• Blogging

    My Favorite Blogging Tools (Part 2)

    The Recovering Pessimist: My Favorite Blogging Tools Part 2 -- Later and Canva are included in this edition of my favorite blogging tools. | www.therecoveringpessimist.me #amwriting #recoveringpessimist #optimisticpessimistOne of my favorite things as a blogger is that I’m constantly learning something. These websites, apps, tools, etc. manage to make blogging a bit easier as time goes on. With this edition (click here for Part 1), I wanted to share things that save me time and frustration. Enjoy!

     

    Later

    I kid you not, this is one of the BEST websites/apps I’ve discovered so far this year. I got frustrated with having to manually share my blog posts to Instagram. It might not sound that annoying, but when you have a lot going on during the day, it’s very easy to forget to do it.

    After several hours and Google searches, I ran across Later. It’s an app (available for Android and iOS) and a website that provides a free option for you to use. It’s really easy to use Later. I upload the photo I want to share, write a caption for it, then schedule a day/time for it to post to Instagram.

    [pjc_slideshow slide_type=”later-com”]

    But there’s a slight catch.

    Later won’t physically share the post to Instagram for you. What Later will do is send you a reminder notification via the app to your phone. From the notification, Later automatically directs you to the Instagram app to post it. It saves me a lot of time because I can pre-write the captions/hashtags and all I need to do from there is upload it.

    Even with the slight catch, Later is definitely worth checking out. If you decide to test Later out, let me know what you think. I’d love to hear about your experience.

    Canva

    I don’t remember how I learned about Canva, but I’m forever grateful to be in the know. Canva allows you to create graphics for all kinds of uses (e.g., social media, ebooks, business cards, etc.). Many of Canva’s elements are free (others cost $1). Canva does have an app, however, it’s only available for iPad. Bummer for my fellow Android lovers.

    Posts are automatically saved (with the option to undo) & can be downloaded as images or PDFs. Pretty awesome.

    [pjc_slideshow slide_type=”canva”]

    I use Canva to create all the Wisdom Wednesday posts from 2014-present. I recently discovered that many use Canva to create printables. I’m determined to learn how to do this. If you use Canva to create printables, how was your experience?

    Pinterest

    I briefly mentioned Pinterest during Part 1, but I didn’t give it the attention it deserves. Joining Pinterest has saved me a lot of time and energy from researching blogging/writing issues.

    Bravo Pinterest, bravo.

    Some of my favorite Pinterest accounts include byRegina, Spruce Rd., Think Creative Collective, Melyssa Griffin, Erika Madden, and XO Sarah. I frequent these six Pinterest pages the most when I’m looking for information about business/blogging/writing.

    I hope you enjoyed reading Part 2 of the My Favorite Blogging Tools series. If you have favorites that you want to share, tell me about them in the comments. I love learning about new tools that can make a little less stressful.

    Until next time,

    MsWalton

  • Blogging,  The Complexities of Life

    How I’m Prepping for 2016

    The Recovering Pessimist: How I'm Prepping for 2016 -- The best thing about the end of the year is planning for the next year. | www.therecoveringpessimist.me #amwriting #recoveringpessimist #optimisticpessimistThe countdown to 2016 is in full swing. I’m excited for the new year. I haven’t accomplished all of my goals for 2015, but that’s okay. I accomplished things that I never imagined I would do.

    [bctt tweet=”One of the best things about entering a new year is the prep work involved.”]

    There are a few things I need to get done before Jan 1st rolls around. Here are a few things on my agenda:

     

    Create a theme for 2016.
    • When I decided that “Let That Shit Go” would be the theme for 2015, I had no idea how profound it would be. As I mentioned earlier, I haven’t accomplished all the goals I set for 2015. What I did accomplish was letting go of a lot of dead weight. Hopefully, the theme/mantra for 2016 will be just as effective.
    Write goals using goal cards.
    Create vision board.
    • Every year around this time, I see countless articles/tweets/Facebook posts about vision boards. In the next couple of weeks, I’m going to gather all of my supplies and create a vision board. Since I don’t have an actual office space, I’m going to frame the vision board and hang it in my living room as art.
    Plan blogging breaks. 
    • I’ve never taken a scheduled break from this blog. I’m always working on it in some aspect, which then leads to burnout. Once I get burned out, it’s very hard for me to regain the momentum I had before burnout set in. I’m scheduling breaks from the blog so that I can truly relax without worrying about this blog.

    Preparation gives me a blueprint to work with and  we all know how important organization is when you have so many things you want to accomplish. Are you making plans for 2016? What tools are you using to plan for the new year? Leave a comment and let’s discuss!

     

    Edited November 23, 2016

  • Blogging

    My Favorite Blogging Tools (Part 1)

    The Recovering Pessimist: My Favorite Blogging Tools Part 1-- Evernote and erasable pens are a few of my favorite blogging tools. | www.therecoveringpessimist.me #amwriting #recoveringpessimist #optimisticpessimistI’ve been a blogger for seven years. One of the most important things I’ve learned is that you have to stay organized as much as possible. In my case, the more things I have to keep me organized, the better my sanity.

    So, I wanted to share with you a few things I use to keep myself organized. Enjoy!

    Evernote

    My love for Evernote will never falter (click here and here for proof). When it comes to blogging, I have several notebooks for various aspects of blogging. One is for recording blog post ideas, one is for blogging tips I find, and the other one is for things about the business of blogging. I use Evernote’s Web Clipper for the latter two.

    Moleskine Cahier Journals

    Even with all the advancements in technology, I’m still a pen and paper lover. When I shop for notebooks, I want something small and durable. After doing a bit of research, I purchased a three-pack of pocket-sized Moleskine Cahier Journals. Well worth the money, I promise.

    EPIC BLOG: One-Year Editorial Planner

    My bestie Amber at Climb Out of the Cubicle gifted me with the EPIC BLOG: One-Year Editorial  Planner by Regina Anaejionu  for my birthday. This is planner is SO DOPE! I love that there’s a section for you to document your blog’s stats at the end of each month. One more reason for me to love Regina. Seriously, she’s dope as hell!

    Paper Mate EraseMate Pens

    I just discovered erasable ink pens last year. pauses for gasps of shock I know, I know, where have I been all this time?? These erasable pens by Paper Mate come in six colors (red, black, blue, pink, turquoise, and purple) and practically eliminate my dependence on correction fluid.

    Sidenote: Don’t use these pens to complete any sort of applications/legal documents that involve a signature.

    WordPress App

    I can’t always be around my laptop or tablet. Having the WordPress app installed on my Android phone allows me to blog while on the go. I can see my stats and comments. Not only can I write a new post, but  the app also has my drafted, scheduled, and published blog posts available. The only downside to the app is that all blog posts are grouped together vs. being separated. Other than that, the app is pretty useful.

    Social Media Sites

    Social media is a huge source of inspiration for this blog. Usually, I’m avoiding doing work by going on my social media accounts (specifically Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest). It’s a great tool for breaking out of writer’s block and learning new blogging tips/tricks.

    Did you find these tools useful? What are some tools that you use to keep your blog organized and keep your sanity intact? I would love to hear from you. Let’s discuss in the comments.

     

    Updated: May 8, 2016

  • Blogging

    Mind Mapping with MindMeister

    I’ve started planning for 2015 in theory, but I’ve struggled with execution. Usually, I  wrote my goals, wants, and wishes down in a Word document. I forget about it as soon as I close the document. Hard to stay focused when your goals are hidden in a file.

    The other day, I read a blog post by Britni Danielle about mapping out your goals. Talk about being right on time…whew! So I grabbed an erasable pen and some printer paper and got to work.

    My original mind map. Pardon my handwriting.
    My original mind map. Pardon my handwriting.

    There’s something freeing about putting everything on paper. Not keyboard to screen, pen to paper. As much as I love being “connected”, I enjoyed actually having to write something out. I don’t do that often.

    Excited about my idea map, I texted Amber to share my glee. She sends me the link to MindMeister. It’s the online version of your DIY mind maps. Just when I thought the internet couldn’t get any better, once again, Amber proves me wrong.

    Some Highlights About MindMeister:

    • There’s a demo version. Many of the options are unavailable in the demo version unless you sign up for free.
    •  You can create up to 3 minds maps. There are also 3 paid account options (personal, pro, and business).
    • Mind maps can be exported into formats such as Word docs and  PDFs.
    • Not only is it available on web, you there’s also an app, which is available for iOS and Android!!

    I created an account and after spending about an hour playing around with the app, I created this:

    My mind map courtesy of MindMeister.
    My mind map courtesy of MindMeister.

     

    It’s definitely worth looking into if you want to make your mind maps look nice. If you check out MindMeister, let me know what you think!

  • Blogging,  The Complexities of Life

    I Brought A Day Designer!!

    Before I begin this post, I would like to thank my awesome friend Amber over at Climb Out of The Cubicle. Not only is she awesome, but she inspired this post. 

    This isn’t exactly news breaking information for most, but it is for me. With 2015 just over the horizon, I realized that in order for me to carry out my goals, organization is imperative. Here’s how the purchase of my Day Designer happened.

    Back Story

    Currently, I use an academic planner to organize my blog. It’s so ineffective. In September, I started checking brick and mortar stores for 2015 planners. Many of the planners I saw were hideous (e.g., too many colors, poorly designed, etc).

    After buying and returning several 2015 planners, I realized that what I needed wasn’t sold in stores. Here’s where Amber comes into play.

    I remember explaining my frustration to her and she suggested that I consider getting a Day Designer. I went to the website and impressed by how beautiful and functional the planner was. I was ready to purchase, but I couldn’t get past…

    …The Price 

    I’m a frugal girl. I had to come to terms with paying $59 for the planner (via the Etsy store). Then I realized shipping was going to cost me $13 (I’m in Richmond, VA) and I refusedto proceed with purchasing. After spending a few hours researching online retailers, I finally found the planner for $60 and free shipping at The Grommet. The planner arrived within 3 business days from PA.

    Behold the Awesomeness!

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    A few observations about the Day Designer:

    • The planners are sophisticated cute. The cover (regardless of the design), provides just enough color. The pink ribbon doubles as a bookmark.
    • Worksheets are included in the front of the planner to help organize your core, which assists with focusing on your purpose and vision.
    • Each tabbed month is attached to a notes page, which provides plenty of writing space on both sides.
    • Monthly calendars are dated, however, holidays are not noted. A monthly to-do list is on the left and a space at the top of the calendar is available for you to list your goals for the month.
    • Each day has its own page, with the exception of weekends, which share one page. Daily and weekend schedules are listed from 5-9. The schedules don’t indicate if this is a.m. or p.m., so this omission works perfectly for those who work from night to day.
    • I love that at the end of the day, I can list what I’m grateful for. Perfect way to end each day.

    Conclusion

    This is an investment. If you’re looking for something that allows you to organize your life AND keep you focused on your ultimate goals, the Day Designer is worth considering. You can test it out by downloading a free daily planner page.

    Now, back to planning 2015 while I chat with Amber:)

    MsWalton

  • Blogging

    How I Remember Ideas for Blog Posts

    Image via Flickr.

    Ideas for blog posts tend to come out of nowhere. Emphasis on nowhere. After forgetting countless ideas, I finally have a system to record the first idea before they disappear. It’s nothing fancy, but it works for me.

    Ready? Here we goooo…

    Evernote

    • I love, love, love Evernote! If my phone is nearby, I use my Evernote app to jot down blog ideas and/or the source of inspiration. It’s pretty awesome.

    Post-it Notes

    • I literally have these in every room of my apartment and I also have them in my car. Gotta be ready when the ideas hit, then I can just stick them to whatever is nearby and come back to it later. Now that it’s back to school season, I can stockpile these things for little to no money spent.

    Repetition

    • When I don’t have access to Evernote or Post-it Notes, I use repetition. I repeat key aspects of the blog idea until I’m able to jot down the idea. This isn’t the most reliable part of the system, but it works.

    This is my system. Again, nothing fancy. I’m always looking for more tools to add to my system. The woes of being a blogger, always on the hunt for something better, haha!

     

    Updated September 7, 2015