• Subscription Boxes for Girls
    Girl Mom Reviews,  Raising Girls

    7 Subscription Boxes For Girls

    October 16, 2019 / 1 Comment

    I might be a little bit addicted to subscription boxes so my girls come by it naturally. I mean, what is better than receiving a box full of goodies in the mail? Check out these seven subscription boxes for girls. They are some of mine and my girls’ faves!

    1. Girl-A-Tude

    So first of all, I love graphic t-shirts and the Girl-A-Tude subscription box comes with a new girl-power t-shirt each month. It also comes with a peer-to-peer note that is personalized for your daughter + other small gifts that go with the monthly theme.

    Some of the goodies that have landed in the Girl-A-Tude box are a sling bag, personalized koozie, personalized 100 piece puzzle, giant blow up pool noodle, sequin mermaid key chain + sunglasses.

    2. Two Pink Balloons

    Two Pink Balloons is a subscription box full of handcrafted busy bags + educational activities that provide parents with a toolkit of activities to grab for on the go to help reduce the dependency on screen time, but also provide wonderful small moments of connection between parents + children.

    I have to say that my girls LOVE felt + felt boards so this subscription box is right up their alley.

    3. Confident-Crate

    Confidence is something a lot of young girls (+ girls in general) deal with. Confident-Crate helps boost confidence in girls with its monthly subscription boxes. It is for girls age 5-12 + comes with three full-size bath + body products + three additional items to help raise confident girls.

    Some of the items included in past boxes are sugar scrubs, lip balms, bath bombs, pop culture pins, patches + socks.

    4. Mom + Me

    I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Mom + Me box. It is made for mothers + daughters to share together. Each box comes with 9-12 full-size items such as spa items, matching items, fun accessories or activities for mothers + daughters to do together like a journal with prompts to fill out.

    I am always looking for mother-daughter date ideas to share with my girls but sometimes I have a hard time coming up with new ideas. The Mom + Me box solves this problem.

    5. Dream Girl Box

    The Dream Girl Box is the ultimate girl empowerment subscription box for girls. It’s a quarterly box with its own theme of girl power. The themes focus on goal setting, life skills + social media for girls + parents of girls.

    The Follow Your Heart theme box included a goal setting activity, journal, “Follow Your Heart” clutch, pencil case, planner stickers + a beaded bracelet.

    6. Em and Liz

    Em and Liz is another great monthly subscription box for girls. Each month has a theme + includes items such as age-appropriate beauty products, accessories, jewelry + more based on the theme. Each box also includes two sheets of theme-based stationary to encourage creative expression.

    7. Smarty Skirts

    If your daughter is a history buff or you want her to be then the Smarty Skirts subscription box for girls is perfect! Each box features a famous woman in history. All of the items + activities are based on this sensational woman.

    Boxes include stories, games, pictures, puzzles + activates to encourage hands on learning for everything from sports to science dedicated to a different woman in history.

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  • Girl Mom Reviews

    Angel Food Cake Recipe

    October 14, 2019 / No Comments

    Broiled Angel Food Cake with Maple Whipped Cream

    Once you’ve tried broiled angel food cake, there is a good chance you’re never going to want it any other way. With a crisp, golden brown crust reminiscent of toasted marshmallows + that tender melt-in-your-mouth interior you’ve come to expect from angel food cake, this is sure to become one of your favorite go-to dessert recipes for fast + delicious results.

    This recipe can be made with your favorite homemade angel food cake recipe or with the store-bought variety. However, if you buy a pre-made cake, look for one that is not packaged inside a disposable baking pan. The exterior of cakes sold like this tend to be very sticky, which makes them more difficult to slice. Look for one that is packaged with just plastic wrap around it for protection, instead.

    Ingredients:

    • 1 pint heavy whipped cream
    • 1-2 T. real maple syrup
    • 1 angel food cake, homemade or purchased
    • 5 T. unsalted butter, melted
    • 1 pint fresh strawberries, washed, hulled + cut into chunks or slices
    • ½ pint fresh blueberries, washed

    Directions

    In a large glass bowl, blend 1 pint of heavy whipping cream with a hand or immersion blender until it doubles in size + changes texture. Then, drizzle maple syrup into the bowl + continue blending until the mixture is light + fluffy. Set aside.

    Place your oven’s top rack on the highest setting + turn the broiler on high. 

    Due to its round shape, angel food cake is normally cut into a series of wedges. However, the pieces are not going to brown evenly under the broiler if cut like this.

    Instead, carefully slice the angel food cake with a sharp knife into equally thick sections by making a series of parallel 2” wide cuts, starting on one side of the cake + working toward the opposite side. Trim the pieces so they are all approximately the same size. The result should be uniformly sized pieces that will brown evenly.

    Place the angel food cake slices on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper + brush the top with melted butter. Turn over each piece + repeat on the other side.

    Place baking sheet under the broiler until a golden-brown crust starts to form. (You may need to rotate the baking sheet to get uniform results).

    Keep a close eye on the cake during this time because it can burn very quickly. Once toasted, remove baking sheet from oven + turn over each piece of angel food cake. Place back under the broiler + toast the remaining side until golden brown.

    To serve, arrange toasted slices on individual serving plates + top with maple whipped cream + fresh berries.  

    Angel Food Cake Recipe
    Angel Food Cake Recipe
    Angel Food Cake Recipe
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  • green kids crafts sneak peek
    Girl Mom Reviews

    Green Kid Crafts September Box + Halloween Science Pack Sneak Peek

    September 13, 2019 / No Comments

    My two oldest girls love arts, crafts + science. It seems like an unusual combination until you realize how closely related art + science can actually be! Green Kid Crafts offers fun boxes for kids that mixes arts, crafts, holidays + science into each box.

    They have monthly subscription boxes but they also offer specialty boxes that you can buy individually.

    Here is a sneak peek at what the September box + Halloween science box have to offer your kiddos.

    Halloween Science Pack

    This spook-tacular 3-box STEAM education set inspires hours of fun + learning. Save 15% off your total cart with the code SCHOOL15. This code is good until Sept 25, 2019. It includes the Slime Lab box, Chemistry box + Mad Science Box.

    Slime Lab Box

    Chemistry Box

    Mad Science Box

    September Boxes

    Inspire your kids to take care of the planet with art, science + engineering projects.

    Green Kid Crafts is the perfect way to help your child learn while also helping the planet. Green Kid Crafts encourages creativity, literacy + learning through monthly STEAM science + art projects, all made with carbon-neutral, sustainable materials.

    Every box includes up to 6 creative STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts + mathematics) projects designed for kids ages 2-10+. I have a 6-year-old + 4-year-old that love these projects.

    If you order before September 25, you can save 15% off your total cart order when you use the code SCHOOL15 at checkout.

    Boxes are divided by age groups so they receive age-appropriate arts, crafts + science projects.

    These are the sneak peeks at what is inside each of the age group boxes for September. Check them out.

    Junior Reptiles Box (ages 2-4)

    Soaring Into Flight Box (ages 5-10+)

    Don’t forget to use the code SCHOOL15 to save 15% on your entire order during checkout.

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  • Best Baby Wash
    Girl Mom Reviews

    Best Baby Wash + Shampoo

    September 11, 2019 / 1 Comment

    As the mom of three girls, we have gone through a lot of baby wash. We took a couple of classes before we had our first daughter. One of the things the nurse giving one of the classes advised was the best baby wash.

    While we started out using the baby wash the nurse recommended, as time went on, we went rogue + tried out some other baby washes.

    1. Aveeno Baby Wash + Shampoo

    On the recommendation of the trained nurse that taught our “Baby Bundles” class, we started out using Aveeno Baby wash + shampoo. If she was getting a morning bath, we used the regular wash. For before bedtime baths, we used the Aveeno Baby Calming Comfort with lavender + vanilla.

    Since it is hypoallergenic + tear-free, it was perfect for our first daughter. She had super sensitive skin so it helped to keep any sort of reactions at bay + could wash her from head-to-toe without worrying about it irritating her eyes.

    The Calming Comfort version helped to soothe her as part of her bedtime routine. It settled her down enough to read her a book (Yes, even as an infant), feed her, diaper her + then put her down for the night. The major drawback, for me, was the price ta. The Aveeno Baby Wash + Shampoo, lotions, etc., are a bit pricier than some of the other products on the market.

    2. Johnson’s Baby Wash + Shampoo

    After a relative remarked that our babies (we had two by this time) didn’t have that “new baby smell,” we decided to give the traditional Johnson’s Baby Wash + Shampoo a try. It wasn’t just the “smell” factor, either. Our second daughter’s skin was not nearly as sensitive as our first daughter’s was + we were looking at less expensive options.

    Surprisingly (or maybe not), Johnson’s Baby Wash + Shampoo does not have the strong scent that it did when I was a baby. It is very lightly scented, making the smell factor a non-existent factor.

    Johnson’s Baby Wash + Shampoo is a head-to-toe option that promises no tears, too, + is also hypoallergenic. While my second daughter didn’t suffer as bad as my first daughter did with sensitive skin, she still had some sensitivities (+ maybe a touch of eczema) I found it to be just as good as the Aveeno Baby Wash but without the heftier price tag.

    3. Little Journey Baby Wash + Shampoo

    By the time our third daughter made it on the scene, I had discovered Aldi. We did start out using Johnson’s Baby Wash + Shampoo with her but then I switched over to Little Journey’s Baby Wash + Shampoo.

    Little Journey Baby Wash + Shampoo is comparable to Johnson’s Baby Wash + Shampoo with an even less expensive price tag. Little Journey is hypoallergenic, tear-free + a head-to-toe wash.

    What I love, love, love about this baby wash (besides the fact that I can buy it through my Instacart grocery delivery) is the scent. It is not an overbearing scent but the wash + shampoo does have a refreshing scent that is clean + yummy (in a baby kind of way).

    Our youngest just turned 19 months, so this is a baby wash + shampoo that we are still using.

    4. Honest Baby Shampoo + Body Wash

    We LOVE The Honest Co. products. We use their diapers, wipes + diaper rash cream so it seemed like a natural segue to baby shampoo + body wash. Similar to the other products we use it is free of harmful chemical, hypoallergenic + tear-free.

    The Honest Co. Baby Shampoo + was also comes in four scents. Technically, it’s three scents + an unscented option: Sweet Almond, Sweet Orange Vanilla, Lavender.

    Pricing is closer to Aveeno Baby Wash but I can bundle it with my diaper + wipes bundle so I get a discount on any additional products I order — bringing it down somewhere between Johnson’s + Journey Baby Wash pricing.

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  • why I stopped drinking Diet Coke
    Girl Mom Reviews

    Why I Stopped Drinking Diet Coke

    September 6, 2019 / 1 Comment

    I am embarrassed to tell you that before I discovered that nourishing my body with food was important I ate like a teenager with a lifetime supply of ice cream. I washed down the ice cream with Diet Coke. That was the only calcium that would pass through my lips. 

    When I was doubled over in pain + making emergency trips to the bathroom, I ran to various doctors who couldn’t find anything wrong with me. I was young, I was not overweight, but I felt terrible. My stomach was killing me + I had to have a colonoscopy at the age of 25.

    I was frustrated + in pain because even with the colonoscopy, the doctor could not really diagnose what was causing my stomach problems. 

    Something had to change…

    I started by going off Diet Coke COLD TURKEY + Moosetracks ice cream for fruits.

    Those two decisions made me feel better, but the real gift was the hope. If changing my diet just a little could make me feel so much better, what could a total diet overhaul do for me? (Answer: a lot as it turns out.)

    But I didn’t stop with a diet overhaul. After I learned which foods nourished my body, I ditched toxic cleaning products + embraced natural skincare, too.

    Becoming healthier has totally transformed my life. But despite my better health today, I still remember brain fog, low energy + constant emergency trips to the bathroom back in my Diet Coke + ice cream days.

    If you’ve felt the way I used to, I am SO excited to tell you that I think you’ll be able to change your life with the Ultimate Healthy Living Bundle.

    In particular, it includes a ton of resources for getting started with real food, where you should start on your healthy living journey + what you should stay away from.

    With 91 eBooks, eCourses, printables, videos, workbooks + more, you’ll be able to find a ton of resources that apply to your life right now.

    Plus, it’s like your own personal library on all topics like hormone balance, allergy-friendly + nourishing recipes, getting your gut + adrenals healthy, weight loss tips + tricks, growing your own food + so much more, that you can reach for again + again.

    Truthfully, it’s the resource I wish I would have had years ago when I was at my lowest point. It would have made a world of difference. (And at a 98% discount, it’s super affordable for anyone!)

    Check it out here: https://ultimatebundles.com/sale/uhlb2019-main?a_aid=a7102&a_bid=c8ee51b1

    This bundle sale ends September 10th at midnight. It’s a super short sale (hence the discounted price) so don’t miss it: https://ultimatebundles.com/sale/uhlb2019-main?a_aid=a7102&a_bid=c8ee51b1

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  • Lemon-Rosemary Chicken Recipe
    Girl Mom Reviews

    Lemon-Rosemary Chicken Recipe

    September 2, 2019 / No Comments

    This one-skillet recipe is packed with flavor + is oh-so-easy to prepare. The classic pairing of fresh rosemary + lemon is the centerpiece of this dish, while the addition of sautéed shallots adds a subtle depth to the flavors.

    When paired with frozen broccoli, you have the makings of a satisfying, low-carb meal that is soon to become a new family favorite.

    Tip: Organic lemons are recommended for this dish because the skin is not removed prior to cooking.

    Prep time: 10 minutes

    Cook time: 30-35 minutes

    Serves: 4-6

    Ingredients:

    • 3 T. unsalted butter, divided
    • 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
    • Sea salt + black pepper, to taste
    • 2 medium shallots, sliced thin
    • 1 c. chicken stock, preferably organic
    • 1½ T. fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped
    • 1 16-oz. bag frozen broccoli
    • 1 medium organic lemon, sliced + cut into small, thin wedges

    Directions:

    1. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted. Swirl to coat bottom of pan.
    2. Unroll chicken thighs + season each side with salt + black pepper. Add seasoned chicken to hot skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until chicken is golden brown + releases easily from the bottom of the skillet. Remove from heat + transfer chicken to a plate. Cover + keep warm.
    3. Reduce heat to medium + add remaining butter + sliced shallots to skillet. Sauté shallots, stirring occasionally, until soft + golden brown, approximately 4-5 minutes.
    4. Add chicken stock to skillet and increase heat to medium-high. Bring liquid to a boil while using a spatula or wooden spoon to scrape up brown bits from bottom of pan. Add chopped rosemary leaves and continue cooking until liquid is reduced by about half, approximately 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    5. Return chicken + its juices to the skillet, along with the frozen broccoli + thin lemon wedges. Cover reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until broccoli is crisp tender + chicken is cooked through. (Internal temperature should read 165°F on an instant-read thermometer).
    6. Remove from heat + serve immediately with a spoonful of pan sauce drizzled over each chicken thigh. Garnish with additional lemon wedges, if desired. Enjoy!
    XOXO, Kristie
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  • Girl Mom Reviews

    Back to School Guide

    August 21, 2019 / No Comments

    Check out these back to school specials for everyone in the family.

    1. Pick out the picture-perfect outfit for your kiddo’s first day of school!
    2. Save 50% off photo books + home decor.
    3. Students + parents save up to 10%! Work smarter + faster in school with select Surface, PCs + accessories for back to school.
    4. Treat your child to the hottest X-box video games for some after school fun! Save up to 20% on exclusive back to school deals.
    5. Let your little Stormtrooper embrace their imagination with up to 50% off Carter’s.
    6. Keep your kids healthy with Smarty Pants Kids Complete vitamins. Buy one, get one 50% off during The Vitamin Shoppe’s Back to School Sale! (Valid 7/29-8/25).
    7. Check out the latest at Hautelook!
    8. Make mornings stress-free with Alive Gummy Multivitamins for children. Buy one, get one 50% off! (Valid 7/29-8/25).
    9. Embrace the last moments of summer with chic styles starting at $20.
    10. Want to see what’s new? Shop New Arrivals at Planet Blue! 20% off your first order + free shipping.
    11. Make your child feel extra-special this school year with a  personalized backpack with 30+ designs.
    12. Stay in style with  new arrivals at Planet Blue. Get free shipping + 20% off your order, no code required.
    XOXO, Kristie
    Back-to-School Guide
    Back-to-School Guide
    Back-to-School Guide
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  • Herb Pork Chop Recipe
    Girl Mom Reviews

    Herb Pork Chop Recipe

    August 19, 2019 / No Comments

    Grilled Herb-Rubbed, Bone-In Pork Chops

    Grilling pork chops is an entirely different experience than grilling red meat. While steaks can be charred on the outside + a delicious shade of pink or red inside, pork needs to be more uniformly cooked throughout.

    Therefore, use a medium direct heat while grilling pork so the inside cooks evenly with the outside.

    Keep in mind when assembling the ingredients for the herb rub that it is more of a template than a hard-and-fast rule. We aren’t going for dainty precision with this technique, just a uniform infusion of robust herbal flavors.

    • Ingredients:
    • 2 T. kosher salt
    • 6-8 large fresh basil leaves, torn into pieces
    • 2 stems fresh rosemary, leaves stripped from stems + crushed
    • 2 T. fresh thyme leaves, crushed with fingers
    • 3 cloves garlic, smashed, peeled + roughly chopped
    • 1 T. black Hawaiian salt
    • 4 thick-cut bone-in pork chops, approximately 1” thick

    Directions:

    Combine salt, basil, rosemary, thyme, garlic + pepper thoroughly in a small bowl. Rub mixture over all sides of pork chops until thoroughly covered.

    Scrub grill grates with a wire brush prior to starting. Preheat grill to medium before adding pork chops over direct heat. Cook for 7-8 minutes, turn once, but otherwise keep the lid closed as much as possible.  If your chops are thinner or thicker than 1”, adjust cook time accordingly.

    Remove chops from heat, cover and let rest for 3 – 5 minutes before serving. Serve with a grilled summer vegetable medley and top with a pat of compound butter seasoned with the same herbs used in the rub.

    Herb Pork Chop Recipe
    XOXO, Kristie
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  • Girl Mom Reviews

    White Bean Dip Recipe

    August 5, 2019 / 2 Comments

    White Bean Dip with Seasoned Pita Chips

    This delicious white bean dip is a great addition to any party menu. It is quick + easy to make + your guests are sure to love the subtle balance of flavors packed into each bite. It is perfect with mildly seasoned pita chips or vegetable crudités.

    Tip: A little bit of fresh sage goes a long way. If you aren’t sure how much to use, start with a small amount. Then taste + add more, if desired.

    Although you can use the same extra virgin olive oil for the entire recipe, adding a drizzle of a higher quality variety right before serving adds an extra “pop” of flavor.

    Yield: 6 servings
    Total Prep Time:     15 minutes

    Ingredients:

    Seasoned Pita Chips:

    6 pitas
    3 T. extra virgin olive oil
    Salt and black pepper, to taste

    White Bean Dip:

    1 15-oz. can cannellini beans, drained + rinsed

    3 cloves fresh garlic, peeled
    2 T. fresh lemon juice
    2 – 3 large fresh sage leaves
    1/3 c. extra virgin olive oil

    Salt + black pepper, to taste
    1 T. high-quality extra virgin olive oil

    Dash cayenne pepper


    Directions:

    Preheat oven to 375°F.

    Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut each pita into 8 equal-sized wedges. Lightly brush pita wedges with olive oil on both sides + place on lined baking sheet.

    Season pita with salt + pepper before placing in oven. Bake for 5-6 minutes before turning each wedge. Return to oven + continue baking for another 5 or 6 minutes, or until pita wedges are golden brown. Remove from oven + set aside.

    Add cannellini beans, fresh garlic, lemon juice, sage leaves, and olive oil to the bowl of a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.

    Pour bean mixture into a serving bowl and season with salt and pepper to taste. Right before serving, add a dash of cayenne pepper + a drizzle of some high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Serve with seasoned pita chips or vegetable crudités.

    XOXO, Kristie
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  • Resources + Recommendations for Mommin' + Bloggin'
    Girl Mom Reviews,  Mom Blogger Resources,  Raising Girls

    Resources + Recommendations for Mommin’ + Bloggin’

    July 26, 2019 / No Comments

    I started bloggin’ waaaaaayyyyy back in 2001 (not full-time until 2008). I started mommin’ in 2013 when my first daughter was born.

    Over the years, some things have stayed the same + other things have completely changed.

    I’ve tried a lot of resources, courses + apps for bloggin’ + mommin’. I’ve compiled a pretty comprehensive list of these resources that I recommend for bloggers + moms to use.

    Check ’em out. You can find everything you need from things to pamper yourself as a mom to Pinterest courses to take you blog to the next level. 

    Mommy Swag

    Mommy Mailbox: I might have a small obsession with subscription boxes. I think it has something to do with the fact that this box shows up at my door full of surprises. I have them for my kids + I found one just for me! Mommy Mailbox is a subscription box just for moms. It comes with 5-6 surprise products each month that retail for $55-$85. Subscriptions start as low as $33.95. I love Mommy Mailbox + you will too!

    Stitch Fix: I don’t have the time or energy to shop for + try on clothes for me but I do like to look nice when I go on a date with my husband, play bunco with the ladies or go to book club with my mom book club. Stitch Fix sends me a box full of clothes + accessories. I try it on, pick what I want to keep + send back the rest. I usually buy the ENTIRE box, which might show how much I love Stitch Fix + so will you! (HINT: They have men + kids’ boxes too!). You can also save $25 on your first box!

    Stella & Dot: I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to accessorize. Seriously, a necklace, bracelet, ring or pair of earrings can really make an outfit pop. Stella & Dot allows me to accessorize without making me cringe at the price tag. Most of the pieces are classic but stylish so they are pieces that can I use for years to come. Get your accessories, Mama!

    Activities + Gifts for Kids

    Little Passports: This subscription box is great for kids from toddlers to about age 12. Little Passports is a monthly subscription box that kiddos get super excited about receiving monthly. There are different versions (travel, science, US edition, etc.) you can choose from. Beyond the fun activities inside the box, I love that you can order by age so that the activities are age appropriate. Give the gift of adventure your kids with Little Passports.

    Green Kid Crafts: Green Kid Crafts is another kids’ subscription box that has activities + crafts that focus on being creative but in ways that are friendly to the environment. They also focus on STEAM so it can help your kiddos academically while they are having a great time. If you’re looking for fun + creative ways for your kids to learn, check out Green Kid Crafts.

    Meal Prep + Planning

    My FreezEasy Meals: I am a huge fan of saving time in the kitchen, saving money + saving my sanity when dinner time rolls around. Freezer meals do it for me. I can spend some time prepping meals, freeze them + pull them out when I need to feed my family (They insist on eating EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.) Starting May 1, you can join 100 Days of Summer Freezer Meals so you can spend more time in the sun + less time in the kitchen during the summer!

    Healthy Meal Planning Bundle: I try to cook at home rather than eat out so I am always on the hunt for meal plans + recipes that are healthy, yummy + that my girls will actually eat [insert eye roll here]. Did I mention that I want those recipes + meals to be quick + easy? Yup, that’s why I love the Healthy Meal Planning Bundle. It has everything I need in one place. You can even instantly download a free sample. Check it out for yo’self now.

    Instacart: Shopping for my weekly groceries with Instacart — life changing! Dragging 1-3 kids through a grocery store (or really any store) is not my idea of a good time. I can shop from my phone. I can shop from different stores + it all gets brought to me at the same time. I am an express member so the service fees + delivery fees are waived. I suggest giving Instacart a try. You can save $10 on your trial!

    Mom Blog

    Stupid Simple SEO: Most SEO experts tell you to brainstorm the keywords you think your audience is searching for + then find out how competitive these keywords are. Blah, blah, blah.

    Mike comes at it from a different (+ mind-blowing) angle. He has a 5-day email course that is free + a paid course — Stupid Simple SEO that is ah-mazing. It’s only up a few times a year but it is open now until Friday, May 17 @midnight PST.

    The Blog Plan: Suzi from Start a Mom Blog offers a 12-month planner for your blog FREE. I printed three sets (one for each of my blogs). You can instantly download it + start planning right away + it does not cost you a dime. BONUS: It’s pretty. There’s that whole saying if you fail to plan you plan to fail. Yes, that applies here so download the FREE blog planner NOW.

    Start a Mom Blog Ebook: If you’re not ready to spend money on Suzi’s Blog By Number Course then you can invest in her book for less money. It’s a scaled back version of the course but is still full with information on how to start + run your blog. Check out the ebook now.

    Start a Mom Blog Course: I took this course, Blog By Number, with Suzi from Start a Mom Blog. Not only is Suzi an amazing source of information but she is nice (+ lives in FL, which is where I’m from so there’s that). Her course walks you step-by-by through the process of setting up your blog, writing blog posts, promoting the posts, etc. It’s super comprehensive + she sells it at an affordable price. I refer back to the course often! I highly recommend you check it out. BONUS: If you register for the course with my link, send me the receipt + I’ll email you a FREE copy of my Mommy Business Blogging eBook ($27 value).

    75 Productivity Tips eBook: I started working at home waaaaayyy before I had kids. Somehow after the kids came, though, I seemed to lose my sense of time management + productivity. Then I found this FREE ebook of 75 Productivity Tips. Whether you are a working mom, WAHM, or a mom, these 75 tips can help you be more productive on the daily! Download the free 75 productivity tips now.

    SiteGround: I had my domain name, hosting + email accounts with BlueHost. After a MAJOR problem with them, I searched for + found SiteGround. I find them to be affordable + to offer all the services I need to run my business online. WordPress hosting is not a problem + they offer good customer service when (+ if ) you need it. I highly recommend checking them out if you are starting a website or blog or looking to move from your existing host. 
    BONUS: If you buy a hosting plan with my link, send me the receipt + I’ll email you a FREE copy of my Mommy Business Blogging eBook ($27 value).

    NameCheap: If you need to buy your domain name, I suggest NameCheap. I buy all of my domain names from NameCheap. As their name suggests, the domain names tend to be less expensive than other places + I tend to keep my hosting + domain names at separate companies.

    Grammarly: Sometimes you need a second set of eyes on the copy and content you write. Grammarly offers proofreading tools to help you catch misspellings + grammar mistakes. Grammarly also helps you to become a better writer overall by making suggestions on how to structure your sentences + paragraphs so it is easier for your visitors to read + easier for your readers to make a connection with you + your business.

    Pinterest Ninja: I’ve had a tremendous amount of success using Pinterest for my blog. In fact, it’s the #1 source of traffic to my blog. I decided I need to really focus on Pinterest so I bought + read through Pinterest Ninja. I’ve been working back through it to implement the strategies. Since using the strategies I had TWO pins go viral within HOURS of pinning them!

    Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing: I have dabbled in affiliate marketing over the years, but then I decided to get serious about it. I heard a lot about Michelle’s course Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing. I researched it online. I talked with other bloggers that had taken the course + then I invested in it. I devoured the entire course in one sitting in one night while I was reading in bed. I went back later module by module to implement the strategies, tools + advice that Michelle gives in the course. Check out Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing + save big now. BONUS: If you register for the course with my link, send me the receipt + I’ll email you a FREE copy of my Mommy Business Blogging eBook ($27 value).

    Email List Building

    Milotree: Milotree offers a pop-up that allows you to grow your social media followers on networks such as Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube + Facebook. As a BONUS, it also allows you to grow your email list so it is a pop-service that combines growing your following via email + on all your social media networks.

    Sumo: I’ve been using Sumo as part of my list building for quite some time now. Some big names that you probably recognize use it, too (AirBNB, theChive, Tony Robbins, Tim Ferriss). Sumo is a suite of tools that help automate your business’s growth. What I love about this tool is it is something that is used by some of the biggest sites on the Internet but is also easy to use + accessible for people like me and you.

    Mailerlite: I use + highly recommend Mailerlite. It’s a free (or low-cost option) + easy service that allows you to manage your email list AND build + send e-newsletters + email blasts that look like a pro did it. Save $20 if you go with a paid plan.

    Building a Blog/Website

    BlueChic: This is one of my fave places to buy feminine website templates. BluChic offers WordPress templates that are perfect for any business + this includes a wedding business. I also find their templates to be super affordable, easy to install + simple to personalize + customize to fit your mommy blog or business. BluChic also offers other types of templates so check them out to help you create your online brand + presence. BONUS: If you buy a template with my link, send me the receipt + I’ll email you a FREE copy of my Mommy Business Blogging eBook ($27 value).

    A Prettier Web: If you’re building a WordPress website for your mommy blog or business or you’re looking to change the theme, but can’t afford to hire a designer to customize it quite yet, check out the WordPress themes from A Prettier Web. BONUS: If you buy a template with my link, send me the receipt + I’ll email you a FREE copy of my Mommy Business Blogging eBook ($27 value).

    Restored 316: Restored 316 offers a variety of feminine WordPress themes, which is perfect for mommy bloggers or businesses. All of the themes are pretty affordable. If you’re looking for a custom design, Restored 316 offers custom site-building too. 
    BONUS: If you buy a template with my link, send me the receipt + I’ll email you a FREE copy of my Mommy Business Blogging eBook ($27 value).

    WPBeaverBuilder: If you have a WordPress site or are starting to build a WordPress site then WPBeaverBuilder is a great tool for taking complete control of your website pages + design. It has WordPress page templates but you can also EASILY modify the page design so your site looks + works EXACTLY how you want it to! BONUS: If you invest in Beaver Builder with my link, send me the receipt + I’ll email you a FREE copy of my Mommy Business Blogging eBook ($27 value).

    Social Media

    Tailwind: Tailwind is a scheduler for your Pinterest pins. In fact, it is the ONLY scheduler for Pinterest. Pinterest + Tailwind are good buddies. I use Tailwind + I LOVE it. If you use my link, you get your first month of Tailwind for FREE + SAVE $15. If you’re not using Pinterest, start using it now. Pinterest is the second largest search engine (second only to Google).

    Milotree: Milotree offers a pop-up that allows you to grow your social media followers on networks such as Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube + Facebook. As a BONUS, it also allows you to grow your email list so it is a pop-service that combines growing your following via email + on all your social media networks.

    Recurpost: I am in L-O-V-E with Recurpost. It is a social media management tool like no other. Not only can you schedule your social media updates, but it puts your social media updates on autopilot (autopilot on steroids). You see, Recurpost stores your content in categories. You can create a schedule of your categories. Recurpost chooses content from your content library to share from the appropriate category (So you upload content one time and Recurpost uses it over and over again). You can also schedule updates for one-time use. Recurpost is my crush. You can open a FREE account or use a paid plan.

    Buffer: Buffer is a social media scheduling tool. You can add your social media accounts, create an update one time, and send it out into the social media universe. The main difference between Buffer and Hootsuite is that Buffer does not allow you to monitor other people’s updates from your social media accounts (Hootsuite does). (HINT: If you’re solely looking for a tool to push updates out, then I like Buffer better.) Try Buffer FREE for 14 days.

    Loomly: Loomly is a social media scheduler that helps you put your posting on autopilot. It also provides advanced analytics so you can measure how your posts are performing. You can try Loomly for 15 days FREE, no credit card, no obligation.

    Instagram: Alex Tooby is THE Instagram expert. She offers two courses to help you take your Instagram from ho-hum to wow. Her courses are Infamous to Influentialand Hashtag Hero. Check one or both out if you are looking to up your Instagram game.

    Stock Photos

    SC Stockshop: Mamas are always oooooo-ing and ahhhhhh-ing over my photos that I use for my blog posts, social media updates + Pinterest. SC Stockshop is one of the stock photo shops I use. If you want to pretty up your website, blog, or Instagram feed, check them out. Get 20 FREE styled stock images instantly.

    Oh Tilly: Gorgeous stock photos are so hard to find! I refuse to pay for photos, but want them to look great as part of my blog posts or my teaser banners, or whatever! Oh Tilly is a great resource, with fab photos, and it’s free. Register on the site + she delivers FREE + FAB stock photos to you on a pretty regular basis. Sock away those photos + when you need one for something, start looking at the pics you have on hand. Download the ones you need, when you need them. She also has a paid plan. Grab 15 FREE photos today!

    Design Tools

    PicMonkey: I love this monkey! (Maybe I just like monkeys in general because I’m a MailChimp fan too.) I use PicMonkey to create my own “teaser” photos, banners, etc. You can edit a photo online, add text + add other embellishments. Again, you don’t have to be a design genius to figure this stuff out, but it can help you look like a genius when it comes to promoting your business.

    Canva: Canva has some free pro layouts for various types of promos. Some are Instagram posts, PDF docs, FB cover photos, Twitter profile backgrounds + more. It offers some free layouts + embellishments + some are paid (I think they are like $1 for each one you use). Awesome way to create professional looking, well…almost anything.

    Kids Party Supplies

    Minted: I love minted birth announcements, stationery, kids’ birthday invitations + other invitation options. Minted offers one-of-a-kind type designs by independent artists. As a freelance writer + blogger, I love to be able to support other freelancers. Check out these designs by independent designers today.

    Kids Clothes

    Kids on 45th: With three girls, we have a need for a lot of clothes. I was shopping consignment sales to pick up (mostly) name brand stuff at bargain prices but how exhausting (+ sometimes annoying–you know with all the other people?)! Then, I found Kids on 45th. They ship the gently used (+sometimes new) clothes we need right to our doorstep for cheap + I don’t have to step foot in a store or a dressing room with all three girls. Try it out + save $10!

    Babies

    Honest Co. Diapers + Wipes Bundle: Diapers with adorable designs that I get to choose show up at my door along with 4 packs of wipes. The diapers + wipes are organic/natural/water-based so are good for my baby + good for the environment. AND I always have diapers + wipes on hand without having to go to the store to get them! Check out Honest Co. diapers + wipes bundle. Start your FREE trial of the subscriptions service.

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