Your cart is currently empty!
Tag: ideas
-
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
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
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: 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?
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
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?
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
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!
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.
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!
See Related: Romantic Ideas for Date Night this Valentine’s Day
Gulf Shores Lodging: Young’s Suncoast 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
FeathersGulf Shores Beaches & Food
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
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!
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!
So, I hopped on Pinterest to search for ideas for photo/video backdrops and backgrounds. I soon learned the basic essentials of making a flower wall backdrop! This was a great idea, as people use flower walls as backdrops for weddings and baby showers. Pinterest makes everything seem so easy!
Materials Needed for Backdrop
Here’s a list of all the materials that I used to create my Sunflower backdrop wall. The grid panel frames I got from Amazon. All flowers were ordered from eFavor Mart.
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.
10-Pack Grid Plant Wall Frames ($25.99)
Hot Glue Gun + Glue Sticks ($9.99)
- 252 Pcs- Chocolate Artificial Mini Carnation Flowers – $14.99/ea
- 6 Pk Ivory and Cream Assorted Size Paper Peony Flowers – $10.99
- Natural and Cream Assorted Size Paper Peony Flowers – $10.99
- Light and Dark Yellow Assorted Size Paper Peony Flowers – $10.99
- 144 Ct. Ivory Paper Mini Flower Roses – $3.99
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!
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.
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.
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!
Overall, I would rate this project 5 stars on how easy it was to make this. I will most likely continue to embellish with more peony flowers in the future. What is unique about this project is that it’s universal–you can use it for anything! You can easily take it apart and build it again and again for any occasion to add beautiful and amazing detail to your images.
Watch my YouTube tutorial video below to see how I made my beautiful backdrop for less. Please like and share this post if you’ve enjoyed learning how to enhance your digital images. Subscribe to me on YouTube to watch more tutorials and follow me on Instagram to see me share images using my new backdrop!
-
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.
List of 35 Things I Want To Do Before 35
- Become a successful blogger
- Travel or vacation in Miami, Florida
- Buy or build a House
- Travel or vacation outside of the U.S.
- Renew my vows
- Relocate to a new state
- Take online courses or go back to college
- Go on a cruise
- Increase my net worth
- Upgrade my car
- Lower my debt/ increase my credit score
- Partner with a major corporate brand
- Travel or vacation to Los Angeles, California
- Attend a concert or festival
- Successfully own a business
- Become a member of a church
- Own a creative space
- Redecorate/ Interior decorate my home
- Learn a new skill
- Spend more time with family and friends
- BE HAPPIER!
- Support a hobby or extracurricular activity of my son’s
- Attend a Paint ‘N Sip Party
- BE HEALTHIER!
- Take my mother on a shopping spree
- Splurge on a shopping spree for myself
- Go to therapy
- Create a meditation schedule
- Chase my dreams
- Gain 25 pounds
- Establish a tribe
- Read 10 different books
- Make/ create a new project
- Exercise two times a day
- Go to a ball/ gala
Check out more goals/ inspiration posts:
- Getting To Know Me: Shocking Secrets Revealed
- 3 Tools For Goal Setting and Excellent Planning
- 5 Proven Tips For Starting Your Online Store
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
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
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
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:
