the back and side-ish. My ha As promised, pics of the back and side-ish.  My hairdresser didn't want to shave the back so she scissor-cut it very close to the head.  Then she wouldn't buzz the ears because of the ear angle, yada yada yada... If I can envision it I can pretty much make it happen.  So I buzzed the back and ears and never had to touch the angle at the ears and I'm happy.  Mission complete>>>on to the next project. 
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#blogger #thecraftymiddlesister #lifestyleblog #crafting #baking #diy #gardening #thrifting #decoratingforless #savingmoney #easyrecipes #favoriteproducts #shorthair #longpixie #pixiehaircut #hairstyles #shorthairgir
So...I did a thing. I got my hair cut last week a So...I did a thing.  I got my hair cut last week and it wasn't quite what I had envisioned so I did what every other normal person would do - I grabbed the scissors and started chopping.  Ok, maybe not what any normal person would do but I consider myself a closet hairdresser.  I mean, I cut both daughters hair, my hubby's hair, my daughter's boyfriend's hair and even my own hair so that means I'm qualified, right?  Well this cut also involved clippers, too. 😯✂️ Actually, I'm much happier with the new results and I'll try to get one of the kids to snap a pic of the back tomorrow.
Have you ever cut your own hair?  Would you try it?
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#blogger #thecraftymiddlesister #lifestyleblog #crafting #baking #diy #gardening #thrifting #decoratingforless #savingmoney #easyrecipes #favoriteproducts
I just started needle felting and these are two of I just started needle felting and these are two of my completed projects.  Needle felting is quite interesting.  As much as I like it I find it kind of nerve-racking, too.  Getting a blob of wool to react to my stabbing and then turn into an actual figure is almost anxiety producing at this point.  Hopefully my insecurities will diminish as I become more experienced with it.  Have you ever tried needle felting? 🐀🐑
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#needlefelting #needlefeltedanimal #woolcrafts #crafting #crafter #craftygirl #craftboss #fabriccrafter #craftpaint #craftblogger #craftingwithpaint #craftingwithfabric #paintingfun #sewncrafts #blogger #diy #diyhomedecor #diydecor #comfortabledesignstyle #cozydesignstyle #comfydecor #countrydesign #countrydecor #farmhousedecor #farmhousestyle
I had a 'sweet' V-Day yesterday. 😁 My hubby kno I had a 'sweet' V-Day yesterday. 😁 My hubby knows I love Lindt chocolates so he nailed it this year.  I also scored some craft supplies to get me started on my newly discovered crafting interest, needle felting. 💕💕
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