Let's make heart-shaped quesadillas! These would b Let's make heart-shaped quesadillas! These would be fun for Valentine's Day dinner with your kids. 

In full transparency, I wanted to make quesadilla uncrustables, but bought the wrong kind of tortilla. If you want to make those definitely get flour tortillas not corn. 

These are easy to make though, just use a heart shaped cookie cutter to cut your tortillas, then fill and grill on the stove! 

#easymealsforbusypeople #easyrecipesformoms #valentinesideas #valentinesdinner #recipereel #galentinesbrunch
Here's a hack to make your boots stand up tall in Here's a hack to make your boots stand up tall in your closet! Use a magazine! Roll it up and stick it inside for your boots to stand tall! 

After organizing all weekend, I didn't want to purchase ANYTHING else to organize. I wanted something cheap that I already had lying around.

I like the pool noodle hack but did not have time to go acquire a pool noodle in January.

Try the magazine hack and let me know how you like it? What's your favorite organizational hack?

#organizationhacks #closetmakeover #homehacks #closethacks #widecalfboots #organizationideas #homeorganizationtips
A little matching moment for your Monday! 🌸🌺 A little matching moment for your Monday! 🌸🌺

As a boy mom, I have to work a little harder for matching ensembles, but this little floral wrap dress and button down for spring are just too cute! 

Linking our outfits here: https://liketk.it/40B4p

#ltkfamily #shopltk #ltkunder50 #boymomclub #familymatchingoutfits #familymatching #ltkkids #boyclothes #oldnavybaby #oldnavykids #oldnavystyle #floralsforspring
I purchased the @thebeachwaver B1 over the holiday I purchased the @thebeachwaver B1 over the holidays and loved it so much I bought one for my sister. The rotating barrel makes getting ready so darn easy! 

Use my code HELENWAVE for 10% off!

#beachwaver #beachwaverpartner #hairstylingtutorial #hairstylingtips #hairstylereels #curlingirons #curlingiron #curltransformation #igotbeached
Today we're making garlic and herb pigs in a blank Today we're making garlic and herb pigs in a blanket for your super bowl party. 

-First, roll out crescent dough and slice each of the triangles into thirds. 
-Then spread a little boursin herb and garlic cheese onto each of the triangles. 
-Add a lil smokie and roll it up. 
-Bake for 12-15 minutes on 375. 
-Serve and enjoy!

Do you add anything extra to your pigs in a blanket? 

#superbowlsnacks #superbowlsnack #superbowlappetizers #easyappetizer #easyappetizers #easyrecipeideas #easyrecipesformoms #easyrecipesathome #recipereel
You've heard of a butter board, but have you seen You've heard of a butter board, but have you seen a peanut butter board? 

Today we are making one for Valentine's Day. 

-First take a board and spread peanut butter all over it. 
-Then top with chocolate chips, valentine's day sprinkles, bananas, nutella and strawberries. I cut mine to look like hearts. 
-Then serve with graham crackers, pretzels or fruit and enjoy! 

Are you doing anything fun for Valentine's Day or Galentine's Day? Have you tried the peanut butter board yet?

#valentinesdays #valentinesdaydessert #galentinesparty #butterboard #peanutbutterrecipe #peanutbutterdessert #recipereel #valentinesdayideas #easyrecipesformoms
Today we're making jalapeno cheese dip in a bread Today we're making jalapeno cheese dip in a bread bowl. This is a great party snack and would be awesome at an upcoming super bowl party. 

-First, cut the top off a round loaf of bread and remove the middle. 
-Cut all of the pieces removed into cubes and set aside. 
-Then take a jalapeno queso block and cut it into cubes. Place in a pan. 
-Then add two cans of drained green chiles and a splash of milk. 
-Heat over medium high heat on the stove stirring constantly to prevent sticking. Trust me nobody wants that cleanup. 
-Then immediately pour into your bread bowl and serve hot with the cubed bread pieces. Enjoy!

Easy, and tasty! Are you having or going to a Super Bowl party this year? What's on the menu?

#partysnacks #partysnack #easyappetizers #easyappetizer #cheesedip #recipereel #superbowlsnacks #superbowlfood
My baby is finally feeling better, thank goodness! My baby is finally feeling better, thank goodness! I'm going to be honest, I am exhausted. The emotional toll this week has taken on me has just made me a new level of tired. 

I saw something the other day and it really stuck with me. 

Nobody talks about this when you are thinking about having kids. They talk about the financial piece and the how it's going to change your life piece. But nobody talks about the risk you take by having something you love so much and all the worry that comes with it. 

It's a risk every day to have your whole heart walking around, and going to school and picking up illnesses. There is so much worry and stress that comes with it.

But on the other hand, what a privilege it is to have something you love that much. I have never loved anything the way I love this little boy.

While sometimes the emotions, intrusive thoughts, worry and stress get the best of me, I am grateful every second of every day that I get to be this perfect, beautiful tiny human's mom.

Thanks for all the sweet messages of encouragement this week. It's so nice to know I'm not alone. I'm very grateful for all of you! 

#momthoughts #dailymotherhood #workingmomstruggles #toddlermom
Do you decorate for Valentine's Day? I love a holi Do you decorate for Valentine's Day? I love a holiday that is all about pink and red. 💕 

Decided to update my little kitchen island tray this year with Valentine's Day decor! ❤️

Do you decorate for Valentine's Day?

#valentinesdaydecor #valentinesdayideas #valentinesdaydecorations #galentinesdaydecor #galentinesdayparty #valentinesdayparty #holidayhomedecor
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Blogging, Life · February 21, 2018

5 Ways to Organize Your Blog Business

Do you love organizing as much as I do? I am all about files, stickies, lists, folders, binders, calendars, spreadsheets, and more! My little bloggy blog has gone through some changes lately, and it’s time to really get serious and organized. Y’all would crack up if you saw my folders on my computer. They are organized to the absolute most granular level–for example, I am working with a brand on a giveaway, and this is the path to get to one document: Hel On Heels – 2018 – March – Brand Name- Giveaway – Contracts – Guidelines – Doc I actually need.

It’s hilarious because the files on my computer are pristine, yet every pair of shoes I’ve worn in the past two weeks are strewn around my house lol. I’m so organized at both my full-time job and my blog, but I am a hot mess when it comes to my room or my car. Oh well, we can’t all be perfect.

Anyways, because my blog is going through so many changes and I’m working with a lot more brands and partnerships, I wanted to share today about how I’m staying organized with my little baby business. Here are five things that are keeping me sane!

  1. Income Report – this is something new I’m starting this year. I’ve learned it’s actually really helpful to know how much money you are making. Like duh, Hel. In the past I have kind of just kept a running tally since most of my income in the past has come through networks and they send you a 1099. However, since I’m getting more serious about my blog, I needed to get more serious about my tracking as well. So I have a 2018 spreadsheet with a tab for each month and then an overall tab for 2018. On the monthly tab, I have it broken down by campaign earnings that have been deposited, campaign earnings that have been approved but won’t be deposited until post 30 or whatever, and campaign earnings that have been transferred but haven’t made it to my bank account due to a non-business day or whatever. Of course, I color code the crap out of it. The overall 2018 sheet has a table with every month of 2018 down the left hand side. Then I have a column for deposited (money that has actually hit my bank account), expected (money that I anticipate will hit my bank account that month), approved (campaigns that were approved that month but won’t pay out until later), and product amount (value of the products I have been sent.) This report has been life changing. I always know where Hel On Heels is financially.
  2. Paper files – Yeah, I’m old school like that. I have a hanging file where I keep important documents. I print all of my contracts and invoices. That way if my computer ever crashes or I get hacked or something happens, I have an extra copy. I also save my invoices on files on my computer as well.
  3. Editorial Calendar – So I have always kind of used one of these. Usually an electronic version, but honestly I would think of a brilliant idea while I was out and about and forget it by the time I get home to add it to the calendar. Now I solely have a physical planner just for my editorial calendar. It lives in my purse and when I think of something I want to do, I whip it out and write it down on the date I want to schedule that post. Is it the cleanest way to plan, no? Have you seen a lot more content on Hel On Heels in 2018? You betcha. This is all due to my cute little Kate Spade editorial calendar. I use it to plan everything including blog posts, social media, and brand pitches.
  4. Goals and Visions – Maybe it’s cheesy, but I have goals and visions for 2018 that are keeping me more organized, focused, and driven than I’ve ever been. I have goals for the year, I have goals for the month, I have goals for the week, I have goals for the day, and even hour lol. All of these goals are helping me achieve my overarching vision for Hel On Heels. They are all written down and in my face every day. When I reach some of the big milestone goals, I have rewards in place. All of this combined is keeping me a lean, mean, organized machine.
  5. TA-DA Lists – I call my to-do lists “TA-DA” lists so that way when you check something off you can say “TAAA-DAAA!” haha it’s the little things people. Anyways, I definitely like written lists so I have the satisfaction of crossing things off, but I also love love love Trello. This is an online program to keep your “TA-DA” lists organized. I keep three categories — “to do”, “doing”, and “TA-DA!” Obviously the tasks that need to be done are in the “to do” column, the task I’m currently working on is in the “doing” column, and when I’m finished the task gets plopped in the “TA-DA” column. I really like this program a lot.

Whew, we made it! Alright, help a girl out. What are your favorite ways to stay organized??

 

In: Blogging, Life

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Comments

  1. theartfulwanderer says

    February 21, 2018 at 8:42 am

    Great post! 🙂 I’ve alwsys been a very organised person, borderline OCD, but only once I started my travel&lifestyle I fully understood the importance of keeping everything under control, scheduling tasks and keeping motivated! Your Goals and Visions section especially, really on point!

  2. Caitlin Elisabeth says

    February 21, 2018 at 9:16 am

    AHH YES! i think im pretty organized but this takes the cake 🙂 love love love the goals and visions you have!

  3. Jessica Jacobowitz Weinberg says

    February 21, 2018 at 9:16 am

    These tips are so helpful! It is so hard to stay organized on top of everything else. I find that my folders on gmail are very helpful!
    xo Jessica
    http://www.whatsfordinneresq.com

  4. Maegan Lin O'Loughlin says

    February 21, 2018 at 10:34 am

    Ha, love your folder story. I love to get organized too. My blog is still a baby, but I love using an editorial calendar and have started an income report. My daily planner is probably my most important organizing tool right now so I know what to focus on during blog time.

  5. Cara Owens-Kindly Unspoken says

    February 21, 2018 at 11:58 am

    Haha love your TA-DA idea! Definitely gives me motivation! 😉 I’m totally in the same boat with you with needing to stay more organized now that I’m working with more brands- plus it makes it so much easier when doing taxes.

  6. Marette Flora @ Floradise says

    February 21, 2018 at 12:47 pm

    I use my Erin Condren as my content planner. I use the monthly notes pages to track my blog post ideas and pitches, as well as social media growth. I like your ideas for tracking income!

  7. Messy Cutting Board says

    February 21, 2018 at 1:23 pm

    Love this!! I just stated seriously blogging last year so I am still learning the ropes, but hoping to monopolize this year, so I better get organized and this helps a ton!! Thank you!!

  8. Jasmine Maria says

    February 21, 2018 at 1:31 pm

    I use the self employed quickbooks app because I can connect my bank account and paypal and keep track of my business income/expense. I can also separate what’s personal expense. Easy way to file my taxes.

  9. Becky @ Disney in your Day says

    February 21, 2018 at 1:31 pm

    I love it. I’m trying to get more organized this year, including cleaning out my old office and setting it up as a blogging office/photography studio. At the rate I’m going though it may take me all year to get it going. I also need to get better about keeping an income report… I keep track of how much I make per month but then the payouts happen at different times, and that’s what’s throwing me off.

  10. Karli Ellis says

    February 21, 2018 at 1:37 pm

    I love these ideas! Last year I thought I was organized, until I started doing taxes! This year I’ve definitely started off better, but I love these tips and will be using some! Thanks!

  11. Beth Shankle Anderson says

    February 21, 2018 at 4:10 pm

    I live by my editorial calendar. I use the program Asana now for my “TA-DA” lists and it’s great to keep track of everything! I love your visuals at the top of this post!

    Beth || http://www.TheStyleBouquet.com

  12. Rachel@The Confused Millennial says

    February 21, 2018 at 4:36 pm

    haha i love the TA-DA lists!! Such a fun way to punch things up! I use trello and google drive to organize everything! it’s been a life changer!

  13. Vanessa K says

    February 21, 2018 at 8:22 pm

    These are great! I need to stick to my editorial calendar more often. I’ve been thinking about adding trello into the mix as well. I love your TA-DA list idea 😉 Google Drive is my heartbeat for my blog. I write my posts in a google doc and copy and paste it into wordpress. I’ve had my blog post disappear a time or two just typing it directly into wordpress. Not sure why or how, but having it happen TWICE made me realize I need to do something different 😛

  14. Kati Rose says

    February 21, 2018 at 9:10 pm

    I love that you call your to-do list a ta-da list, I may have to steal that one. It probably makes you a lot more excited to cross things off.

  15. Rachel @ STCL says

    February 21, 2018 at 9:33 pm

    Totally agree that staying organized is the way to go! There can be SO many things to keep up with. I’ve heard great things about Trello – I really need to look into it!

  16. Jenny says

    February 22, 2018 at 12:24 am

    I have a spreadsheet with my income and expenses too. It definitely helps me keep up with how much I am expecting and see where I can fill some gaps. Also yes to trello! I use it to run my business.

  17. Erica @ Coming up Roses says

    February 22, 2018 at 8:44 am

    Lovelovelove that you’re planning your pitches out in your calendar – YOU GO GIRL!

  18. Whitney S. says

    February 22, 2018 at 11:05 am

    I’m definitely getting more organized this year, especially when it comes to income! One thing that I’ve always been good at is planning out my blog posts. I have a huge dry ease calendar and have all the posts I want to write written on the calendar!

  19. Taylor Smith says

    February 22, 2018 at 11:17 am

    I love being organized!!! So awesome!

  20. Cristina says

    February 22, 2018 at 12:34 pm

    Having an editorial calendar AND filling it in, turned to be the best thing ever for me. I have all my ideas there, so I don’t have to worry about blog post ideas from one day to another.

  21. Kelsie K Sabers says

    February 22, 2018 at 2:30 pm

    I Love all of these! I am such an organizer! I need to do better at keeping track of a spreadsheet this year tho!

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Let's make heart-shaped quesadillas! These would b Let's make heart-shaped quesadillas! These would be fun for Valentine's Day dinner with your kids. 

In full transparency, I wanted to make quesadilla uncrustables, but bought the wrong kind of tortilla. If you want to make those definitely get flour tortillas not corn. 

These are easy to make though, just use a heart shaped cookie cutter to cut your tortillas, then fill and grill on the stove! 

#easymealsforbusypeople #easyrecipesformoms #valentinesideas #valentinesdinner #recipereel #galentinesbrunch
Here's a hack to make your boots stand up tall in Here's a hack to make your boots stand up tall in your closet! Use a magazine! Roll it up and stick it inside for your boots to stand tall! 

After organizing all weekend, I didn't want to purchase ANYTHING else to organize. I wanted something cheap that I already had lying around.

I like the pool noodle hack but did not have time to go acquire a pool noodle in January.

Try the magazine hack and let me know how you like it? What's your favorite organizational hack?

#organizationhacks #closetmakeover #homehacks #closethacks #widecalfboots #organizationideas #homeorganizationtips
A little matching moment for your Monday! 🌸🌺 A little matching moment for your Monday! 🌸🌺

As a boy mom, I have to work a little harder for matching ensembles, but this little floral wrap dress and button down for spring are just too cute! 

Linking our outfits here: https://liketk.it/40B4p

#ltkfamily #shopltk #ltkunder50 #boymomclub #familymatchingoutfits #familymatching #ltkkids #boyclothes #oldnavybaby #oldnavykids #oldnavystyle #floralsforspring
I purchased the @thebeachwaver B1 over the holiday I purchased the @thebeachwaver B1 over the holidays and loved it so much I bought one for my sister. The rotating barrel makes getting ready so darn easy! 

Use my code HELENWAVE for 10% off!

#beachwaver #beachwaverpartner #hairstylingtutorial #hairstylingtips #hairstylereels #curlingirons #curlingiron #curltransformation #igotbeached
Today we're making garlic and herb pigs in a blank Today we're making garlic and herb pigs in a blanket for your super bowl party. 

-First, roll out crescent dough and slice each of the triangles into thirds. 
-Then spread a little boursin herb and garlic cheese onto each of the triangles. 
-Add a lil smokie and roll it up. 
-Bake for 12-15 minutes on 375. 
-Serve and enjoy!

Do you add anything extra to your pigs in a blanket? 

#superbowlsnacks #superbowlsnack #superbowlappetizers #easyappetizer #easyappetizers #easyrecipeideas #easyrecipesformoms #easyrecipesathome #recipereel
You've heard of a butter board, but have you seen You've heard of a butter board, but have you seen a peanut butter board? 

Today we are making one for Valentine's Day. 

-First take a board and spread peanut butter all over it. 
-Then top with chocolate chips, valentine's day sprinkles, bananas, nutella and strawberries. I cut mine to look like hearts. 
-Then serve with graham crackers, pretzels or fruit and enjoy! 

Are you doing anything fun for Valentine's Day or Galentine's Day? Have you tried the peanut butter board yet?

#valentinesdays #valentinesdaydessert #galentinesparty #butterboard #peanutbutterrecipe #peanutbutterdessert #recipereel #valentinesdayideas #easyrecipesformoms
Today we're making jalapeno cheese dip in a bread Today we're making jalapeno cheese dip in a bread bowl. This is a great party snack and would be awesome at an upcoming super bowl party. 

-First, cut the top off a round loaf of bread and remove the middle. 
-Cut all of the pieces removed into cubes and set aside. 
-Then take a jalapeno queso block and cut it into cubes. Place in a pan. 
-Then add two cans of drained green chiles and a splash of milk. 
-Heat over medium high heat on the stove stirring constantly to prevent sticking. Trust me nobody wants that cleanup. 
-Then immediately pour into your bread bowl and serve hot with the cubed bread pieces. Enjoy!

Easy, and tasty! Are you having or going to a Super Bowl party this year? What's on the menu?

#partysnacks #partysnack #easyappetizers #easyappetizer #cheesedip #recipereel #superbowlsnacks #superbowlfood
My baby is finally feeling better, thank goodness! My baby is finally feeling better, thank goodness! I'm going to be honest, I am exhausted. The emotional toll this week has taken on me has just made me a new level of tired. 

I saw something the other day and it really stuck with me. 

Nobody talks about this when you are thinking about having kids. They talk about the financial piece and the how it's going to change your life piece. But nobody talks about the risk you take by having something you love so much and all the worry that comes with it. 

It's a risk every day to have your whole heart walking around, and going to school and picking up illnesses. There is so much worry and stress that comes with it.

But on the other hand, what a privilege it is to have something you love that much. I have never loved anything the way I love this little boy.

While sometimes the emotions, intrusive thoughts, worry and stress get the best of me, I am grateful every second of every day that I get to be this perfect, beautiful tiny human's mom.

Thanks for all the sweet messages of encouragement this week. It's so nice to know I'm not alone. I'm very grateful for all of you! 

#momthoughts #dailymotherhood #workingmomstruggles #toddlermom
Do you decorate for Valentine's Day? I love a holi Do you decorate for Valentine's Day? I love a holiday that is all about pink and red. 💕 

Decided to update my little kitchen island tray this year with Valentine's Day decor! ❤️

Do you decorate for Valentine's Day?

#valentinesdaydecor #valentinesdayideas #valentinesdaydecorations #galentinesdaydecor #galentinesdayparty #valentinesdayparty #holidayhomedecor
Today we are making a Valentine's Day waffle platt Today we are making a Valentine's Day waffle platter with nutella filled uncrustable waffles. I do realize waffles don't have crusts, but it helps keep the Nutella inside! 

How to make them:
-First, mix your batter and dye it pink with a little bit of food coloring. 
-Then make your waffles, I found this cute @bydash mini waffle maker for Valentine's Day!
-Once they are done, spread a little nutella on a waffle.
-Add a second waffle to the top and use a heart shaped uncrustable cutter to make an uncrustable waffle. 
-Arrange these on a cute plate, add some strawberries, serve and enjoy!

What's your vote on Nutella? Delicious or overrated? 

#waffleboard #breakfastboard #valentinesbreakfast #breakfastrecipe #nutellapancakes #nutellawaffle #recipereel #breakfastreels #valentinesdaybreakfast #valentinesstrawberries

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