How to hide your Amazon echo! I have the old schoo How to hide your Amazon echo! I have the old school Amazon Echo. We have the dots around the house, but our kitchen one is still the OG! I don't love it being on the counter so I came up with a way to hide it!

How do you hide your electronics? 

#homehacks #homeandgardens #homedecorideas #kitchenideas
Let's make an Easter basket Bundt cake! It's so ea Let's make an Easter basket Bundt cake! It's so easy and cute to create!

First, use edible grass or icing and a grass piping tip to add grass to your "basket." Then attach peeps to a toothpick and insert into the cake. Add eggs and other Easter candies. Finally, add a handle to complete the basket look!

What are you doing for Easter this year?

#eastercakes #easterbrunch #easterideas #springrecipes #easyrecipesformoms #springcakes #springparty #recipereels #easypartyideas
Snaps from staycation! We spent the weekend in Atl Snaps from staycation! We spent the weekend in Atlanta for Benjamin's birthday! 

We started at @childrensmuseumatlanta and then headed over to @skyviewatl! Then we had dinner at @johnnyrockets and spent the night. Then, we woke up early and headed over to the @georgiaaquarium for the day.

It was SO much fun. I highly recommend doing a staycation in your own city. I've lived here 30 years and always find something fun to do. 

Happy birthday to my big 2-year-old! 💙 

#atlantastaycation #staycation #toddlertrip #toddlertravel #toddlertravels #georgiaaquarium #childrensmuseumatlanta #skyviewatlanta #johnnyrockets
This is the easiest idea for a fun summer party! 🦀 I took these crabby chicken croissants to our margaritaville themed party last week. I also made them for a mermaid-themed party a few years ago!

To make these:
-slice mini croissants down the middle but leave the back connected.
-fill with chicken salad.
-attach a toothpick to the back of edible eyeballs with cookie icing and allow it to dry.
-insert the toothpicks into the croissants to create eyes!

Save this for later when you need a dish or appetizer to bring to summer parties! 

#easyrecipesformoms #easysummerrecipes #easyrecipesforkids #easyfamilyrecipes #summerpartyideas #summerbarbecue #chickensaladsandwich #recipereel #easyrecipesathome
My big, sweet, wonderful boy is 2! Being his mom i My big, sweet, wonderful boy is 2! Being his mom is the greatest gift I've ever been given. I am so incredibly grateful for my tiny bestie. 

Thank you @keikilaniphotography for these precious photos of our boy!
Today we're making frito corn salad! This might be Today we're making frito corn salad! This might be the most southern dish I've ever made. However, it is a perfect side to take to a barbecue or to make for a summer party. 

It's also the perfect dish to make if your kitchen is under construction like mine was for this video. It's a cold dish so nothing to heat up. 

First, mix together two cans of drained whole-kernel corn, two cups of mexican blend cheese, one cup of light mayo, diced red pepper, pepper and a bit of cilantro in a bowl. Then, add crushed Chili Cheese Fritos and mix well. Serve and enjoy! 

#recipereel #sidedishrecipes #sidedishes #cornsalad #cornrecipes #barbecuerecipes #recipereels #easyrecipeideas #easyrecipesformoms
You'll just have to excuse me this week. I'm feeli You'll just have to excuse me this week. I'm feeling extra sappy. I love sharing a birthday week with my boy, and I'm extra grateful for another year with my tiny bestie. 💕

Thanks for all the birthday love! Can't wait to celebrate my sweet boy the rest of the week! 

Cover photo is from the incredibly talented @keikilaniphotography 

#toddlermoments #dailymotherhood #toddlerboymom #toddlermomma #twoyearolds
It's my birthday! We're making glitter drinks! ✨ It's my birthday! We're making glitter drinks! ✨

This is my favorite way to make a regular drink feel fancy! Sprinkle a little edible glitter in a silicone mold and fill with water and freeze. When it melts, your drink will be cute and sparkly.

My drink today is two ounces of bourbon, one ounce of peach syrup, lemon juice and club soda! Stir and watch it sparkle. 

#glittercocktail #peachcocktail #birthdaydrink #birthdaycocktails #edibleglitter #easydrinks #easydrink #easydrinking #signaturedrinks #recipereel
Today we're making golf tee cupcakes for the Maste Today we're making golf tee cupcakes for the Masters! ⛳️

First, either make or purchase cupcakes with green frosting. My kitchen was under construction for this video, so I purchased mine. But you can easily make your own and even use the grass piping tip to make grass. 

Then I found these golf-tee toothpicks. Place one in each cupcake. 

Then use cookie icing to secure a white chocolate truffle to each of the tees. 

Allow the icing to harden, serve and enjoy!

#mastersparty #masterssunday #masterstournament #springdesserts #golfcupcakes #golfparty #golfpartyideas #springparty #recipereels #cupcakereel #cupcakereels
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Blogging, Life · May 14, 2018

The Best Things I’ve Done for My Blog

Happy Monday! How we feeling this week??

So one thing I feel like I don’t talk about on the blog very often is actual blogging. I feel that there are so many blogs out there that do such a great job of teaching blogging tips and techniques. I am still such a small blogger that I don’t really feel like I belong in that realm of the blogosphere, but today I will share what has worked for me.

I have been blogging since October of 2014 technically. lol. Honestly some of those posts had good content, but weren’t very pretty to look at. It’s one of my goals one day when I have free time to go back and re-vamp some old posts. Anyways, I wasn’t consistent..I blogged willy-nilly and not on a schedule. Over the years I’ve done every trial and error in the book but didn’t see any kind of growth in engagement.

That is until last March. March of 2017 is kind of what I consider the “rebirth” of the Hel On Heels brand. I took serious strides to grow my blog, my brand, my social media, and everything in between. It made a difference! When I get discouraged, I look at where I was a year ago to where I am now and I cut myself some slack. It’s a journey for sure.

By implementing these strategies, I have been able to monetize my blog, grow my social media engagement, partner with some awesome brands and businesses, travel, and (most importantly) stay excited about this little business that I have built. So here is my list of the best things I have done for my blog. Take it with a grain of salt!

 

Set Yourself Up for Success

One thing I wish I had done differently from the beginning, was to set myself up on a self-hosted website with my own domain. I originally started out with WordPress.com–quickly learned that you had NO freedom with that and switched to Blogger. Eventually I purchased a domain, but still had everything hosted through Blogger (a free site). FINALLY at the beginning of last year, I hired Lisette of High Note Designs (who I highly recommend. She was beyond easy to work with!) to have my entire blog converted into a self-hosted WordPress site and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done. I now have the creative freedom I need to make this space what I want. I own all of my content.  The plugins help with ease and access to my site. I have changed up my design several times over the past year, but I am finally very pleased with the aesthetic. It took a LONG time for me to get here, but I am finally happy. I wish I hadn’t wasted so much time going back and forth between platforms and set my self up originally on a self-hosted WordPress site. If you are looking to make your blog a business, go ahead and save yourself the headaches and invest in a domain and self-host your site!

 Take Courses!

I did not wake up one day knowing everything about blogging. I still haven’t even scratched the surface! You know what I do know though?? To learn and take the advice of people smarter than me. I started taking blogging courses. I’ve taken Instagram courses, Pinterest Courses, how to monetize courses, how to grow courses. I’ve read e-books, watched webinars, and looked up every infographic on the internet. Taking courses was finally the key for me to get my head out of my butt and GROW! My favorite course I’ve taken is Erica’s Bosspitch. This is the course that taught me the most about pitching and partnering with brands AND how to finally make an income from blogging. I’m not a full-time blogger, but it’s nice to have blogging funds in the bank. You can check out my testimonial for the course here!

Create Original and Interesting Photography

Let’s face it. People like to read, but they love to look at pictures. A year ago, I invested in good lenses for my DSLR camera (I like the 50 mm), watched photo editing courses on YouTube, and asked Hubbs to start helping me take pictures. Rather than an Instagram full of flatlays and grainy iPhone photos, I started taking engaging and interesting pictures.

Build a Brand

Ok, so I’m fairly new to the branding of Hel On Heels…but not overall. My day job is in marketing. I’ve worked with several organizations and companies that branding was part of my job. Why it took me so long to start creating the Hel On Heels brand is beyond me. I took a picture at Charleston Fashion Week (the one above) and it hit me..Those were the colors for my brand. So I’ve worked it into my blog design, my Instagram theme, and I’m working on building it into the rest of my platforms. I want you to see the colors and fonts and think, oh duh, that’s Hel On Heels. It’s a process, but even over the past few weeks it’s made a difference. I have a whole branding plan that will fully take form by Q3…

Network

I have a kick-ass group of blogging pals in Atlanta. I’ve met and really bonded with them this year and that has made such a HUGE difference. We share tips, invite each other to events, meet-up for drinks, and have actually become friends. I am so inspired by every single thing they do and have love love loved having them as a resource and a sounding board. It has been so nice to have blogging pals that are humble, collaborative and want to help me grow. Making blogging friends has been the ultimate game changer for me. So I recommend going to conferences, going to blogging meet-ups, and getting your name out there in your city to create connections with other bloggers. It’s awesome!

If you’re a blogger, what are the best things that you have done for you blog? 

In: Blogging, Life

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Comments

  1. Ruth says

    May 14, 2018 at 8:29 am

    So much great advice in here! I particularly liked the first one about setting up for success – I jumped right in, as though I knew what I was doing and then started to think… am I too new for this? Reading your comments made me realise I’d probably done the right thing to just go for it and act like I knew what I was doing haha!

    Courses are definitely one of the keys to blogging. I’ve only done a few, but they’ve taught me more than I’ve managed to find doing HOURS of research! The insider information is priceless.

    Thanks for sharing this, loved reading it.

    Ruth | http://www.ruthinrevolt.com

  2. Nicole Green says

    May 14, 2018 at 11:01 am

    Totally agree with the tip about self hosting! My current blog is my second “attempt” at blogging and while I previously had been Blogger, I decided to invest a little money upfront and go for the self-hosted WordPress. 3 years later and I’m so glad I did because I’ve heard how tough switching can be once you’ve already started creating.

  3. Cayli Johnson says

    May 14, 2018 at 1:30 pm

    Yes photography is huge, and building a brand is huge and soooo difficult to accomplish but I agree with this whole list!

    http://www.nightchayde.com

  4. Jordyn Upchurch says

    May 14, 2018 at 2:24 pm

    I’m so glad you did this post! Working on my photography in the past year has really elevated my branding & I’m so glad I chose to do it when I did!

    xoxo, SS

    Southern and Style

  5. Cara Owens-Kindly Unspoken says

    May 14, 2018 at 3:41 pm

    Such great tips! Of course I LOVE boss pitch and it’s been so helpful in working with brands. I love that you touched base on building a cohesive brand- that’s so important!

  6. mary_makeup@hotmail.it says

    May 14, 2018 at 4:19 pm

    I recently looked for other people to run the blog with, and as a blogger this is one of the best things that I have done for my blog so far ! Now it’s a blogazine (a sort of). x

  7. Jasmine Maria says

    May 14, 2018 at 5:40 pm

    networking has been amazing for my blog.

  8. Keating | Mainely Keating says

    May 14, 2018 at 7:52 pm

    So many great tips!! These are all so important. Building my brand and creating a community around it has been huge for me.

  9. thesophiadiaries says

    May 14, 2018 at 8:13 pm

    love all of these! bosspitch is the one course i really want to take, and when i have the funds for it, i’m totally taking the plunge! heard so many good things honestly <3

  10. Patricia @ Grab a Plate says

    May 14, 2018 at 8:53 pm

    Great tips! I really need to do more about taking some courses. Excellent suggestion. Glad to read through your suggestions!

  11. Jennifer Maune says

    May 14, 2018 at 8:55 pm

    Love all of your pictures! It’s amazing how staying consistent can really help grow your blog. You’re doing great!

    -Jennifer
    https://maunelegacy.com

  12. LayanBee says

    May 14, 2018 at 9:01 pm

    the photography part is the one i struggle with the most. I love photography and I love writing blog posts/making youtube videos but ive ive blogged or vlogged, i feel like my creative juices are drained. add the pressure to have something new and interesting on IG every single day and it makes photography seem like a chore

  13. Rachel @ STCL says

    May 14, 2018 at 9:48 pm

    These are all great strategies! Moving to WordPress is such a huge step + YES to blogging courses!

  14. Monica Delmonico says

    May 14, 2018 at 10:10 pm

    I’ve been contemplating purchasing a new camera! I’m just nervous I’ll pick one that is too advance for me!

  15. Chelsie Carr says

    May 14, 2018 at 10:15 pm

    BossPitch has changed EVERYTHING for me! ANd yesss to Networking. I’ve made the best friends here in Utah – we meet up every week to discuss strategies and support one another and it’s been life changing for me!

  16. Sadie Banks says

    May 14, 2018 at 11:21 pm

    i loved this post! one thing that’s really helped me was consistency & realizing that i was writing good content that people wanted to read! i am so excited to for you to keep up with your blog! i love the way your branding is going!!

  17. Jenny says

    May 15, 2018 at 1:15 am

    Yes to all of these! So essential as a blogger.

  18. Cristina says

    May 15, 2018 at 3:16 am

    I truly believe that photography can make or break a blog. At least in my case as a visitor.
    I haven’t taken any course because there are a lot of free resources out there and I also enjoy reading books.

  19. Rachel@The Confused Millennial says

    May 15, 2018 at 7:50 am

    ahh love these! I do all of these. I think they all are so important. for me the best thing has always been following my intuition and doing what feels right. i grow whenever i’m focused on that

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How to hide your Amazon echo! I have the old schoo How to hide your Amazon echo! I have the old school Amazon Echo. We have the dots around the house, but our kitchen one is still the OG! I don't love it being on the counter so I came up with a way to hide it!

How do you hide your electronics? 

#homehacks #homeandgardens #homedecorideas #kitchenideas
Let's make an Easter basket Bundt cake! It's so ea Let's make an Easter basket Bundt cake! It's so easy and cute to create!

First, use edible grass or icing and a grass piping tip to add grass to your "basket." Then attach peeps to a toothpick and insert into the cake. Add eggs and other Easter candies. Finally, add a handle to complete the basket look!

What are you doing for Easter this year?

#eastercakes #easterbrunch #easterideas #springrecipes #easyrecipesformoms #springcakes #springparty #recipereels #easypartyideas
Snaps from staycation! We spent the weekend in Atl Snaps from staycation! We spent the weekend in Atlanta for Benjamin's birthday! 

We started at @childrensmuseumatlanta and then headed over to @skyviewatl! Then we had dinner at @johnnyrockets and spent the night. Then, we woke up early and headed over to the @georgiaaquarium for the day.

It was SO much fun. I highly recommend doing a staycation in your own city. I've lived here 30 years and always find something fun to do. 

Happy birthday to my big 2-year-old! 💙 

#atlantastaycation #staycation #toddlertrip #toddlertravel #toddlertravels #georgiaaquarium #childrensmuseumatlanta #skyviewatlanta #johnnyrockets
This is the easiest idea for a fun summer party! 🦀 I took these crabby chicken croissants to our margaritaville themed party last week. I also made them for a mermaid-themed party a few years ago!

To make these:
-slice mini croissants down the middle but leave the back connected.
-fill with chicken salad.
-attach a toothpick to the back of edible eyeballs with cookie icing and allow it to dry.
-insert the toothpicks into the croissants to create eyes!

Save this for later when you need a dish or appetizer to bring to summer parties! 

#easyrecipesformoms #easysummerrecipes #easyrecipesforkids #easyfamilyrecipes #summerpartyideas #summerbarbecue #chickensaladsandwich #recipereel #easyrecipesathome
My big, sweet, wonderful boy is 2! Being his mom i My big, sweet, wonderful boy is 2! Being his mom is the greatest gift I've ever been given. I am so incredibly grateful for my tiny bestie. 

Thank you @keikilaniphotography for these precious photos of our boy!
Today we're making frito corn salad! This might be Today we're making frito corn salad! This might be the most southern dish I've ever made. However, it is a perfect side to take to a barbecue or to make for a summer party. 

It's also the perfect dish to make if your kitchen is under construction like mine was for this video. It's a cold dish so nothing to heat up. 

First, mix together two cans of drained whole-kernel corn, two cups of mexican blend cheese, one cup of light mayo, diced red pepper, pepper and a bit of cilantro in a bowl. Then, add crushed Chili Cheese Fritos and mix well. Serve and enjoy! 

#recipereel #sidedishrecipes #sidedishes #cornsalad #cornrecipes #barbecuerecipes #recipereels #easyrecipeideas #easyrecipesformoms
You'll just have to excuse me this week. I'm feeli You'll just have to excuse me this week. I'm feeling extra sappy. I love sharing a birthday week with my boy, and I'm extra grateful for another year with my tiny bestie. 💕

Thanks for all the birthday love! Can't wait to celebrate my sweet boy the rest of the week! 

Cover photo is from the incredibly talented @keikilaniphotography 

#toddlermoments #dailymotherhood #toddlerboymom #toddlermomma #twoyearolds
It's my birthday! We're making glitter drinks! ✨ It's my birthday! We're making glitter drinks! ✨

This is my favorite way to make a regular drink feel fancy! Sprinkle a little edible glitter in a silicone mold and fill with water and freeze. When it melts, your drink will be cute and sparkly.

My drink today is two ounces of bourbon, one ounce of peach syrup, lemon juice and club soda! Stir and watch it sparkle. 

#glittercocktail #peachcocktail #birthdaydrink #birthdaycocktails #edibleglitter #easydrinks #easydrink #easydrinking #signaturedrinks #recipereel
Today we're making golf tee cupcakes for the Maste Today we're making golf tee cupcakes for the Masters! ⛳️

First, either make or purchase cupcakes with green frosting. My kitchen was under construction for this video, so I purchased mine. But you can easily make your own and even use the grass piping tip to make grass. 

Then I found these golf-tee toothpicks. Place one in each cupcake. 

Then use cookie icing to secure a white chocolate truffle to each of the tees. 

Allow the icing to harden, serve and enjoy!

#mastersparty #masterssunday #masterstournament #springdesserts #golfcupcakes #golfparty #golfpartyideas #springparty #recipereels #cupcakereel #cupcakereels
Obsessed!! From the day we got the cabinets painte Obsessed!! From the day we got the cabinets painted to the finished project with backsplash and under cabinet lighting. I love our kitchen so much! 

We are going to replace the outlet and switch covers to blend a little more, but for now, we are so excited to have this completed kitchen! 

#kitchenreno #kitchenbeforeandafter #kitchenremodels #kitchenrenos #kitchenrenovations #farrowandballpaint #kitchencabinetsmakeover #kitchenbacksplash #kitchenidea #kitcheninspo #coastalgrandmother

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