Kicking Off the School Year

We're in full swing to kicking off the new school year.  Emily started TK which I'm still not sure has sunk in.  Since this is a milestone year we had to commemorate it.  How cute is this shirt?!?!  It reads, "Class of 2030, kicking it off TK Style- Emily"  But boy does it make me feel old and freak me out.  I graduated in 2003 and 2030 sounds soooo far away but I know I'm going to blink and this baby girl will be getting her diploma.  Yikes!

We also couldn't forget to treat her new teacher to something a little special.  I think teachers are some of the hardest workers and they aren't rewarded enough.  Emily got her teacher this tote bag because every teacher has a ton to lug around.

This is Emily's first day of school pic...

She wanted to wear her hair down and in curls for her first day.  It takes me forever and it lasts for about 3 minutes.  But she was so excited for her first day of TK I couldn't resist granting her wish.

Daddy dashed back from work so he could walk his baby girl to her first day of school.

We wanted to celebrate Emily's first day of TK and there is no better way to celebrate than a family night out to eat pizza.  We had the best night out at Pieology; stay tuned for more details.

Emily's Class of 2030 shirt and tote bag for her teacher are from Zoey's Attic a website for all your personalized gift needs.  You will find personalized shirts, bags, drink ware, pillow cases, wall art, baby gifts, aprons, maternity shirts, tooth fairy pillows and much much more.  I spent a very long time browsing their website and I wanted more than a dozen items.   Check out their site and I am sure you will find the perfect gifts and items for your friends, family, and little ones.  Your shopping can be extra fun because you have the chance to win a $35 gift code to use at Zoey's Attic.  Are you feeling lucky?  Check out my Instagram for all the details.

Shop:

Check out Zoey's Attic HERE

You can find Emily's shirt HERE

You can find the tote bag HERE

Connect:

Follow Zoey's Attic on their Blog, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram

Meet:
Zoey's Attic was created at the end of 2006 by founder Erin Delanty.  The birth of her first daughter was the inspiration for the site.  Erin couldn't find unique newborn onesies and she noticed friends couldn't find big brother/ big sister tees so she took her background of graphic design and web developer to start her own line.  Erin continues to draw inspiration from her friends and family and continues to grow her website.

How to Tackle this Blogging Business- Top 10 Tips

This summer I've been asked several times how to blog and I've even met with a few friends to help them get started.  I don't pretend to even be close to an expert on blogging but I thought I would share my tips, tricks, and ideas with all of you because I'm happy to share the little that I do know.  One thing I love about the blogging world is the idea of sharing and collaboration.  I've learned so much from other bloggers and would love to pay it forward.  It's in supporting each other that we all find success.

Some of my best advice is not to get into blogging because you want free stuff or to make money.  That's not how it works exactly.  Companies will see right through you and you won't get very far.

I started blogging as a diary for my first daughter and I soon realized it was a passion of mine and a great creative outlet for me.  It was when a PR rep contacted me as a "lifestyle expert" to be on a local tv segment that got me to start thinking about taking my blogging to another level.  I had no idea people were turning to my blog for advice and ideas until she brought it to my attention.

So be authentic and it will grow organically.

1. Pick a platform to start your blog.  

I use Blogger because it is free and very user friendly.  Now that I'm deeper into blogging and see it as a business I debate converting to Wordpress because it offers more but at this point I've decided to stick with Blogger because, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

2. Pay for a blog template.

There are templates on Blogger but I highly suggest paying the nominal fee to get a professional template.  I also suggest paying for someone to install it.  If you go to Etsy and search Blogger Template you will find hundreds of options.  Be sure to check out the Shop's reviews.

3. Buy a domain address.

You can buy a domain through Blogger or you can also use a site like GoDaddy.  When you buy a domain you drop the .blogspot.com in your web address.

4. Pick a Niche.

I am a lifestyle blogger because I love to talk about a little bit of everything.  There are fashion blogs, food blogs, mommy blogs, etc.  You name it, there is a blog for it.  But in the beginning you want to figure out what lane you want to be in and stick with it.  You need to brand yourself and your blog and try to be consistent with it.

5. Photography

I am still working on this but the better the photos the better the traffic to your blog.  People love to see large and professional quality photos.  If possible invest in a DSLR camera to take all your photos.  Also there are hundreds of apps to edit your pics.  Again, this is an area where I have a ton to learn but here are a few of my favorite apps: Layout, iMovie, Photo Editor, and Color Story.  I also lighten my photos in iPhoto on my computer.

6. Content

What is your content?  What do you want to share?  What can you offer readers?

You've picked your niche, now what is your content?  Write about things other people want to hear about.  Share recipes, decorating tips, fashion advice, party planning ideas, etc.

7. Collaborate

Reach out to companies that you want to work with.  I only contact companies where I actually want the product.  I try very hard to keep my blog authentic.  If I'm endorsing a product I want to actually like it so that my readers can trust me.  At this point, companies are contacting me and there are times that I will turn things down because I'm not interested in the product or I don't think it fits within my brand.  

There isn't a secret to reaching out to companies.  I frequently use the Contact Us section of a companies website to send my pitch.  I simply tell them who I am and that I want to collaborate with them.  I also tell them I want a product in exchange for a review post that I share via all my social media channels.  I include my blog address and social media handles.

Eventually you need to create a Media Kit and send that to companies; especially if the company contacts you first.  Blogging takes a ton of work and I spend hours on each post.  Once you have numbers to support it you shouldn't sell yourself short.  There are bloggers who make a living just from their blog.  Full disclosure- that is not me, lol!

8. Host Giveaways

Not only can you ask companies for a product to review but also ask if they will provide an additional item for a giveaway (that they will ship to the winner).  Giveaways encourage people to follow you.  It's also just a lot of fun.

9. Grow Your Social Media

I have focused on Instagram but will eventually get to other platforms like Pinterest and Twitter.

My advice for growing Instagram is engagement.  Use the Explore button on IG and like and comment on other people's photos.  The more you do this the more you will get noticed by others.  The goal is for them to look at your feed in exchange and start following you.  

When you post make sure to use all 30 allowed hashtags.  Google "The most used Hashtags" and use different hashtags depending on the content.  Some for fashion, some for food, some for family, etc.  I split my 30 hashtags into two comments so it appears less spammy.  Once you finish your post, click on your hashtags and engage with people who are using your same hashtags.

Respond to comments on your photos.  Again engagement is key!

There are dozens if not hundreds of apps where you can pay for followers.  I haven't done this because I've wanted to grow my following organically and authentically.  I've heard from dozens of big bloggers that companies want to work with bloggers with good engagement not a ton of followers.  For example, a company may choose to work with someone who has 1000 followers but lots of engagement vs. someone who has 5000 followers and little engagement.  When you pay for followers your engagement tends to be low.  Those followers are fickle and are typically creepy men from another country! I'm not saying this is a bad way to go and it may be something I try in the future, I just want everyone to think about the pros and cons:)

Speaking of fickle followers you will find that every single day people unfollow you.  There are people who follow you only for a day or two in hopes that you will follow them.  If you don't they drop you like a hot potato.  Don't get hung up on this.  It's just part of the game.

I don't let it bother me but when I found this shirt I had to have it!

Another way to grow your social media is through pinning images from your posts to Pinterest.  With every single post pin one or more images to Pinterest.  Vertical and visually appealing images are best for Pinterest.  You also should consider converting to a business Pinterest account.

10. Join Networks

There are an endless number of networks to join.  I don't have a LOT of experience with most of these but here are some that I've signed up for and some that I use regularly.

SocialFabric, Share A Sale, Linqia, Blogher, Popular Pays

You have to be accepted to these networks and they will pay you in exchange for campaigns, posts, or ad placement.

Also join StumbleUpon, add your pages and make sure to stumble other content outside of your own.

What the...

...Heck? Why did you unfollow me???

In the end be you and keep a smile on your face!

I hope my top 10 tips can help and inspire you.  Please feel free to contact me with specific questions; I would love to help you.

Work Hard, Play Hard

One of my motto's in life is Work Hard, Play Hard.  I try to live life to the fullest and give as close to 100% to everything.  There is reality and you can't be everything to everyone but I do have say I try my best to give my all, all the time.  I am a wife and mama first but I also am a Realtor and lifestyle blogger so I keep myself quite busy all the time.  I am lucky enough to have a profession where I can work from a home a lot of the time and still get to be with my girls.  Sometimes this is a double edged sword.  It can be very hard to get work done with two young girls always by your side.  Despite the struggles I wouldn't change any of it.  I love my job and especially love working with my clients.  Handing over the keys to someone's dream home is pretty spectacular.  I love working so hard to make other people's dreams come true.

My work wardrobe needs to be professional yet stylish and classic yet easy.  A lot of times I don't have time to change just because my role is changing.  If I did I would change back and forth sometimes 4 times a day.

This bright but light-weight dress is perfect for work and easy enough to run around with the kids as well.

I carry my Louis Vuitton Neverfull bag almost everyday because it's lightweight and it holds everything I need for work or for kids. 

As much as I work I HAVE to find the time for ME time.  I think finding a balance is key to keeping your sanity.  When I'm off to "play" I want something cute and trendy but still something easy to wear as a mom.  During this hot hot summer I love wearing rompers.  This one has a fun pattern and is super light-weight so it is perfect for the hot summer days and nights.

Friday Favorites 8/19

Whew the first week of school is done!  I'm not going to lie it's a bit of a challenge to get me and the girls completely ready by 7:50 and out the door.  Emily got right into the groove immediately.  She completely amazes me with her adaptability.  She acted like she was on old pro at elementary school.  I'll be doing a full post about kicking off the school year soon.

This week was also filled with endless work and lots of collaborations with companies I just love.

Happy Friday and everyone have a blessed weekend.

I was featured twice this week on kindkiddoshop's IG.  It's such an honor to work with amazing people.

On Sunday we had a true SUNDAY FUNDAY!!!  This was the first time we took the boat out all summer.  Can you believe that?!?!

We had the best time lounging in the water with a cold drink in hand.

Of course a big highlight was Emily starting elementary school.

I was also featured on PinkBlush this week.  This dress is so pretty; I was so excited to share it with everyone.

To celebrate Emily starting school we had a fun family pizza night at Pieology Park Crossing.  Pieology was so generous to treat us to a celebratory evening.  I'll be sharing more details about our night soon; stay tuned.

The Real Housewives of Orange County were epic this week.  I almost gave Heather Dubrow a standing ovation when she shut Kelly down.
Check out the clip HERE.

My meal planning ideas where featured on Everyday With Bay.  You can see the full post HERE.

Meal planning helps prevent the 3 o'clock what the heck am I making for dinner?!?!?!  To be totally honest I've strayed away and desperately need to get back to it.

I had the honor of selling my dear friend's home.  We had an offer within hours of putting the home on the market and we sold it for over asking price.

It's hot outside and a equally HOT market!

My adorable girls were featured on The Cuteness.  You can see the full post HERE.

Have a great weekend!

Tastes of the Season

What do you think of when you hear California Pizza Kitchen?  If you're like me you think of gourmet pizzas that are delicious.  But let me be honest I don't think of them when I'm craving a good steak or a hearty meal.  But I am here to tell you that I was VERY wrong.  I had the absolute pleasure of being invited into CPK recently to try out their seasonally inspired menu.  It is a complete understatement when I say I was more than satisfied by the selection of food and drink.  They had to roll me out of there upon closing.

Not only was the food and drink to die for so was the service.  As someone who used to work at a restaurant, service means a ton to me.  If I dine at a restaurant that has great food but terrible service I will never go back.  So to find a restaurant with A +'s in both categories is gold.  The GM of our CPK, Kelly Baker does an outstanding job of making his guests feel like family and granting a whole dining experience.  Our server Benito was also well versed, knowledgeable, courteous, and friendly.  The two of them just made our night!

The next time you're wanting a fun, melt-in-your-mouth meal you need to check out CPK.

Before you go, I have a few suggestions for your next dining experience.

I like to start any night out with a fun cocktail.  California Pizza Kitchen has an array of cocktails with the flavors of summer. I was most surprised by the California Roots Cocktail- Svedka Vodka, Fresh Avocado & Mint, Fresh Agave Sour, and a Fennel Salt Room.  I couldn't imagine a cocktail with avocado but it was intriguing and delicious. It was light, fresh, and just a hint of sweet.

May I also suggest the Strawberry Lime Margarita, Sangria Flight, Blueberry Ginger Smash, and Citrus Crush.

These beautiful ladies and fellow bloggers came with me to check out CPK's seasonal menu as well.
You've got to check out Jewelry and Jeans for all your fashion and beauty inspiration.  If you're needing home decor advice or want to see amazing transformation projects go check out Family, Food and Furniture.
 Good company makes the experience complete.

As you enjoy a cocktail and good company I have to highly recommend you try the Bianco Flatbread.  The flatbread is whipped truffle cream, Gorgonzola, Mozzarella and fresh sage.  Are you drooling yet?  It's pure comfort food.

If you would like to start with a salad before your entree I highly suggest the California Fields Salad which features fresh watermelon and strawberries, field greens, Feta cheese, California Pistachio's, all topped with a Champagne Vinaigrette.  It was so fresh and crisp.  One of my favorite salads is the Roasted Veggie which features artichoke hearts, eggplant, asparagus, red and yellow peppers, avocado, corn and sun-dried tomatoes served on Romaine and topped with Dijon balsamic vinaigrette.

I couldn't dine at CPK without getting my favorite pizza, BBQ Chicken Pizza.

I'm getting hungry looking at this...

The main courses were extra impressive and where I was most surprised.  Like I mentioned I think of Pizza when I think CPK but you need to run to California Pizza Kitchen to try one of these mouth watering entrees.

My belly was lucky enough to try Hearth-Roasted Halibut, Roasted Garlic Chicken & Seasonal Vegetables and Fire-Grilled Ribeye.  There were no disappointments but the Ribeye and the butternut squash farro from the Halibut were on the top of my list.

The halibut is Wild Alaskan Halibut roasted on a cedar plank with asparagus and butternut squash farro and baby kale.  The ribeye is a 12 oz USDA choice ribeye grilled with house made Pinot Noir sea salt and topped with a creamy blue cheese butter.  Served alongside the ribeye were fingerling potatoes and lemon-garlic wild arugula salad.  The Garlic Chicken is pan-sauteed in a lemon-garlic sauce served with fingerling potatoes, cauliflower, Mediterranean herbs and seasonal vegetables.

Anyone who knows me knows I can't finish a meal without a dessert.  Do yourself a favor and save yourself a little room for one of the decadent desserts from CPK.  We tried the Belgian Chocolate Souffle Cake, Strawberry Shortcake , and the Butter Cake.  The Butter Cake is over the top and won the A + from me.  The Strawberry Shortcake came in a close second because its made with a fresh biscuit.  The Souffle cake was a tad to rich for me but that could be because I was overly indulged already. 

CPK offers such a variety of delicious food and drink it won't disappoint you, I promise.  May I suggest you check out their seasonal menu before it changes.  I know that it won't be long at all before I find my way back in, just enough time to lose all the weight I gained from this amazing meal.
To find a location near you click HERE.

Our meal was given in exchange for this review.  As always all opinions expressed are honest and my own.