4 things you can do for your blog in under 30 minutes

Sometimes, with the amount of time blogging takes, it can get shoved down my list of things to do for the week.

This is ok, of course, but I do love blogging, and want to maintain this space of mine as best as I can.  It's especially fun to look back over the years at the things my family and I have done and been interested in.  

So!  If you're busy and don't have a ton of time, but want to maintain your momentum, OR even if blogging is your top priority right now....here are a few things you can do in under 30 minutes.

1.  Pitch an idea.  Choose one brand/company/shop you're interested in working with and pitch them an idea for a collaboration.  Decide on the type of collaboration you'd like to work on and shoot them a proper email about it.  The best time to do that is right now!

2.  Write down your stats.  Blogging isn't about how many followers and page views you have but, of course, it's good to be aware of them at least monthly.  Find a place in your planner, make a spreadsheet, whatever works best for you, and make a spot for your FB, Bloglovin, Twitter, Instagram, and page views numbers.

3.  Update your sidebar.  I'm going to be working on a new overall blog design soon, but in the meantime, I realized that it's been forever since my sidebar had been updated.  Make sure yours is updated regularly!  Popular Posts are a wonderful way to keep readers on your site (have you also been stuck on one blog for tons of time because of this?!)  It's also great for helping readers to know more of your work.

4.  Recreate something from Pinterest.  Make sure to give proper credit of course, but recreate an outfit, a recipe, a fun activity with your kids, etc.  The recreation might take a little longer than 30 minutes, but the planning won't, so let the Pinterest scrolling begin!

What are some things you do to personally maintain your blog space?...especially when you only have a short time to do it?!

Girls' Weekend

This past weekend, my friend, Jennie, and I spent a weekend away in Asheville.  It was fantastic!  Jennie's husband, Clay, called me earlier and asked if I'd be able to go away, (he surprised Jennie with this trip!), and I was like.....ummmm letmethinkaboutthat YES.  

We toured the Biltmore, ate lots and lots of yummy food, shopped, slept in, and enjoyed every second of our girls' weekend.

Some pictures from our trip...

^I had to take a picture with my $2.50 miniature piece of chocolate.  Delicious.

^Love the Biltmore so much.  Especially since it's the American Downtown Abbey...and I'm obsessed with Downton Abbey.

^The Biltmore Village (a little area off the Biltmore property close to downtown Asheville) has the yummiest restaurants.  Well Bred was a delicious spot for lunch.

^Biscuit Head.....mmmmmm.....Biscuit Head.  Jennie heard about this place from one of her friends, and when we pulled up, there was a line outside the door.  I knew I had to eat there.  (I'm a big fan of waiting in long lines for delicious food...honestly.)  Worth it.  

^Delicious Mexican food at Cantina.  

Jennie and I are forever friends.  We like the same things, hate the same things (hah! seriously, though), and have the best time together.  She is amazing, and I'm a better person for having her in my life.

Disney World

Over Christmas break, we took a big Walker family trip to Disney World!  I'll post more about the actual trip next week, (and some Disney tips added in), but for now, here's a short video I made. 

I hope y'all have a great weekend!!

PS.  Here's a video from our last Disney World trip!

1 year

I've been trying to put together a post for my baby-turned-1-year-old-way-too-fast for a while, but instead, I've just been scrolling through newborn pictures from last year.  

I need someone to come to my house and literally smack me out of this newborn nostalgia/love/fever.  Good thing baby Crew is still a squishy little sugar love that loves his momma.

Crew was born one year ago at 9:06am and completely saved my life.  He brought with him a peace and a softness that I so desperately needed.  He is my little double and my little shadow, and I could not love him more.

^so tired and so overdue

Crew boo, we adore you.  Thank you for making this year the happiest year.  Happy Birthday, my darling love.

Sweet Crew's birth story here.

The best part about law school...

The best part about law school....Christmas break.  Seriously, so much fun.  Even though Noel is gone a ton throughout the year and summer, Christmas break is just that...a break!  

It's been so nice to have Noel home these past few weeks. Monday morning is going to hit us hard when real life begins again. We've played, cleaned, and have really enjoyed having daddy home with us!  (Also, he's done most of the carpool duties for me this week, which was awesomeee!)

A few pictures from Pullen Park the other day....

If you're in the Raleigh area this weekend, my friend, Ronnie's dance company, Black Irish, is performing in Cary.  They are fantastic and I'm so excited to see the show!

This year....

Last year was one of the best and most challenging years for me.  Challenging in the best kind of way. 

As Noel and I were discussing goals for the new year, I couldn't really think of any specifics (except maybe do a little less this year....yeah right!), but now I have one.  

I've seen a lot of good things going on lately and in the past year, and I don't want to forget them.  Big acts of service, small acts of kindness, laughter....and people doing a really great job at taking care of each other in one way or another.

I don't want to forget these moments....so this year...2016....I'm going to make a more valiant effort at writing them down.

And under my one goal, in fine print, I'll have eat less chocolate and drink less Coke. :)

Sweater: Gap (similar here)

Skirt: Gap (similar here)

Boots: c/o Rack Room Shoes

Scarf: Zara (similar here)

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy

Trip to Salt Lake City

The week before Christmas, my mom and I went to Salt Lake City to visit my sisters and to watch Sarah in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert.  We packed our three days full of fun things.  

I've never seen Temple Square during Christmas time so this was such a treat.  Pictures don't do the beauty of it any justice.  I'm not a fan of snow, but Utah has the pretty kind and gets rid of it from the streets almost immediately, so it was nice to enjoy for a few days.

My sister, Jessica, along with teaching at an elementary school in the area, is a yoga instructor at Corepower.  I took one of her classes, and she was amazing.  I wish I could take from her every day.  At the end during meditation, she puts a cool cloth on your forehead and massages your temples.  So awesome.

We went and watched a rehearsal on the University of Utah's campus with Sarah, ate yummy breakfasts at Kneaders Bakery and tasty dinners at The Lion House, and did all the touristy Temple Square things.  

And the main event!  Sarah's performance.  What an exciting performance to be part of and she was wonderful.  ^this is the backstage door for performers...(I wanted to go in so badddd!!!)  

Our flight home was supposed to get in at 9pm Friday night, but we didn't get in until 330am Saturday morning.  Ahhhh.  That was rough.  

I wish my sisters lived closer, but the time we spent together with my mom was so much fun. Happy New Year!!