ideas

  • Countdown to Cuteness: Getting Ready for Baby #2 (Insider)

    Countdown to Cuteness: Getting Ready for Baby #2 (Insider)

    Hey there! This second pregnancy has been a bit of a rollercoaster, but I’m grateful to be past a tough first trimester. I’m now in my sixth month and super excited about our new addition to the family. I’ll be sharing quite a bit of baby and pregnancy updates, including a special gender reveal. If you’re as eager as I am to find out who will be joining the Buchanan family and how prep is going for their arrival, keep scrolling for more baby cuteness and beautiful surprises!

    The countdown to cuteness continues below.

    DISCLAIMER: Just a heads up! Some of my posts contain affiliate links. If you purchase through one of those links, you won’t have to pay extra, but I’ll receive a small commission. Your purchase helps to support the work I do. Thank you!

    Getting Ready for Baby Cuteness During the Second Trimester

    Similar to my first pregnancy, I’ve been feeling a sudden surge of energy and productivity during this second trimester. It’s been easier to stay healthy and active in the fourth and fifth months by sticking to a balanced diet, getting some exercise, and staying hydrated. Doing this has allowed me to focus on getting ready for the baby in other ways. Some things, like finalizing my birthing plans, arranging maternity leave, and preparing the baby’s older sibling for the new addition require a lot of planning and organization. And setting up the baby’s nursery has been a bit overwhelming, however, it’s an essential part of getting ready for baby #2. Converting my office into a nursery and decluttering the space has been an intense project!

    See Related: My Life Lately: The Sequel

    Getting the Nursery Ready: Painting Baby’s Room

    I’m super excited to share that the nursery is almost 90% decluttered! When I learned I was pregnant, I couldn’t wait to start working on the nursery. After discovering I was having a girl, I picked four adorable paint colors and let my family vote. We all agreed on the color “Lotus Flower” for my little girl’s room. This color was cuteness overload! The only thing I needed to do next was grab the paint and accessories and start painting!

    Baby Girl’s Room is Cute and Almost Ready!

    Painting the nursery was a super fun family project. It was a wonderful bonding experience and a great way to share our growing excitement about welcoming our baby girl into the family and her new room. It took an entire weekend to paint the nursery. You can watch us paint her room and get everything ready for our baby girl in this cute little video I shared on Instagram to announce her gender. Now that the nursery’s painted, I can focus on decorating her room with furniture, bedding, decor, etc. 

    Cute Painting Gender Reveal Ideas

    If you enjoyed reading this post and learning about how my family and I decided to reveal the gender of our baby, you may also find it helpful to explore other paint gender-reveal ideas. Most gender reveals can be grandiose, awe-inspiring, and elaborate. But if you are looking for something simple and cost-effective, below are a few ideas that make even the smallest gender reveal just as magnificent as those over-the-top special occasions. This compiled list of Gender Reveal Ideas (for painting) is creative, unique, and super cute for anyone preparing for their newborn.

    cute gender reveal ideas for painting
    1. Paint Photoshoot – Keep it classic and simple with pink or blue handprints on a white shirt during the family photoshoot
    2. Paint Toss on Canvas – Reveal the gender in a one-of-a-kind way and create a keepsake that can displayed as art in the baby’s nursery
    3. Umbrella Paint Pour – Grab an unmarked paint can and a see-through umbrella for an epic reveal (super fun activity to do with the baby’s siblings)
    4. Super Soakers Filled w/ Paint – Fun for clothes or canvases; fill the Soakers up with pink or blue paint and make a splash
    5. Paint the Nursery – Pick a color of your choice to announce the gender

    The Countdown Continues: Preparing for Childbirth

    As of this latest life and baby update, things continue to be underway in preparation for my sweet little girl. My focus remains on staying calm, relaxed, and enjoying my pregnancy. I am so grateful to be surrounded by a supportive family. The next update will be what life has been like in the third and final trimester as I inch closer to my due date. Make sure you’re following me on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter for more pregnancy annoucements and updates!


  • Trendy 4C Hairstyles for Natural Hair

    Trendy 4C Hairstyles for Natural Hair

    Whether you’re in the beginning stages of transitioning to natural hair or you’ve been natural for some time, you have to admit that styling natural hair is challenging. Learning how to care for your texture is a lot of trial and error. Sometimes natural hairstyles can be a bit of trial and error too. When I stopped getting relaxers and started to transition my relaxed hair to my natural hair, it was hard to find 4c hairstyles I liked. Then, I would meet other Black women with 4C hair, and they would say the same thing (and some still do). 

    It’s been helpful to see influencers and celebrities with 4C hair embrace their texture and coils in the entertainment world. Since the reemergence of the natural hair movement in the early 2000s, women with 4C hair can see more ways to style and manage their hair. In conclusion, this post has eight classic, trendy 4C hairstyles. Each hairstyle is a beautifully versatile protective hairstyle with low-med maintenance. However, you can apply any natural hairstyle on this list to any hair texture. 

    Beauty Tip: If you’re really feeling like taking these 4C hairstyles to the next level, try experimenting with color, braiding hair, or clip-ins (extensions).

    Disclaimer: Heads up! My posts contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a penny more, but I’ll get a small commission, which helps keep the lights on. Thanks!

    Is It Hard to Maintain 4C Hair?

    A common myth about 4C hair is that it is non-manageable because of tight coils and hard to keep moisturized. Although styling 4C hair can be challenging, 4C hair is not hard to maintain. The key to 4c hair is to moisturize. The right moisturizer will protect 4C hair from frizziness, shrinkage, breakage, and sluggish hair growth. 

    Tools For 4C Hair Texture Hairstyles

    Every hairstyle will require tools. Here are some popular hair styling tools used when styling 4C hair:

    8 Simple and Easy 4C Hairstyles

    1. Flat Twists

    The flat twist hairstyle is super trendy and a popular go-to hairstyle for natural hair. To clarify, flat twists consist of two twists done to the scalp. This twist hairstyle is a protective style that eliminates daily maintenance and creates a path to healthier hair. Twists are versatile and worn in just about any method (from twist-outs to updos).

    4C Hair Flat Twist Tutorial

    2. Mohawk, Fauxhawk

    Mohawk hairstyles for natural hair are so much fun! Many naturalistas rely on the mohawk (a*k*a the frohawk) to create trendy updos. This hairstyle gives many opportunities for geometrical parting, adding braiding hair, and accessories. To start, brush the hair upward towards the center of the head or crown. 

    How-to Mohawk on 4C Hair

    3. Halo Braid

    halo braid 4c hairstyle
    Credit: CurlCentric.com

    The halo braid is a cornrow-style braid that wraps around the head. This plaited protective braid is the halo effect and is a beautifully elegant hairstyle worn casually or in glam. The halo braid has been famously seen before on many high-profile celebrities such as Beyonce, Ciara, and Tracee Ellis Ross. 

    How-to Tutorial for Halo Braid on 4C Hair

    4. Twist Out 

    twist out 4c hairstyle
    Source: @curldaze IG

    The twist-out hairstyle is one of my favorites. Next to box braids, the twist-out is a regular go-to protective hairstyle. Twists are a popular protective style that can create uniformity throughout natural hair. A twist-out style is a method of unraveling stranded twists. If you are going to recreate this hairstyle, the key to a successful, beautifully curly twist-out is to lock in moisture.

    The Perfect 4C Twist-Out Tutorial

    5. Afro

    An afro hairstyle is perfect for showing off coils and hair texture. The afro first gained its popularity during the Black Panther movement. This hairstyle gets rocked from puffs to curls and tapered designs. Many high-profile celebrities have sported the afro hairstyle in glam and everyday casual aesthetics (Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Marsai Martin, Solange, Lupita Nyong’o, Ebonee Davis).

    The Perfect Afro Tutorial for 4C Natural Hair

    6. Space Buns

    Although I am not too fond of their name, the space buns are fun, festival beauty trendy, and sassy! The space buns hairstyle is two high buns on both sides of the head. Easy and simple. Space Buns on natural 4C hair showcases coils and curls like no other hairstyle that made this list.

    Space Buns on 4C Natural Hair

    7. High Bun

    high bun 4c tutorial
    Credit: @jascmeen IG

    If you are looking for something similar to the Space Buns hairstyle, you will want to try the High Bun. This classic hairstyle is a part of the “Everyday Essentials” starter pack. The High Bun is the hair sleeked together in a bun that sits at the top of the head. This hairstyle is a beauty favorite for convenience and low maintenance.

    High Bun 4C Natural Hair Tutorial

    Half Up/ Half Down

    The half up half-down hairstyle on curly, natural hair is another idea for an everyday casual look. To create this hairstyle, first, gather the top half of the hair into a high bun. Next, leave the back half down. If you want a lot of volume with this hairstyle, clip-ins would really take it to the next level.

    Articles Related to Trendy 4C Hairstyles for Natural Hair

    Want More 4C Hairstyles?

    Subscribe to the product guide newsletter, The LEWK Digest, to get the products mentioned in this post, or learn more about how these products can help promote healthy hair growth and protect 4C hair. The LEWK Digest has reviews from women who have tried out these products and seen results! 


  • 7 Makeup Tips and Hacks No Girl Should Live Without

    7 Makeup Tips and Hacks No Girl Should Live Without

    Flawless makeup is the ultimate beauty goal. 

    It’s easy to unlock this achievement with the help of makeup artists (MUAs) and beauty experts. However, the makeup application process at home is much different. For this reason, it is absolutely impossible to have too many makeup tricks. You should always learn new makeup tips and hacks to enhance the application process. Like, why struggle with lashes or eyebrows when there are so many makeup tips and hacks to make the process easier? 

    I am not a makeup artist. I am someone who loves and wears makeup often and can share what she knows about makeup. This post contains seven makeup tips and hacks for applying makeup and creating beautiful, flawless makeup at home. Anyone can do these makeup hacks. Keep scrolling to read more about what makeup tips you should not live without. Ever.

    Disclaimer: Heads up! My posts contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a penny more, but I’ll get a small commission, which helps keep the lights on. Thanks!

    Sign up to get product guides to the beauty products mentioned in this post delivered to your inbox. The Lewk Digest is a weekly newsletter for all the products mentioned on It’s The Lewk.

    Makeup Tip # 1: Apply Foundation Before Concealer

    The “foundation before concealer rule is golden and is the principle. Starting with one layer of foundation will help minimize any redness or discolorationThe goal: is to create flawless makeup. Next, follow up with concealer to cover additional redness, spots, and blemishes. 

    foundation makeup

    Dior Backstage Face and Body Foundation Buildable/Medium Coverage

    foundation makeup

    Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Hydrating Longwear Foundation Medium/Full Coverage

    foundation makeup

    Rimmel London Lasting Finish 25HR Hydration Boost Full Coverage Lightweight Foundation

    Makeup Tip #2: Put on lip balm or scrub before applying lipstick

    Pucker up and get ready to exfoliate and moisturize those lips! Matte lipsticks are notorious for not gliding on smooth. Try this genius hack to buff away dry skin before applying lipstick. However, if you’re using lip scrubs, do not over-exfoliate! Lip scrubs are to be applied once a week max (anything more and you’ll risk irritation)

    lip gloss makeup

    Fenty Beauty Universal Lip Luminizer

    lip conditioner makeup

    M.A.C Cosmetics Lip Conditioner

    Makeup Tip #3: Look down to apply false lashes

    Putting on false lashes is a struggle. However, this simple hack can make any lash application less problematic. The mission: after the lash glue has dried, grab a mirror and hold it downwards to look into it. Then, start the lash application process.

    Makeup Tip #4: Use spoolie brushes to tame brows

    Whether or not you plan on filling in those eyebrows, you need to get yourself a spoolie brush a*k*a mascara wand to tidy your brows. Spoolie brushes are great for keeping those tiny brow hairs in place. These brushes are inexpensive and easy to buy in bulk. 

    makeup mascara wands

    Disposable Eyelash Mascara Applicator Wand

    Makeup Tip #5: Applying lip liner gives the illusion of fuller lips

    lip liner makeup

    The ‘fuller lips’ cheat code is activated when applying one of two methods. Method one is filling in your lips with a liner the same shade as your lipstick. Method two is drawing over your natural lip line with lip liner, also known as overlining your lips. Both methods for using lip liner are considered ideal for long-lasting wear and coverage.

    Makeup Tip #6: Use highlighter for eyeshadow

    Highlighter is for accentuating the highest points of your face, and while it is for cheekbones, it is just as useful for the rest of the face (Vogue link). Since the goal is to create flawless makeup, highlighter is what every beauty lover needs in their makeup collection. Apply the highlighter in the inner corner of the eye and brow bone to lift the eyes. Then, have a little fun with other parts of your face. Try this: add highlighter to the bridge of your nose to make it appear thinner.

    highlighter makeup

    Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter

    highlighter makeup

    M.A.C Cosmetics Soft and Gentle Mineralize Skinfinish

    Makeup Tip #7: Use setting sprays/powders for long-lasting makeup 

    After you finish applying makeup, the last thing you want is for your fresh new face to get messed up before leaving the house. Apply setting spray (or powder if that is your preference) to lock in makeup and avoid smearing. Setting your face with spray or powder prevents caking and creasing. Think of it as if you’ve just finished mixing together all the ingredients for a cake. Now, you’re ready to bake.

    makeup setting powder

    Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Setting Powder

    Enjoying these makeup tips and hacks? Check out these similar posts:


  • 25 Gorgeous Spring Nail Trends for 2022

    25 Gorgeous Spring Nail Trends for 2022

    The season for new beginnings has arrived. Spring is the optimal time for blooming, blossoming, and setting trends. Ladies, get ready to become nail trendsetters this season. Today’s blog post is all about the best nail trends that birthed the most memorable nail art moments of the season so far. If you have been looking for ideas for seasonal nail art inspiration, this post is filled with pretty pastels to lift your spirits. In other words, there is no need to look any further. You will totally spring on one of these gorgeous ideas! 

    Fresh Trends To Start Over With

    Welcome to the fresh, new phase. With spring in the air, it’s time to retire those moody winter nails and replace them with a fresh manicure that’s a bit more cheery and colorful. Let the sunshine in! Whether you’re looking for holiday-specific nail art ideas for Easter or something that captures the general magic of springtime, you’re in the right place. There are a lot of gorgeous new spring nail polish colors to try this season (whether on your own at home or at the salon), and these are 25 ways to wear them.

    Disclaimer: Heads up! My posts contain affiliate links. Above all, if you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a penny more, but I’ll get a small commission, in other words, helps keep the lights on. Thanks!

    Pretty Pastel Spring Nails

    It is no surprise that soft and delicate colors are the cutest and most adorable. These pastel nail designs are here to give you inspiration for your next Spring manicure. 

    1. Pastel Perfect
    pastel nails
    1. Bubble Gum Pink Pastel Tip
    pink nail tips
    1. Neon Shine
    neon nail tips
    1. Pastel Tips
    pastel nail tips
    1. Soft Pastel Marble Tips
    soft pastel abstract nails

    Floral Spring Nails

    What is spring without flowers? Of course, many floral nail trends are soaring high this season. It is all about flower power in 2022. 

    1. Pink Garden Nails
    https://www.instagram.com/p/CQtNZaZsOGD/
    1. Flower Power
    flower power nails
    1. Blooming Daisies
    blooming daisy nails
    1. Lavender Floral Nails
    long lavender nails
    1. Floral Crown Nails
    bedazzled crown nails

    Animal & Nature Spring Nails

    During the spring, the natural world revives and reinvigorates after the cold winter months. The earth animals multiply, and the plants are plentiful. These gorgeous nails are the best examples of spirit animals you will ever see! 

    1. Ocean Blue Nails
    ocean blue stiletto nails
    1. White Croc Nails
    long white nails
    1. Blue Butterflies
    long blue square nails
    1. Fluffy Clouds
    1. Cute Easter Bunny Nails
    purple bunny nails

    Abstract Spring Nails

    Who doesn’t enjoy creative nails? These nail art designs are strictly for abstract art beauty lovers only. From gorgeous marble nails to simple shapes in beautiful colors, abstract nails are a guaranteed way to make any look pop!

    1. Simple Line Nails
    simple abstract nails
    1. Gold Tortoise Nails
    leopard foil nails
    1. Lucky Green Squiggles
    1. Super Bloom Abstract Nails
    1. Blue Marble Nails
    blue marble nails

    Gorgeous and Stunning Spring Nails

    These nails are a breath of fresh, spring air! They were so stunning that we could not leave them off this list of gorgeous nail trends in 2022. Obviously, we think you should keep scrolling to see more beautiful spring nails!

    1. Ice Cream Sundae Nails
    ice cream nails
    1. Tye Dye Nails
    long square tye dye nails
    1. Ombre Nails
    1. Drip Pastel Nails
    drip stiletto nails
    1. Coral Nude Nails

    More Gorgeous 2022 Spring Nail Ideas

    Pinterest has become my go-to for all my seasonal moods, aesthetics, and inspiration for fun and festive beauty ideas. There are so many spring designs for you to see. If you enjoyed the nail trends in this post, check out some of my favorite Pinterest boards for even more spring nail ideas. 


    230 Spring Nail Ideas

    Need More Seasonal Nail Trends?

    You can check out other posts on the blog for nail inspiration for the fall and winter. 


  • 12 Classic Pink and Red Lipsticks for Valentine’s Day

    12 Classic Pink and Red Lipsticks for Valentine’s Day

    Cupid shot me with his bow. I have fallen in love. My love for all things beauty, glamour, and makeup runs deep. I love everything– eyeshadow, foundation, mascara. The truth is I have to say that there’s no beauty product I admire more than gorgeous lipstick. A good lipstick will have you feeling like you’re worth more than just chocolates and roses. A good lipstick can make any outfit pop and appear effortless– especially red or pink lipstick. I have many pink and red lipstick shades that I’ve worn that have ultimately become my favorites and are regulars in my makeup bag year-round (not just on February 14th).

    If you’re looking for ideas for your Valentine’s Day (or night) makeup look, the first thing you should know is you can never go wrong with pink or red lips. They are classic colors of beauty. Just listen to Cupid and wear your heart on your lips and not your sleeves this Valentine’s Day with 12 beautiful pink and red lipsticks for any skin tone.

    Disclaimer: Heads up! My posts contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a penny more, but I’ll get a small commission, which helps keep the lights on. Thanks!

    This guide will cover:

    • shades for any skin tone
    • my favorite red/ pink lipsticks
    • classic red/pink shades
    • ideas to complete your Valentine’s Day makeup look

    Favorite Classic Pink Lipsticks

    Bring out your soft and compassionate side with any shade of pink lipstick. These feminine lipstick colors will definitely have you feeling “pretty in pink” and are perfect for any skin tone.

    M.A.C Candy Yum Yum (Pink)

    Candy Yum Yum gives a full-face attitude! It’s a super bright Barbie pink color that is perfect for any Valentine’s Day look. Although Candy Yum Yum is a matte finish, it doesn’t dry out your lips and will have you and your date wanting to pucker up all night long.

    Fenty Beauty Unlocked Stunna Lip Paint (Pink)

    Honestly, any color from the Stunna Lip Paint collection is a must-have. If you haven’t tried the collection yet, this guide will inspire you to check it out. Several shades from the Stunna Lip Paint collection make this list! Unlocked is a vivid pink that you can wear all day. Your lips are guaranteed to be kissable and smooth.

    Fenty Beauty Uncuffed Stunna Lip Paint (Pink)

    This rosy mauve color is so pretty. Lipsticks from this collection have a soft matte finish– so dry lips are impossible! What makes this pink lipstick a classic is its versatility for every skin tone. It appears pink but can also be a pale, purple-ish color.

    M.A.C Flat Out Fabulous (Pink)

    Flat Out Fabulous is a beautiful, bright magenta lipstick with a matte finish. It is a super fun color if you are in the mood to feel fabulous on Valentine’s Day. This shade of lipstick comes from M.A.C’s Retro Matte collection (along with Ruby Woo— another shade on this list of classic pink/red lipsticks for Valentine’s Day).

    Fenty Beauty Flamingo Acid MatteMoiselle (Pink)

    Flamingo Acid is the exception to the rule. It is a lightweight, ultra-slim lipstick that glides on creamy and stays put. I love Flamingo Acid because it defines my lip curves and gives me fuller lips.

    Fenty Beauty Fu$$y Gloss Bomb (Pink)

    If you are not in the mood for lipstick, you can always go with a shiny gloss on Valentine’s Day. The Fu$$y Gloss Bomb is an ultimate gotta-have-it lip stain. Why? It gives a shine like no other & is super hydrating. Fu$$y is the essential finishing touch to a Glossy Valentine’s Day.

    Favorite Classic Red Lipsticks

    If you are passionate about red, you can never go wrong with this classic Valentine’s Day color. These fiery lipsticks will make anyone fall in love! 

    Revlon ColorStay Satin Ink (Red)

    This all-new lipstick has become a new favorite in my makeup bag. I recently received this product from Influenster to review, and I fell in love with its smooth, creamy texture. The Satin Ink is a matte lipstick with a shine finish and is non-drying. (Price + Link)

    M.A.C Ruby Woo (Red)

    I mean… what hasn’t been said about Ruby Woo that needs to be said? We love the woo! It is such a classic lipstick that continues to stand the test of time. It looks perfect on any lip! The Retro Matte Collection from M.A.C truly has some unforgettable shades.

    Fenty Beauty Uncensored Stunna Lip Paint (Red)

    If you are in the mood for uncensored activities for Valentine’s Day, this lip paint is the perfect addition to the equation. The way the Stunna Lip Paint glides across the lips so smoothly will make this universal red irresistible to you (and anyone else for that matter). 

    Revlon ColorStay Matte Lite Crayon (Red)

    Another new lipstick that just got added to my list of favorites. This crayon is 30% lighter than your average lipstick. I primarily use this as a lip liner, but it does give full coverage.

    Fenty Beauty Griselda MatteMoiselle (Red)

    If you are into deep, bold colors, then Griselda is the girl for you. This lipstick shade is not as bright as most colors on this list, but it is still a gorgeous shade of lipstick. Griselda is a burgundy red with a matte finish. Fenty Beauty and Sephora no longer carry this lipstick, but here’s a dupe I found online for $19.

    M.A.C Sheen Supreme (New Temptation) 

    My first M.A.C lipstick ever. All hail New Temptation! I love everything about this lipstick. The color is a fire red that leaves the lips shiny like a pretty penny. Unfortunately, M.A.C discontinued New Temptation, so if you were interested in this red lipstick– you will not be able to purchase it. However, if you are really interested in trying it, there’s a dupe you can try out.

    There you have it. 12 classic pink and red lipsticks you must check out for Valentine’s Day. These shades are perfect for day or night activities. The desire to wear pink or red has never been louder than on Valentine’s Day.

    Sign-up for my newsletter, #TheLewkDigest, to get free product guides to any of the products I mention on the blog.

    Each product guide has

    • Features and Benefits
    • Honest reviews
    • Prices and Store Locations
    • Promotions, Discount Codes, and Coupons

    Express your love for beauty this Valentine’s Day with any of these classic lipstick shades. They are all tried and true!

    Related: Is The New Celestial Odyssey Holiday Palette Worth Trying?

    What are some of your favorite classic or new lipsticks? Have an idea for a shade that should be on the list? Leave me a comment below.


  • 350 Blog Post Ideas For Bloggers Discovering Their Niche

    350 Blog Post Ideas For Bloggers Discovering Their Niche

    What should I write about on my blog?

    Coming up with ideas for blog topics to write about after starting your niche blog can be rough. If you are a current or newbie blogger or someone thinking of starting a blog but not sure where to start, I have a few ideas to help you get started writing quality posts for your blog that your audience will love. This list of blog post ideas is here to supercharge your creativity!

    The best blog posts are the ones you can write from personal experience. Writing from personal experience can be instructional, informative, and entertaining for your target audience. For example, business owners and entrepreneurs use creative writing to highlight their brands, products, and services. If you are thinking of starting a blog or changing your blog niche, one of the questions to ask yourself is what experiences or daily activities do you enjoy that your readers will also find value in reading?

    So, what are some good blog post ideas for niche bloggers? We will discuss everything you should consider when choosing a niche and share a few blog post ideas for niche blogs today! 

    This guide will cover:

    • what is a niche blog
    • types of niche blogs
    • popular topics amongst niche blogs
    • 350 niche blog post ideas
    • examples of niche bloggers

    Use these blog topic ideas for inspiration in choosing your niche and writing your next (or first) blog post!

    What is a niche blog?

    A niche blog is a blog where writers record activities, thoughts, and experiences to use their writing to market a specific topic or category. Niche blogs may appeal to “geographic areas, a specialty industry, ethnic or age groups, or any particular group of people.” Niche bloggers write content inspired by personal interests, daily activities, hobbies, etc. It is an ongoing debate that every blog is a niche blog in some form. However, when it comes to learning how to market a blog, it is different for every niche blogger. Niche bloggers often use their websites to promote and sell products/services, land sponsorship or affiliate programs, and make money writing about personal interests, daily activities, and hobbies. 

    A niche blog is not a personal blog. Niche bloggers may share personal stories, but the content they create is not always in journal-entry form — the focus here is on the activities and the interests of the writer (with the audience in mind). 

    How to start a niche blog?

    The first step you’ll want to take in starting your blog is research. Research all the different types of niches to get an idea of what you want to be the focus topic of your blog.

    What topic will you be comfortable discussing?

    There are over 100 popular niches for you to make your decision. Choose one that you are passionate about and comfortable with, and start prepping for blog post ideas! Once you start writing and growing your audience and reach, you get even more ideas to maximize your content.

    Social media plays a major role in blogging and increasing your blog’s visibility. If you aren’t using platform tools like Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Pinterest to market your blog, you will need to decide how you plan to promote your niche blog. 

    Example: A Food and Beverage Blogger uses Instagram to post pictures or videos of their foods/drinks and tells their audience to visit their blog for the recipe. 

    Types of Niche Blogs

    Here are 14 popular and profitable blog categories to consider:

    1. Lifestyle
    2. Beauty/ Skincare
    3. Food & Drink
    4. Holidays
    5. Organizing/ Planning
    6. Reviews
    7. Self-Improvement/ Self-Help
    8. DIY, Crafting, and Decorating
    9. Mom/ Parenting
    10. Family
    11. Work-From-Home
    12. Blogging
    13. Life Coach & Motivation
    14. Wellness

    There’s nothing like having a little inspiration to get you started. Check out some of these amazing niche bloggers below. 

    Examples of different types of niche blogs

    Buckle With Jo: Inspiration Blog

    Jody-Ann is an inspirational lifestyle blogger who is passionate about motivating women to live abundantly. She inspires women to conquer new beginnings and create new memories along the way. Jody-Ann and I have collaborated quite a few times in 2021 & her posts continue to inspire women like me to get out of my comfort zone and try new things!

    That Lemonade Life: Lifestyle Blog

    Sarah is a cozy lifestyle blogger who is a big fan of making life as cozy and comfortable as possible! If you love food, home decor, reading, and more coziness in your life, then you’re in the right spot!

    All Day Britney: Mommy Lifestyle Blog

    All Day Britney is a safe space for moms who want to prioritize their self-care journey (no matter what that looks like) in order to show up in the best way for themselves and their families. It’s also where Britney shares her favorite Black-owned businesses that have helped me in my own self-care journey.

    Coffee till Champagne: Women’s Lifestyle Blog

    Coffee till Champagne is all about women! Their vision is to be a no holds barred, judgment-free, “damn, I can’t be the only one”, sanctuary. The conversations on this blog are dedicated to who women are, how they think/feel, and what infuriates them, and sometimes has us saying, “is this my life?”.

    Jodetopia: Family Blog

    On Jodetopia you’ll find travel adventures, children’s books, and advice for new moms. If you are thinking about starting a family lifestyle blog, Jodetopia has a lot of great content for blog post ideas.

    Jupiter & Dann: Food and Family Blog

    This lifestyle blog is all about food and family. Jupiter and Dann often cover things our children are interested in, places we’ve visited, and reviews of interesting products. Check out this blog to get ideas for posting food recipes, reviews, and family fun. There’s even a section on Jupiter and Dann where they share ways to learn all about SEO and how to get your blog to rank on search engines.

    Good Life Detroit: Lifestyle Blog

    GLD is a lifestyle blog created by Jennifer Harma. Good Life Detroit covers topics related to DIY crafts, culture, family life, recipes, things to do in Detroit, and well-being.

    The Lifestyle Blogger UK

    Becky is a UK lifestyle blogger based in the heart of the Cotswolds. She has a passion for health & fitness, veganism, and sustainability. Becky often writes about these topics. She has been featured on Channel 5 News, Express, Metro, and The Daily Mail.

    Plaid + Sugar Blog: DIY & Crafts

    Plaid and Sugar is a DIY, lifestyle, and sewing blog with the purpose to aid readers live a more colorful, creative, and fulfilling life. Learn how to make life colorful and fun while on a budget.

    With 350 blog post ideas to choose from, finding a few content ideas to write right now should make picking a niche easier 😍. These topic ideas are perfect for any niche blog. Check them out below, and be sure to tag #lewknewtopics if you decide to use them. I want to see your writing and share it with other niche bloggers! 

    Blog Post Ideas

    Lifestyle

    1. Top 10 things to do in your city or regional area
    2. Your tips for growing an Instagram account
    3. A round-up of life hacks
    4. 5 favorite accessories in your closet and the best way you use them
    5. Date night ideas
    6. Your workout routine: how you stay fit
    7. How to let go of negative thoughts and feelings
    8. Ways to get better sleep
    9. Home decor tips for fall/winter/spring/summer
    10. Top 10 ways you save money
    11. 10 books to read this year
    12. 7 apps to download for fun
    13. Shows worth watching on Netflix/HBO Max/Hulu/Paramount Plus
    14. Life lessons you learn before your 30’s
    15. Difficult changes you’ve made in your life
    16. Morning routine ideas
    17. Why you decided to start a blog plus your progress
    18. How you found your purpose in life
    19. Habits of successful people
    20. Your favorite hashtags for social media
    21. Share a personal story to motivate readers
    22. 7 things that make you happy all the time
    23. 3 books that you recommend
    24. List of inspirational quotes
    25. Party theme ideas

    Beauty/ Skincare

    1. A review of a new product you purchased (foundation, perfume, lipstick)
    2. Your morning skincare routine
    3. Your evening skincare routine
    4. How to apply skincare products
    5. A round-up of new products for hair/skin/make-up
    6. Best shades of lipstick for fall/winter/summer/spring season
    7. How to pick the perfect foundation
    8. How to make lashes look longer
    9. The best drugstore dupes
    10. Simple make-up swaps to save you money
    11. Hauls (Sephora/Ulta/Fenty Beauty)
    12. The hottest looks to try this spring/summer/fall/winter
    13. 5-min, 10-min, 20-min make-up routine tutorials
    14. The perfect make-up for work/school/date night
    15. How to determine your skin type
    16. What’s in my make-up bag?
    17. My daily skincare routine
    18. Beauty guide for beginners
    19. 5 beauty essentials you can’t live without
    20. How to make face masks
    21. My beauty wishlist for (year)
    22. A round-up of favorite nail art
    23. How to find the right SPF for you
    24. Beauty gift guides
    25. Host a giveaway

    Food & Drink

    1. A round-up of recipes
    2. Try a trending Pinterest/TikTok recipe and share the outcome
    3. How to cook (food) in 5/10/15 minutes
    4. Review a local restaurant, bar, or bakery
    5. Create recipes based on a single ingredient
    6. Share your favorite cookbooks
    7. Why you started/love cooking
    8. How to meal plan
    9. How to organize your kitchen
    10. Your favorite cocktail recipes
    11. The best cocktail recipes
    12. A drink/food pairing guide
    13. Local winery, distillery, or brewery guide
    14. “Wine Wednesday”
    15. Holiday food guides
    16. 10 ideas/recipes for healthy lunches
    17. Share your favorite go-to meal
    18. 5 affordable and tasty celebrity-owned wine brands
    19. 7 best foods to cook under 30 mins
    20. A beginner’s guide to cooking/baking
    21. How to prepare or store foods
    22. 12 must-have cooking essentials
    23. School lunch ideas for kids’ lunchboxes
    24. Healthy snack ideas for kids
    25. Try-it Tuesday recipes

    Holiday

    1. 15 days of craft ideas for the holiday
    2. Christmas gift guides for him
    3. Christmas gift guides for her
    4. Holiday bucket list ideas
    5. 10 best tips for traveling during the holidays
    6. Holiday games for adults
    7. Ultimate (year) review
    8. Mistakes I made in (year)
    9. My new year goals for (year)
    10. Home decor for the holidays
    11. DIY Valentine’s Day gift ideas
    12. Best tips to save money around the holidays
    13. Must-try holiday desserts this season
    14. Thanksgiving table decoration ideas
    15. Holiday series: 10-holiday tradition ideas
    16. Christmas gift guides for small kids
    17. Holiday destination ideas
    18. List of new year affirmations
    19. Best make-up gift ideas
    20. Write a holiday travel guide for a local city
    21. Holiday gift guides for mom under $____
    22. Dollar store decoration ideas
    23. Fourth of July menu list
    24. 5 festive drinks for Cinco de Mayo
    25. Black Friday holiday shopping guide

    Organizing/Planning

    1. How to clean makeup brushes
    2. How to save money while shopping
    3. 8 ways you save money
    4. How do you stay organized?
    5. Share your daily routine
    6. Share your favorite planning apps
    7. 11 ways to manage time/ time-management tips
    8. Best goal-setting planners
    9. Your top productivity tips
    10. Time-saving tips for weekly activities
    11. Best tips for a great start to the day
    12. How to set realistic goals
    13. Habits of successful people
    14. Tips for spring cleaning
    15. Make-up/skincare organization hacks
    16. Best time blocking tips
    17. How to avoid distractions
    18. Wedding planning tips
    19. Baby shower planning tips
    20. Tips for eating healthy on a budget
    21. Ways to clean your pantry
    22. How to clean your garage
    23. How to pack a suitcase for days/weeks/months
    24. Minimal packing ideas for traveling
    25. Cleaning hacks

    Reviews

    1. First-time user reviews
    2. Book reviews
    3. How to hands-free control your Apple Watch
    4. A beginner’s guide to buying (product)
    5. How to write a helpful review online
    6. Baby/infant product reviews
    7. Music reviews
    8. Beauty product reviews
    9. 5 things to consider before buying a product on Amazon
    10. Apple/ Android product review
    11. 20 trends in home decor you must try
    12. How to identify legit and honest product reviews
    13. Jewelry/bags/accessories reviews
    14. Everything you need to know about (product)
    15. A round-up of your favorite reviews
    16. Best cameras on the market for vlogging
    17. Sports reviews
    18. How to find the best home furniture deals
    19. 5 products to buy if you’re a (product/brand) enthusiast
    20. Why I recommend (product)
    21. Thoughts about (product) then and now
    22. Digital product reviews
    23. Pet product reviews
    24. How to choose the right cooking pan for better cooking
    25. 5 tips to consider when buying (topic)

    Self-Improvement/Self-Help

    1. Simple goal setting: how I set 1 goal in 10 mins and changed my life
    2. How to say no without feeling guilty
    3. 10 green smoothies to give your brain a boost
    4. How a positive mindset helped me lose 7lbs in a week
    5. Gratitude habits that will drastically improve your life
    6. 7 ways to get out of your comfort zone
    7. 8 powerful lessons to learn from failure
    8. The 10- minute solution for getting your thoughts under control
    9. I stopped worrying about money. You should too. Here’s why.
    10. How to start your own business with no money
    11. 7 awesome apps to help you achieve your goals this year
    12. 15 mind-blowing facts that will make you change your sleep habits 
    13. Why journaling is a quick way to inspire creativity
    14. How to deal with difficult people and protect your energy
    15. Quick and easy breakfast/lunch/dinner ideas to boost your immune system
    16. 10 ways to raise your vibration when you’re feeling low
    17. 30 ways to boost your self-esteem
    18. Is low confidence ruining your career?
    19. A beginner’s guide to meditation
    20. Can mindfulness ease anxiety?
    21. How to achieve financial freedom with goal setting
    22. How to stop procrastinating
    23. The best self-discipline tips you can follow
    24. How to recognize negative thinking
    25. 5 ways to motivate yourself

    DIY, Crafting, and Decorating

    1. Write a craft book review
    2. Share your favorite DIY projects from other bloggers
    3. Round-up of previous DIY projects you created recently
    4. Create a DIY series using one specific product or theme
    5. 5 must-have craft tools
    6. DIY home organizers & hacks
    7. A Valentine’s Day craft tutorial for kids
    8. DIY tutorial for making wreaths
    9. Best tips for selling products at craft shows
    10. How to make DIY candles
    11. 5 Beginner Tips for Scrapbooking
    12. How to knit/sew
    13. 10 Crafts you can make and sell
    14. Recreate a craft from Pinterest
    15. 10 Easy crafts for toddlers
    16. Where to shop for the best craft supplies
    17. How-to sell crafts on Etsy
    18. 7 Tips for Online Craft Sellers
    19. How to make DIY beauty products
    20. Cricut tips, tricks, and hacks
    21. Fall/Winter/Spring/Summer craft ideas
    22. Interview your favorite craft blogger
    23. Beginner’s Guide to Cricut/Cricut machines
    24. DIY spa day
    25. 15 crafts kids will love

    Mommy/Parenting

    1. Healthy eating with and for toddlers
    2. How to get the baby sleeping through the night
    3. 3 tasks you accomplish during baby naps
    4. WFM/ SAHM daily schedule
    5. List of chores little ones can help out with
    6. 12 exercise ideas for kids
    7. How to make self-care a priority as a mom
    8. Mommy hacks you use on a daily basis
    9. Fun ideas for family day/ night activities
    10. Parent/ child date ideas
    11. Tips on traveling with children
    12. Pregnancy hacks you wish you knew when you were expecting
    13. Tips for parents expecting their first/ second/ third child
    14. Tips for amicable co-parenting
    15. Wishes that every parent has for their kids 
    16. Toy reviews and why you love them as a parent
    17. Share your best day as a mom
    18. Share your worst day as a mom
    19. How do you get your children to listen to you
    20. Parenting lessons you learned from your parents
    21. Tips for raising boys/ girls
    22. Favorite/ best books for children
    23. How to teach children manners
    24. Family bonding ideas
    25. Important life skills every child should learn

    Family

    1. How to keep kids entertained while you WFH
    2. How to talk to your teenager
    3. Meal prep ideas the whole family will enjoy
    4. Tips on saving for buying/building a house
    5. How to tell if you’re ready for another child
    6. Parent date night ideas
    7. Sibling bonding ideas
    8. Screen-free activities for families
    9. Budgeting ideas for large families
    10. How to talk to your in-laws
    11. Tips for maintaining a strong marriage after kids
    12. How to set boundaries in relationships
    13. Setting 5/10/15 year goals with your spouse 
    14. Tips on how to adopt or foster a child
    15. Favorite movies to watch as a family
    16. Share a problem your family is currently facing
    17. Family-friendly things to do in your local area
    18. How to set a family budget
    19. A Beginner’s Guide to meal-prepping
    20. How fathers can help their partners around the house
    21. Overnight camping ideas
    22. Tips for raising kids in multi-generational households
    23. Benefits of Having a Dog as part of the family
    24. 10 Benefits of packages from grandma, grandpa, or other loved ones
    25. Staycation ideas for parents

    Work-from-Home

    1. How to leave your 9-5 job and start working for yourself
    2. How to avoid online distractions and focus on work
    3. Your favorite WFH outfits
    4. Share what your WFH schedule looks like
    5. Tips for decluttering your home workspace
    6. Share how you get motivated to work
    7. How to make money from home
    8. How to WFM with kids
    9. Talk about any freelance services from home
    10. Time-blocking tips
    11. 3 biggest challenges you struggle with WFM and how to overcome it
    12. WFH tips from a thought leader
    13. Interview someone on how they started their business and career
    14. Beginner’s Guide How to work from home
    15. Top industries that hire remote workers
    16. Work for yourself or work for a company?
    17. Roundup or list of available WFH job boards
    18. How to create a work/life balance at home
    19. 7 WFH gifts under $10
    20. Skills you can quickly learn for a remote career change
    21. How to become a virtual assistant 
    22. 6 biggest mistakes remote job seekers make
    23. Simple tasks you can do today to start WFH
    24. Can you search for remote jobs on Indeed/Glassdoor/LinkedIn?
    25. Networking tips for remote job seekers

    Blogging

    1. Share 10 bloggers who motivate you
    2. Gorgeous fonts for bloggers and social media mavens
    3. Tips for social media
    4. Favorite blogging groups
    5. Favorite blogging books + courses
    6. Writing tips
    7. Essential blogging tools you can’t blog without 
    8. Tips for guest posting/ blogging
    9. A round-up of your best posts
    10. SEO essentials 
    11. Ways to build online relationships with bloggers
    12. Free social media technology tools to promote your blog
    13. Favorite hashtags for social media
    14. What motivated you to start a blog?
    15. 3 biggest challenges you struggle with as a blogger and how to overcome it
    16. Best tools for creating blog images
    17. Interview a blogger and share a success story
    18. 6 Perks to Blogging & Making Money
    19. How many hours do you spend running your blog?
    20. Why you need a blog planner
    21. Favorite Instagram Lifestyle Bloggers to follow
    22. What tricks/hacks to use to grow your blog
    23. How is your blog different from others?
    24. Blogging Course Reviews
    25. How to be consistent with blogging 

    Life Coach/ Motivation

    1. Collection of inspirational quotes + why you love them
    2. Personal growth tips + goals
    3. 5 Ways to motivate yourself
    4. How to pursue ambition in your life
    5. How to let go of negative thinking
    6. 9 things that make you happy all the time
    7. How do you get inspired?
    8. Share a personal story to motivate readers
    9. The best lessons you’ve learned in your life
    10. 7 Ways to Show Appreciation & Gratitude
    11. Share tips about self-improvement
    12. Share a failure and what you learned
    13. How-to stay calm
    14. 5 Habits of successful people
    15. How to stay motivated when things get difficult
    16. Tips for a stress-free life
    17. 10 things that make you happy right now
    18. How to have a winning mindset
    19. How to unlock your passion
    20. Mindset blocks you didn’t know were there
    21. Ways to get out of your comfort zone
    22. How to turn a weakness into a strength
    23. 10 Gratitude habits that will drastically improve your life
    24. 12 things you could do every day to live fearlessly
    25. 7 Apps to Help you Achieve your goals this year

    Wellness

    1. 15- min workout routine
    2. Workout routines for (topic)
    3. How to eat healthy on a budget
    4. Tips for intermittent fasting
    5. 5 Ways to live a healthy lifestyle
    6. Ways to get better sleep
    7. Beginner’s guide to meditation & mindfulness
    8. Health and fitness guide for busy entrepreneurs
    9. 10 healthy foods to eat daily
    10. Share a fitness challenge that you’re doing
    11. Everything you need to bring to the gym
    12. Are multivitamins good for you?
    13. How to lose belly fat
    14. How to calculate your BMI
    15. What you need to know about the keto diet
    16. The best workouts to do at home
    17. Beginner’s guide to meal prepping
    18. Ways to get your steps in
    19. The best apps for tracking calories
    20. How much weight can I lose per week?
    21. A round-up of workout music playlists
    22. Beginner’s guide to yoga & stretching
    23. Common myths about dieting
    24. Review meal box services (Hello Fresh)
    25. The best workouts for arms/legs/glutes/hamstrings

    Related: What is SEO and Why Is Seo Important For My Website?

    Which of these 350 blog post ideas will you write about first? Have a blog post idea that should’ve made this list? Share your thoughts in a comment below.


  • 25 Gorgeous Winter Nails & Designs

    25 Gorgeous Winter Nails & Designs

    Winter nail season is here.

    Winter is coming! Shorter days and cold, dark nights are upon us. In addition, it is dismally cold outside, but it is a cool time for nail trends. Fall nails have much appeal, but just like seasons change, so do current trends.

    ‘Tis the season for sparkle, shimmer, glitter, and snow! The winter nails are here to sleigh, spread joy, and be the gift that keeps on giving. 

    Disclaimer: Heads up! My posts contain affiliate links. However, if you decide to buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a penny more, but I’ll get a small commission, which helps keep the lights on. Thanks!

    Elegant, Classy, Gorgeous Winter Nails

    If you are looking for nail inspiration, the nail designs and colors are all about big fun with minimal work this season. Red and green are not the only colors for the holidays! There are a lot of metallics, icy blues, and wintry hues for inspiration. These designs are so fire that your manicures will melt the snow this winter. 

    Classy winterish nails
    Glamorous maroon winter nails
    Glamorous maroon winter nails

    You can never go wrong with shiny, sparkly nails. If you want to try to recreate this nail design, you’ll need matte maroon polish, glossy maroon polish, and glitter polish.

    gorgeous ombre winter nails
    gorgeous ombre winter nails

    How gorgeous is this ombre nail design? These nails are perfect for the winter & any winter outfit essentials.

    Goregous, Classy White Winter Nails

    icy chill winter nails
    icy chill winter nails
    milky white marble nails
    milky white marble nails
    opulent glitter winter nails
    opulent glitter winter nails

    A nail design that can be recreated with minimal work needed to accomplish it! This cute, simple design will cost you a little shimmer and glitter, with a little gloss and a clear coat.

    arctic blue winter nails
    arctic blue winter nails
    frost winter wonderland nails
    frost winter wonderland nails

    This nail art is all about fun and festive vibes. If you’re looking for something icy, this nail art is definitely cool enough for you to try.

    metallic frozen winter nails
    metallic frozen winter nails

    In the midst of grey skies and gloomy days, a new nail design is guaranteed to switch up the mood! To recreate this look and the look below, you will need glitter, grey, and holographic nail polish.

    posh frost winter nails
    posh frost winter nails

    In the midst of grey skies and gloomy days, a new nail design is guaranteed to switch up the mood! To recreate this look and the look above, you will need glitter, grey, and holographic nail polish.

    green Christmas ornament nails
    green Christmas ornament nails

    This oval design and art is the perfect choice for holiday nails. You’ll need green, white, and glitter nail polish to recreate this festive look.

    red christmas nail art
    red christmas nail art
    red sleek stiletto holiday nails
    red sleek stiletto holiday nails

    Go for this classy red nail design this holiday season for sleek and effortlessly hot nails!

    classy black nail art
    classy black nail art

    If you’re looking for something simple and natural this winter, try this classy black nail look.

    gorgeous christmas ornament nails
    gorgeous christmas ornament nails

    Here’s another festive Christmas nail design if you’re looking for natural nails this winter season.

    basic cozy winter nails
    basic cozy winter nails
    textured grey winter nails
    textured grey winter nails

    Grey has never looked so good! These nails are so gorgeous and will be easy to recreate with stickers and two shades of grey nail polish.

    Christmas blue winter nails
    Christmas blue winter nails

    If you’re feeling blue this season, you’ll want to try this starry night nail art the next time you’re in the salon.

    cute grey christmas nails
    cute grey christmas nails

    Another holiday nail design for your Christmas spirit! This nail art is a cuteness overload of all of your favorite winter things.

    cute peppermint holiday nails
    cute peppermint holiday nails

    Another holiday nail design for your Christmas spirit! This nail art is a cuteness overload of all of your favorite holiday things.

    cute oval snowflake nails
    cute oval snowflake nails

    Here’s another festive Christmas nail design if you’re looking for natural nails this winter season.

    glamorous classy winter nails
    glamorous classy winter nails

    A nail design that can be recreated with minimal work needed to accomplish it! This cute, simple design will cost you a little shimmer and glitter, white polish, and a clear coat.

    whimsical holiday nail art

    If you’re feeling whimsical this season, these unicorn coffin nails could be your next nail design. Gorgeous ombre nail design with glitter and unicorns!

    snowflake sweater winter nails
    snowflake sweater winter nails

    If you didn’t get to try this trend out during the fall, you still have a chance! Sweater nails are still trendy for the winter. To recreate this look you’ll need a nude color (or whatever color of your choice) and white polish for the nail art (snowflake, ornament, etc).

    • cute spring nails

      25 Gorgeous Spring Nail Trends for 2022

    • Sally Hansen and Peeps Polish

      First Look: Sally Hansen X Peeps Nail Polish Collection

    • 25 Gorgeous Winter Nails & Designs


  • This Is What My Stay-At-Home Mom Schedule Looks Like

    This Is What My Stay-At-Home Mom Schedule Looks Like

    I never believed that this would be the life for me. The life of a stay-at-home mom. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that the stay-at-home life would be something that I could afford to do or that it would be something that I could get comfortable doing. The pandemic forced me to see that I could create a stay-at-home mom schedule. I literally lost my job and became a stay-at-home mother overnight! Before this, I used to spend most of my time at work. Away from my family. Since 16, I have worked countless jobs for financial stability and security. While all the while, I was missing out on quality bonding time and precious milestones. Then four years into my son’s life, I suddenly became more accessible and available. 

    So I was at home, all of the time, 24/7.

    Subsequently, I have been dedicated to a stay-at-home mom schedule that allows me to work from home, start and build my business, complete household chores, and devote time to my husband and son.

    The ultimate goal for my stay-at-home mom schedule was to have time to do it all.

    Having no extra help made me realize that I needed to follow a schedule that could keep me organized and focused on my priorities: starting a business and being there when my family needed me the most. A flexible stay-at-home mom schedule would become my secret weapon, and it continues to be a routine that brings contentedness and peace. My daily stay-at-home mom schedule works well for me, and I want to share it to help other stay-at-home moms figure out a rhythm to juggling everything at home.

    https://www.instagram.com/reel/CW6bvj1lsb1/
    5:15 am 

    I set my alarm to wake up 45 minutes before Landon gets up. Starting my day earlier allows me to get mentally and physically prepared for my day. I like to use this time for prayer and quick stretching exercises. Then, I will start ironing school uniforms and making Landon’s lunch to take to school. I will use any remaining time to let our family pet, Pablo, outside to use the potty and put food in his bowl.

    Early mornings set the tone that I am ready to tackle anything. It also allows me to finish all my tasks at a reasonable ending time. I don’t even sleep in late! To be honest, I can’t sleep past 7 am without feeling unproductive. I like to maximize my time in the mornings by choosing not to waste a single minute.

    6:00 am 

    I wake Landon up and make him breakfast. I’ve got to brag that I do my best gentle parenting in this hour. I want to make sure I am helping my son start his day with some positivity. There’s lots of hugging, smiles, and I love yous exchanged during this time. In conclusion, 6 am is one of my proudest hours of the day.

    6:50 am 

    It’s time to drop Landon off at school for the day. Morning drop-offs are usually 10-15 minutes long. While we are in line, waiting to make our way to the front, Landon and I will practice repeating daily affirmations. I like to encourage Landon to have a great day, believe in himself, give his best effort, and commit to learning new skills. This type of encouragement is the final preparation before he walks through those school doors to begin his day as a Kindergarten student.

    7:15 am 

    After drop-off, it’s time to get started with work. Before I shift into work mode, I take 20 minutes to eat a light breakfast, let Pablo outside again, and do those things that I might have skipped earlier (prayer, stretching, meditation).

    8:00 am 

    After that, it’s time to dedicate myself to my brand, my business, and evolving as an entrepreneur. From 8 am to 1 pm., I give my all to writing new blog posts, creating YouTube videos, Reels, or TikToks that could help increase awareness about my business, scheduling or creating content, reviewing products, editing, etc.

    I maximize my time during these hours because I can complete the bulk of my tasks without any distractions. No one is here to disrupt me or feel like I am not giving them any attention. I am prioritizing my business and my clients. I will schedule all of my consultations, client calls for social media management, and brand strategy between these hours. 

    1:00 pm 

    At this point in my day, I realize that I’m either hungry (if I’ve skipped breakfast) or feeling like I need to take a break. I usually make myself some lunch and watch something on tv, catch up on social media, or take a nap. Just because I can’t sleep in late doesn’t mean that I don’t know how to go lay down somewhere in the middle of the day.

    1:55 pm 

    After a much-needed recharge, it’s now time to get Landon from school. School dismisses for each day at 2:55. However, parents of car riders line up an hour early to prepare for dismissal. 

    In conclusion, sometimes your schedule will have events that throw curveballs in your plans. 

    Expect this. It’s okay.

    For example, waiting to get my child home from school takes an hour out of my day, but I choose to look at this differently. Instead of viewing this as me losing out on time, I will use this time to finish up something that I was working on or do something that I haven’t had the chance to do yet.

    Examples of Time Fillers for “Lost Hours”

    1. creating captions for Instagram posts/ reels
    2. researching blog topics and ideas
    3. researching youtube video topics and ideas
    4. pay a bill online
    5. watch an episode of a tv series
    6. digital planning
    3:00 pm 

    I’m back at home and back to full-time mama status. This hour belongs to Landon. He usually has so much to tell me about what happened at school! We also have snacks, do homework, and go outside to play before it gets too late. 

    4:00 pm 

    It’s almost time to end my work for the day. I wrap up anything that I didn’t finish that morning. Every day is different. On some days, I can say that I finished my workload by 5 pm, and on other days I can’t. Wrapping up the day helps me understand what I’ve already accomplished for the day, what’s left to do, and where to pick up the next day.

    4:30 pm- 5:00 pm 

    It’s time to start making (or buying) dinner. I’ve never been into meal prep, but perhaps it’s time that I start; because I never know what’s for dinner! Most of my dinner ideas come to me throughout the day. At 5 pm, I am cooking dinner or asking my husband to grab something on his way home.

    7:00 pm After everyone has made it home and had dinner, I get a little bit of free time. It is the ultimate hour for relaxation and chill time. I dedicate this hour to doing whatever I want to do. 

    1. conversations with my husband about his day
    2. bonding time with my husband, Landon, and Pablo
    3. taking a nice hot shower
    4. browsing social media
    5. listening to music
    6. preparing for the next day (pulling out school uniforms, making lunches, cleaning up)

    8:00 pm This is Landon’s wind-down hour. His dad bathes him, and after bath time, we read a 15- minute bedtime story. I appreciate this time to be able to take a break and regroup.

    9:00 pm It’s Landon’s bedtime and his parents’ bonding time. Both mom and dad are exhausted by now, but we still make time for each other. We have to because we hardly have any time earlier in the day to make it work.

    10:00 pm If I want to get up for my 5:15 am alarm, I need to be in bed no later than 10 pm. 

    More Tips for Success

    1. Don’t get wrapped up in exact times! These are the hours that work best for my life at home, and I provided them for structure. 
    2. Find your rhythm and rhyme for your reason. You’re crafting the ideal schedule for your life and goals. 
    3. You can still be productive throughout the day even if you don’t stick to a strict routine.
    4. Plan around family bonding time. Choose the repeat times throughout the day for consistent, fun times with your loved ones.
    5. Most importantly, don’t stress on days where following your schedule does not work out.

  • 3 Cute & Easy Hairstyles Using Headband Wigs

    3 Cute & Easy Hairstyles Using Headband Wigs

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a penny more, but I’ll get a small commission, which helps to keep the lights on! Thank you!

    Who doesn’t love cute and easy hairstyles?

    Wigs and braids have made styling my curly hair less of a struggle. I love using wigs and braids to switch things up. Wigs are a preferred protective style because they are generally quite simple to wear and don’t require much maintenance. After reading reviews online about different wigs, I decided to try a new style that I’d never heard of before: headband wigs.

    Here’s why…

    krissy bri wearing cute and easy hairstyles with headband wig

    More About Headband Wigs: Cute and Easy Hairstyles

    • Additional headbands and hair accessories
    • Iridescent cosmetic bag
    • LuvMe Hairclip
    • Bobby pins
    • Wig Cap
    • Wig Care Instructions
    • Hair Wrap
    • Edges Brush
    LuvMe Hair is an affordable luxury wig company with quality hair.

    The wig came with everything that I needed to style it. I put this wig on and styled it in less than 15 minutes! So, let me show you how I did it.

    Keep scrolling to reveal the long headband wig and easy hairstyles you can recreate using headbands.

    To Achieve Cute and Easy Hairstyles Using Headband Wigs, You’ll Need

    • wig cap
    • wig w/ clips and headband straps
    • extra headbands and accessories for styling
    Wearing the headband wig with one of the extra headbands that it came with.
    Headband Hairstyles: Wearing the LuvMe Hair headband wig as it is (kinky curly)
    Headband Hairstyles: Wearing the headband wig with a middle part and headband.

    Wig Hairstyles Are Easy To Achieve!

    I honestly love everything about wearing headband wigs as a protective style. It’s perfect for someone like me who loves convenient, cute, and simple hairstyles. I can still look cute while protecting my natural hair and my edges. It is so versatile and gives plenty of inspiration for switching up my hairstyles whenever I want. I’ve finally found the ideal protective style for me.

    Rating: 5 out of 5.

    I believe that the headband wig could help any naturalista looking for protective hairstyle solutions and inspiration. It is not too good to be true, ladies! You can achieve this simple look too!

    Watch my LuvMe Hair Headband Wig Tutorial and Review on Youtube

    What do you think? 

    Comment with some of your favorite time-saver protective hairstyles below!

    Check out more beauty and haircare posts:


  • 125 Of The Best Fall Hashtags For Instagram 2021

    125 Of The Best Fall Hashtags For Instagram 2021

    Fall is such a fun and festive season for indoor and outdoor activities. There are many activities to celebrate and enjoy in the Fall. Many people look forward to county or state fairs, festivals, pumpkin patches, and Halloween fun with their loved ones. Thanksgiving, harvest season, buffalo plaid, cooler weather, etc. Fall is easy, breezy, and beautiful. If you’re planning to participate in the Fall fun this year, statistics show that you’ll definitely post about it. Moreover, you may need some fall hashtags to sum up how you’re feeling (or what you’re doing) this Fall, and I’ve got you covered. 

    It’s time to take your Instagram posts to the next level. If you are searching for hashtag inspiration then look no further. Firstly, I’ve got 125 Fall Hashtags that are perfect for your Instagram captions

    Secondly, I’ve broken down the list of Fall hashtags for Instagram into different activities and events. This breakdown will certainly make it easier to find hashtags quickly. However, I am recommending these hashtags for nano and micro Instagram accounts.

    Accounts with a small following (1000) to large (10,000 +) can use these hashtags to reach more people. All hashtags in this list have about 10,000 – 300,000 people who use them every day on Instagram. 

    Are you ready? Let’s get into it!


    Before I reveal the Fall hashtags, do you need ideas for what to post on Instagram? What good are hashtags if you don’t know what to post? If you are stuck trying to figure out what to post on Instagram, check out 10 Ideas for Creating and Sharing Engaging Content on Social Media to help you with your in-feed posts, stories, and reels. 

    ideas for creating social media posts

    Types of Fall Instagram Posts

    Here are a few of the best ideas to inspire you for your Instagram posts during the Fall:

    List of Fall Hashtags

    125 fall hashtags for instagram

    Home Decor

    #fallcandles #fallhomedecor #fallfavorites #autumndecorations #autumnfoliage #autumnwreath #falldecorating #falldecoratingideas #fallaesthetic #fallcenterpiece #fallflorals #pumpkindecor #pumpkindecorating #halloweendecorating #thanksgivingtable #thanksgivingdecor

    Fall Beauty and Fashion

    #fallnails🍁🍂 #fallclothes #fallmakeuplook #autumnmakeup #autumntrends #autumnhair #fallfashiontrends #fallfashion2021 #fallfashions #fallfashioninspo #fallstyles #fallhairstyles #fallsweater #falloutfitideas #fallboots #bootweather #falllooks #hoodieweather #scarfweather #autumnstyles #autumnmakeup #cozysweater #falljacket #autumndress #autumnlooks #fallnailart 

    Fall Activities and Events

    #fallactivities #fallharvest #fallwinter2021 #autumnfair #fallroadtrip #falltravel #fallcleanup #fallweddings #cornmaze🌽 #applepickingseason #applepicking🍎 #fallwalks #fallfestivals #autumnwalk #autumnactivities #harvestseason 

    General Fall Hashtags

    #fallthings #fallessentials #fallready #fallinlove #fallmood #fallvibes🍁 #fallvibes🍃🍂 #fallvibes🍂🍁 #fallbucketlist #fallisintheair🍁 #fallismyfavorite #fallismyfavoriteseason #fallismyfavoritecolor #fallishere🍁 #fallisthebest #fallisthebestseason #fallisfinallyhere #ilovefall🍁 #ilovefallmostofall #falldays🍁 #autumnadventures #autumnquotes #autumnfeed #autumnessentials #autumnvibes #fallcolors🍁🍂 #falltime🍁

    Family and Love 

    #fallfamilyphotos #falllove #falllover #falllovers #autumnlover #fallfamilyfun

    Fall Weather and Nature

    #beautifulfall #beautifulfallday #cozyfall #autumnsunshine #autumntrees #autumnnight #autumnsun #fallleaves🍁🍂 #falltrees #fallsky #fallsunset #fallmornings #autumnleaves🍂 #sunnyfallday #beautifulautumnday #autumnsunset

    Food

    #thanksgivingfood #thanksgivingmeals #turkeytime #thanksgivingturkey #comfortfoods #thanksgivingrecipes #thanksgivingdesserts #fallfoods #fallbaking #falldrinks #fallcocktails #pumpkinpies #pumpkinspicelattes #squashseason #falleats #soupweather

    Comment below if you use these hashtags and find them helpful!

    Follow me on Instagram at (@krissybri)

    Leave me a comment on one of my posts that you’re following me and I’ll follow you back! 🙃


  • 15 Pinterest Nails For Fall

    15 Pinterest Nails For Fall

    The best thing about the season changing is not the weather or daylight savings! It’s honestly the new vibes and colorful foliage that I look forward to in autumn every year. It’s the fall color scheme that truly gets me going! I like to incorporate fall foliage and earth tone colors in my outfits, makeup, and nails all the time now. Pinterest has become my go-to for all my seasonal moods, aesthetics, and inspiration for fun and festive ideas for beauty and outfit choices. Lately, Pinterest nails have all been all of the nail inspo for the fall season. There are some new colors, shapes, and designs that are trending to be popular this season. LET’S GET INTO THEM!


    Don’t ask for my mood, just check my nails. They say it all.


    Popular Pinterest Nails: Color

    Now, as far as colors go, there’s PLENTY for the girls to choose from; because of this, you may have difficulty picking one you will enjoy. Shades of brown, orange, red, purple, gray, and blue will continue to reign supreme for fall colors. I am in love and invested in the brown color scheme. I love me some chocolate! Caramel and coffee are popular universal colors to have in your palette. My searches on Pinterest have also indicated never rule out shades of white. Why? Cream, ivory, or coconut colors are great for creating nude and natural nail aesthetics. My general advice is to choose colors that will accentuate your personality and capture your vibe. 

    Popular Pinterest Nails: Shapes and Patterns

    Choosing my nail color and design will be easy- Said no one ever

    Choosing a nail color is not the only decision you’ll have to make during this process. Patterns and designs are ways that you can create signature nails to match your personality or vibe. It’s all in the details! If you’re looking to spice it up this season, there are certainly some different trends for you to check out. Ombre or duo tone nails (features two colors that are smoothly graduating into each other) are not new but trendy. Plaid nail art is ideal for outfit matching, especially with anything flannel.

    Find Pinterest Nails to Recreate

    It’s important to remember to pick patterns and designs that your nail technician will be able to replicate. Nail technicians will be creative with abstract, marble, and leopard print designs. If you do not have a regular nail technician, please make sure that your tech can replicate the design you’ve chosen. I use Pinterest to create mood boards to show my nail tech where my nail inspiration came from. Look at the board that I’ve started for fall! It has all sorts of ideas for the season, Halloween, and Thanksgiving.

    Nails are the #1 thing you can get into shape without exercising

    Nail color, design, and art are NOTHING without shape and length. Yes, girl! Your nail’s shape and length are important, too. It’s the first step in nailing the right aesthetic. How long will your nails be? How short would you like them to be? Do you like your nails square or oval? All shapes and lengths can be customized to any preference if you have communicated this with your nail technician. 

    I want you to nail it this season! Get fall-inspired nails from Pinterest searches if you are in need of some nail art ideas. Pinterest has you covered on the entire look! Piece your new nail art together by choosing from colors, patterns, designs, and shapes that you find on pins and boards. Halloween and Thanksgiving are just a jump, hop, and skip away! Set off your new season with some fun, festive nails.

    What is your favorite go-to color or design that you love to wear during fall?

    What are some colors or designs that you hope to try this year?


  • How To Start YouTube Channels & Earn Money

    How To Start YouTube Channels & Earn Money

    YouTube is one of the biggest video-based platforms on the entire world wide web. There are more than 37 million YouTube channels out there (2020 latest data)! So many people create YouTube accounts to watch new and trending videos that are uploaded daily by creators and vloggers. YouTube continues to be a popular platform that creators use to grow their brand or business, nurture video content for target audiences, and generate passive income online. If you’ve ever wondered how to start YouTube, this post is for you! YouTube users are subscribing daily to creators who provide relatable and valuable content! I recently developed a YouTube strategy to become more comfortable with creating video-based content and grow my brand. I have always felt that I’ve been ready to join the masses, but I had NO clue what my channel would be. What would I post?!

    (more…)

  • 10 Creative Post Ideas for Social Media

    10 Creative Post Ideas for Social Media

    You’ve started a business, you’ve created a brand. You’re ready to start marketing your business/brand on social media, but there’s so much overwhelming information out there. Everyone is telling you that you should post at least 3 pieces of social media content per week, post to your social channels every day, and create high-quality content, but where are you going to find inspiration to post interesting, engaging and relevant things to share with your audience? Here are 10 creative post ideas for social media that can work for you!

    Thank you Tracey Jones for contributing this post to lifestylewithkris.com

    (more…)

  • 3 Tools For Goal Setting and Excellent Planning

    3 Tools For Goal Setting and Excellent Planning

    It’s been super important for me to get organized with my ideas and goals because I’ve got all these great, big ideas floating around in my head, but no clear thought on how to execute them. It’s not enough for me to just come up with an idea (nor should it be enough for you). I need to find tools for goal setting and planning. The only way to see the outcomes of these ideas is to plan them out.

    What am I doing? How will this work?

    My impulsive thinking can sometimes lead to a load of inconsistency in executing these ideas. I get so excited that I rush or skip several steps in the execution process. This is how dreams get deferred and ideas get crushed. When you know better then you’ll do better.

    That’s why I am sharing three tools I use to assist me in setting clear and concise goals through planning.  Keep scrolling to learn new ways to help you stay organized, plan out ideas, and develop strategies for executing your plan.


    Necessary Tools For Goal Setting

    tools for goal setting and planning

    Tools for Goal Setting: Gratitude Journaling, Planning, Organizing

    Journaling is the #1 source of where my ideas and goals begin. Through self-reflection prompts, I construct a list of 3-5 personal and professional goals I want to accomplish for the week. I also set monthly goals and daily affirmations using a gratitude journal. I find appreciation and gratitude to be instrumental in planning and setting realistic, attainable goals. The Daily Expression Gratitude Journal that I use comes with a “Gratitude Garden” that contains mindful questions and notebook pages for me to jot down my emotions and thoughts. I created it as a way to live with gratitude and appreciation. It’s available online for purchase and on sale for $7 here.

    Goal Setting Tool #2: Planner

    Having a planner as a tool is necessary because this is where I can sort out goals and figure out how I will meet them by listing small tasks that I can complete. Sunday- Saturday, I fill my planner with productive activities related to my weekly or monthly goals.

    Let’s use an Instagram Reel as an example. The objective will be to create an Instagram Reel for the week.

    I pick a day during the week that I can research reels to trigger inspiration, days that I can prepare for creation, and then the day that I want to post it. Making a reel does NOT just happen in five minutes! I realize that there may be intricate actions that I will need to take before it can happen. I may need to learn audio (lyrics and dialogue), rehearse dance moves, and sort out a look. Some of the questions I ask myself:

    • Where will I film this reel?
    • What should I wear?
    • What is the tone? 
    tools for goal setting

    I maximize a lot of my time by using a planner. The mom life is sporadic and chaotic. It’s easy to feel spread thin and busy. Honey, that’s the quickest way to burn out! Using a planner is beneficial to productivity. I’m able to juggle all of my many hats (human, wife, mom, teacher, writer, etc.) and not feel like I’ve completely exhausted all my time. It all gets done through time blocking, sticky notes, affirmation stickers, and lots of colors.

    TIP: Use markers and colorful pens to list your tasks in your planner.

    Goal Setting Tool #3: Google Calendar

    The last tool allows me to schedule my tasks into a digital calendar, and get reminders and alerts when it is time to execute them. Once I learned from other digital content creators about all of the magic that Google Calendar has, I started using it for purposes other than birthdays. I use Google Calendar to

    • help me figure out what time I have available to get things done.
    • stay on track with time blocking
    • celebrate accomplishments
    • remember what’s planned for the day
    • follow a schedule
    tools for goal setting: google calendar
    Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

    Was this helpful for you? How do you set goals and execute them? What tools do you use to help you execute your goals? How do you hold yourself accountable? Comment your thoughts on this topic below.

    Check out more planning and organizing posts like this one:


  • Which Gingerbread House Kit Is The Best?

    Which Gingerbread House Kit Is The Best?

    I hope the holiday season has brought peace and joy to you and your family. I know that the season has not been ideal for my family and me, but we have managed to create new traditions this year, with a little help from Walmart and their Gingerbread House Kit. Well, more like their brownie kit. I have never made gingerbread houses or men before.

    I’m finding new ways to spread Christmas cheer by starting new family traditions. When I saw these holiday baking projects on Pinterest, I was excited to introduce the idea to my family. Next, after they got on board, we chose our family baking project together. Additionally, I asked a few of my followers on social media for their votes on each project and the brownies WON! I picked up our easy-to-use brownie kit from Wal-Mart and brought it home to bring lots of warmth, love, and laughter to our home.

    Gingerbread House Kit from Wal- Mart

    Great Value Gingerbread Man Brownie Kit, 15.68 oz:

    • Makes about 8 brownies
    • Includes all of the dry ingredients and decorations needed to make gingerbread man brownies
    • Easy to follow instructions provided on the box
    • Create delicious, rich brownies that friends and family are sure to love

    Contains wheat. May contain traces of milk, eggs, cod, salmon, and coconut.

    My son Landon and I enjoyed baking these brownies together. I must admit that I was a little nervous about how “into this” he was going to be. Being a boy mom you never know what you will get when it comes to the things that boys like and dislike to do. I recorded a video of us baking our wonderful gingerbread brownies and you can watch it below. The Gingerbread Brownie Kit from Wal-Mart can be purchased in-store or online and includes a gingerbread cookie cutter, icing, and sprinkles.

    Merry Christmas!

    Thank you for joining us in creating our first mother and son holiday tradition. We are wishing you a jolly Christmas and a prosperous New Year! Be sure to keep following us for more content in 2021!

    What holiday traditions did you create this year? What traditions did you manage to keep or modify? How will you be keeping your season bright? Let us know in the comments below.

    Check out more baking recipes:


  • Our Awesome Vacation To Beautiful Gulf Shores

    Our Awesome Vacation To Beautiful Gulf Shores

    Summer 2020 has been nothing like I envisioned it to be. An eventful, sunny season is ultimately my favorite time of year and honestly all that I’d hope it to be. Due to the ongoing and everlasting pandemic, COVID-19 has gotten in the way of many things. I miss vacations! I miss itineraries and sizable events/ activities. Will traveling ever go back to being what we knew it to be? I decided to find out with a quick getaway trip to Gulf Shores.

    I am optimistic that we will be able to take trips like we used to, but in the meantime, I’d like to be creative and find a way to just… getaway. If not only but for a short and sweet moment, wouldn’t that be nice? July is a significant month for me and represents a time of love, joy, and happiness. For starters, it is my birth month & a host of other family and friends!

    family in gulf shores vacation rental

    Planning for our trip to Gulf Shores

    It’s also the month that my husband and I wed. July 2020 will always be significant, marking five years of marriage! Could you imagine being equally excited to celebrate an occasion such as this but weary about how to even approach the planning for it? To be truthful, we’d almost given up on planning anything. What was there to do? What was SAFE to do?

    There may not be much to do, but there was one thing that we knew to do: we had to get away. Our research on VRBO led us to condo rentals that wouldn’t be too far from home in Gulf Shores, Alabama. We have vacationed there a couple of times before and have always managed to have a great time. We hadn’t heard of any surge of COVID-19 cases there, and the rental properties seemed to have accommodations, rules, and guidelines due to the current pandemic that we could comply with. I started to become intrigued by the possibilities of being able to escape my bedroom, office, and living room spaces.

    DisclaimerHeads up! My posts contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a penny more, but I’ll get a small commission, which helps keep the lights on. Thanks!

    See Related: Romantic Ideas for Date Night this Valentine’s Day

    Gulf Shores Lodging: Young’s Suncoast Rentals

    gulf shores condo (young's sun coast rentals)

    Young’s Suncoast Condo Rentals
    We found a beautiful one-bedroom condo within minutes from the Gulf Shores beach. Young’s Suncoast has several properties within the area (Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan). The One Club condo property offered us many amenities, a few that we could take advantage of such as a restaurant and bar that delivered, a 24/7 Fitness Center, and private cabanas. Check out pictures from the Young’s Suncoast website for pictures of vacation rental properties. I decided to decorate our condo on arrival day with themed balloon colors and anniversary keepsakes. Everything turned out flawlessly and set the tone for a weekend full of love, happiness, and relaxation.

    White, Gold, Teal Balloons
    Gold Backdrop
    Feathers

    Gulf Shores Beaches & Food

    gulf shores beach

    Beach Bums & Sandcastles
    Public beaches are open if you’re in or near Alabama! It’s dead in the middle of Summer and thanks to COVID, my family and I haven’t had any family fun at the beach. We were able to find a spot on the beach, at a safe distance from everyone else, and hang out for the day. It was nice to watch the waves (which were high that day) and layout in the sun. I walked the shore for a bit before building sandcastles with my husband and son.

    Eat and Merry
    Normally when I travel, I like to dine in at restaurants that I’ve never experienced. I truly miss life pre-COVID. We worked around restaurant closures and limited menus the best that we could and honestly owe Door Dash a huge thank you! If you don’t have this food delivery service it is worth the app to download on your smartphone. Another Broken Egg is one of my favorite brunch restaurants and every time I visit Gulf Shores, it is a must-have. Usually, I’d recommend restaurants like GT’s On The Bay or Barefoot Island Grill. If you don’t have to venture out, let the food come to you.

    Here are some Door Dash promo codes for July. Hurry, they’ll be expiring soon.

    Making the Best of Gulf Shores

    We Are Family
    I envisioned a tropical vacation trip out of the country (it would’ve been my first time) for my fifth wedding anniversary. I’ve had previous thoughts about taking a cruise or a trip to the Bahamas. However, circumstances allowed us to create memories in other ways.

    The trip to Gulf Shores allowed my family and me to find innovative ways to bond. Usually, vacations are filled with activities, events, and itineraries. Quality time indoors while you’re away from home is typically minimal but, it deepened our communication with each other. For example, we played Zingo (a fun sight word game for toddlers) for a family fun night. Landon enjoyed identifying words on his (and everyone else’s) boards and getting a taste of winning at games.

    What Summer travel plans did you have to change due to COVID-19? Will you still be taking any trips with the Summer almost coming to an end? Have you taken any trips yet this Summer? Leave a comment below.


  • How To Create a Beautiful Image Backdrop

    How To Create a Beautiful Image Backdrop

    Do you love to take quality pictures and video content? Have you ever found yourself trying to take the perfect photograph for your Instagram feed, but your background looks a mess? Maybe you’re a blogger/ vlogger trying to record a video but your shower curtain is photobombing you because that’s the only space where you can create. You could be trying to take the cutest photo of your kid for a special occasion without wanting to pay a photographer for backdrop services. Photography services can be expensive!

    simple backdrop ideas

    Having backdrops can really enhance your photo and video aesthetic value to your digital content. That’s why professionals like photographers and videographers rely on them so heavily! You, too, can have your very own backdrop sis! What’s even better is that you can make a backdrop yourself, saving money on future professional photography services forever. Woohoo!

    Materials Needed for Backdrop

    Disclaimer: LIFE + STYLE with Kris receives a commission for using Amazon products for the projects that I share in posts.  Although I receive a commission for using and linking their products, they are extremely good for my projects. All opinions and suggestions are unbiased.

    The steps that I took to building my Sunflower wall actually were as simplistic as Pinterest made it seem to be. There really aren’t many steps involved in building a backdrop BUT it is time-consuming. I could have completed this in less than six days and you may be able to finish it in a shorter timeframe. However, I was not in a hurry to complete this project. I wanted it to turn out beautiful and honestly, I had so much fun making it!

    flower wall backdrop

    Build Your Panel Frames

    I used the beautiful chocolate carnation flowers as what I call my “base” color. The panel size dimensions are 19 x 14in. and require a lot of artificial flowers. There are over 100 pegs to fill! To fill them, simply attach the stem of your artificial flower to the peg on each panel frame. I used nine-panel frames for my backdrop. I originally wanted a combination of different carnations (chocolate and cream) but made a choice to forego it. Buying flowers in bulk can be expensive!

    TIP: Think about what color(s) you will use in great detail. The more color you want, the more money you will spend.

    backdrop panels

    Gluing Paper Flowers

    If you choose the perfect flower, you may not want to add additional details. I added white paper roses to the center of my carnations for a 3D look. Using a hot glue gun, I glued the roses to every other carnation for each panel frame.

    TIP: If you are fine with the flower you’ve already used, then you can easily move on to attaching your panel frames to your wall.

    putting together a backdrop

    Place Frames on the Wall

    Designate your space/area where you will build your frames. I used a wall in our home office because that’s where I go to create most of my digital content. I used thumb tacks to pine each panel closely together evenly.

    TIP: Building a full wall is great for full body images. If you are going to use your backdrop for mainly selfies/headshots, you should use fewer (roughly six) panels.

    Continue Adding Embellishments: Peony Flowers

    The last task for me to execute is adding peony flowers. They arrive flat after ordering, so I had to fluff out 12 paper peony flowers before attaching them to the frames. Each peony has a clear string hook that makes for easy attachment. I love that they also came with peel-off adhesives! I should have ordered more of these (probably will go back and buy more).

    Backdrops are easy to do!


  • 35 Things I Want To Do Before Turning 35

    35 Things I Want To Do Before Turning 35

    With everything that is happening in the world right now, I can’t help but sit and reflect on the things I want to do. Life has a funny way of slowing you down. It’s been forcing me to really sit down and put some long thought into what I reaaallly need to be coming to terms with. What’s that? So glad that you asked. Life is short and if you let it, it can pass you by.

    Time waits for no one.

    I know you know the sayings, just like I know the sayings. We’ve heard them quite a few times throughout our lives, but is it just a saying or is it really that real? While I have been choosing to isolate myself at home by way of social distancing, I’ve been thinking of all the things that I should be doing. That I have been putting off or simply making excuses as to reasons why they can’t be done. I’ve let myself get distracted from meeting my goals, guys!! I’m thirty-one years old and there’s still so much that I want to do. The younger me thought that I would’ve been “settled” and boyyyy was I wrong. 

    Hold up! Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been enjoying life but I’ve realized that there are things that I have not had the chance to do yet; that I thought I would have by this stage in life. I haven’t and will not give up on them, as there are other things I want to experience again because it makes me happy. Who doesn’t want to experience something that made them once happy over and over

    So, I’ve decided to come up with a list.

    A list of things that I would like to do before reaching the next “major milestone” in my life. I did the math. I’m thirty-one now. In four years, I will be thirty-five. Four years should be enough time to knock off a few goals, right? Did I come up with realistic ideas that can be achieved? How much can one achieve in four years? It’ll at least give me some things to look forward to doing. As long as I am manifesting my goals, I can keep being the driving force in actually accomplishing whatever it is I want! I’ve attached my list below and included a few that I’m working on already, to give myself a head start.

    35 Things I Want To Do Before Turning 35

    List of 35 Things I Want To Do Before 35

    1. Become a successful blogger
    2. Travel or vacation in Miami, Florida
    3. Buy or build a House
    4. Travel or vacation outside of the U.S.
    5. Renew my vows
    6. Relocate to a new state
    7. Take online courses or go back to college
    8. Go on a cruise
    9. Increase my net worth
    10. Upgrade my car
    11.  Lower my debt/ increase my credit score
    12. Partner with a major corporate brand
    13. Travel or vacation to Los Angeles, California
    14. Attend a concert or festival
    15. Successfully own a business
    16. Become a member of a church
    17. Own a creative space
    18. Redecorate/ Interior decorate my home
    19. Learn a new skill
    20. Spend more time with family and friends
    21. BE HAPPIER!
    22. Support a hobby or extracurricular activity of my son’s
    23. Attend a Paint ‘N Sip Party
    24. BE HEALTHIER!
    25. Take my mother on a shopping spree
    26. Splurge on a shopping spree for myself
    27. Go to therapy
    28. Create a meditation schedule
    29. Chase my dreams
    30. Gain 25 pounds
    31. Establish a tribe
    32. Read 10 different books
    33. Make/ create a new project
    34. Exercise two times a day
    35. Go to a ball/ gala

    Check out more goals/ inspiration posts:

    Have a bucket list of your own? Maybe you’re inspired and want to make your own list now. I want to hear about all the things that you have yet to do/ want to do. Let’s motivate each other. Leave me a comment below so that I can follow along with you! 


  • 10 Favorite Date Ideas for Valentine’s Day Love

    10 Favorite Date Ideas for Valentine’s Day Love

    Valentine’s Day is around the corner and you may be looking for ideas on ways to celebrate your significant other. Romance is a wide spectrum of how people find ways to express love and gratitude to those they love. Roses and chocolate ain’t for everybody! Here’s a list of ten of my favorite ideas for Valentine’s Day. Additionally, these romantic date night ideas will highlight a memorable experience with your special love.

    Artsy Ideas for Valentine’s Day: Paint and Sip

    ideas for valentines day date: sip-n-paint
    Photo Credit: Painting With a Twist

    A good way to bond with your partner could be to take a painting class together. Sharing an evening of wine and art in a relaxed setting offers an experience that you would never forget. Most Paint and Sip classes are inexpensive and are found to be very popular. Check locally for any studios that could be hosting a party near you.

    Note: Painting With a Twist has several locations throughout the U.S., see if there are any near you!

    Entertainment Ideas for Valentine’s Day: Dinner and Movie at Home

    Let’s face it, filling your belly up while watching a good flick always sounds like a good idea. Valentine’s Day falls on a weekday this year, and after a long day at work, the two of you might not be feeling like leaving the house or finding a babysitter to do anything. Watching a new or your favorite movie that the two of you picked out, paired with a home-cooked meal could be a fun way to talk to each other about the other’s day. Cooking together will allow the two of you to relax after a stressful day and focus on the things you love; the comfort of each other and your home.

    Your favorite artist/musician may have a show coming up near you. Additionally, this idea is another option where you will need to plan in advance for, having to purchase tickets.

    Culinary Ideas for Valentine’s Day: Couples Cooking Class

    ideas for Valentine's Day: cooking class

    All of the restaurants can book up quickly on Valentine’s Day and it’s quite possible that you may be tired of having to choose from the same restaurants for reservations. A cooking class will give you the opportunity to learn how to make each other’s favorite meals! See if you’re able to sign up for a local cooking class that will either allow you to create your own menus or create full-course meals from a delectable menu prepared for you. Pricing on cooking classes is usually per couple, not individually, but it isn’t exactly the cheapest option on this list. It’s best to plan ahead if this is something that you know you and your partner would be into doing.

    Ice Cream Date

    Who said that chocolate has to be the preferred sweet treat for Valentine’s Day? This can be a great idea to incorporate the kids and make it a “family date night”. Bring your loves to the nearest Marble Slab Creamery or Dippin’ Dots for a sweet inexpensive treat. I scream you scream, everybody will scream for ice cream!

    Relaxation Ideas for Valentine’s Day: Day at the Spa

    The two of you deserve a relaxing day, free of all of your day-to-day routine. It may be time to escape and what better way to do it than to visit the spa? Most spas have Valentine’s Day deals and packages that you can look into to take advantage of before it’s too late. Keep in mind that other couples may have this same idea in mind and you may need to schedule your appointments as soon as you know that you and your partner would like to make it a day of relaxation.

    Book a Hotel Room for the Night

    Can’t afford to take time off of work and/or a getaway for the weekend due to no one to watch the kids? Open up your browser tab and log in to your Expedia or Priceline to see what last-minute, one-night-only deals you can find. This can also be a family date night idea! As much as you could use a break, the kids may enjoy this time away from home too.

    Social Ideas for Valentine’s Day: Fun Date Night w/ Another Couple

    A couples’ retreat with your friends could be fun. Whether it is a vacation that you guys decide to plan out together or a group outing in town, it will prove to be a fun, interactive way to hang out with your partner and friends!

    Recreate Your First Date

    This could be a super romantic gesture if you have a great memory. Plan to travel to all of the spots where you shared your firsts. Your first meals, your first kiss, the first time you bought each other something in the mall. If you’re creative enough, this might be a really emotional idea that could remind you of all the moments you’ve shared together.

    Go Dancing!

    Like to dance? Not just at the club! Learning how to salsa could be a fun experience. Go have some drinks together and find a local salsa, samba, or tango class you can sign up for, and cut a rug! Taking a dancing class (whether you’re a great dancer or a terrible dancer) is guaranteed to be a joyous time out of the house. You’ll be surprised at all the moves you and your partner will make.

    Whatever you decide to do this Valentine’s Day, make sure your heart is in it. You don’t have to do any of the typical things that people normally do on this day. Your partner is with you because you make them feel like the happiest person alive! Any gesture from you will be one that they will embrace the most, regardless of whatever ideas you decide to come up with.

    Enjoying reading this post? Get more ideas for Valentine’s Day: