support

How I Lost My Meta Socials….

Abby H.Leave a comment

On May 6th at about 2pm Pacific time, my Meta socials (Facebook, Instagram, and Threads) got hacked, and Meta suspended them.

I was at my day job, working, so I didn’t know about it until about 3pm.

I did a quick Google search, followed all the steps, but alas, I was unable to recover them.

I had those accounts for about 15+ years. My Facebook account included the page that supported my blog, as well as several groups I was a moderator/owner of. My Meta Accounts were what drove people to my blog, which is how I make most of my money on social media- which, to be honest, isn’t a lot.

So now I’m starting over from scratch. How can you help? It’s pretty simple:

  1. Like my Facebook Page.
  2. Follow me on Instagram.
  3. Follow me on Threads. 
  4. Follow me on Bluesky.
  5. Check out my Link Tree.
  6. Check out my Amazon Storefront. 

Got A Teacher in Your Life? 7 Ways to Lend Support

Abby H.Leave a comment

May is upon us, which means it’s the downward slide into the end of the school year. It’s also that time of year when your teacher friends are a little more stressed than usual. For some states, standardized testing starts after spring break. For most classrooms, the supplies that were purchased in August have run out completely.

Here are seven ways that you can lend your support to an educator in your life without buying $30 wrapping paper at their next fundraiser.

If you’ve got the time, cash, or inclination, here are a few ways you can help the teacher in your life:

  1. Check with them to see if they need supplies.  Between Dollar Tree, Walmart, and Amazon, there are a lot of places you can find inexpensive number 2 pencils, markers, and lined paper.
  2. Headphones/in-ear headphones. Mid-year is about the time when they stop working. And most schools can’t afford to replace them. A lot of classrooms use programs that read to kids, especially in the lower grades and special education classrooms. Standardized testing frequently has sections that are read to students or require them to speak. A handful of the plug-in in-ear headphones from Dollar Tree or Five Below can help. School iPads use USB-C headphones.
  3. Do they have a Donors Choose Page? Are they trying to raise funds for a special project? Throw $10-$20 their way, and share their donor’s choice link on your socials.
  4. Ask if they have an Amazon wish list. Buy something, share it on your socials.
  5. If you eat out frequently, check to see if your teacher friends’ PTSA/PTA utilizes restaurant fundraisers. The school my children go to has a restaurant fundraiser once a month with local restaurants in our community. 20% of the bill goes towards funds for the school. We don’t eat out very often, but it’s a good way to support my kids’ school without having to buy a $30 roll of wrapping paper.
  6. If you have flexibility in your schedule, offer to volunteer. Either in class or after school. Teachers need help after teaching hours with grading, resetting the classroom, prepping projects, and changing out bulletin boards.
  7. Be supportive. Teaching is more than the three hours, and it can take a lot out of teachers. Teachers are not only educators, but they are also the social and emotional support for kids for six hours a day, 180 days a year.

How do Bloggers Make Money?

Abby H.

A couple of weeks ago, a friend asked me how bloggers make money. He never met anyone who was a blogger; he knew plenty of Twitch streamers, bloggers, and TikTokers, but nobody who was an old-school blogger.

While this is not a comprehensive list of ways bloggers make money, here are just a few ways that I either make money now or have made money in the past.

Brand deals: Brand deals are a big one. Brands send bloggers products or provide services to facilitate reviews or for advertising on blogs and related social media. I have done brand deals before, and they are usually a lot of work, but it is always fun to try out a new product or service that you might otherwise not be able to afford. 

Affiliate marketing: Bloggers sometimes opt to work with advertising networks. Affiliate marketing links consumers to products and services. Bloggers receive a small commission when links are clicked and when purchases are made after clicking through a link.

I use a few affiliate marketing networks such as Shopher (formerly MySavings) and Share A Sale. I am an Amazon affiliate as well. A lot of affiliate marketing networks have a small pay-per-click fee of a few cents per click. So, visiting links in bloggers’ posts, either on their blogs or their affiliated social media, can help bloggers a little bit.

Selling products or services: Some bloggers sell products. Printables are very popular. Sometimes through Etsy, but also sometimes directly through their own websites.

Some blog or cell services like exclusive content (Patreon), consulting services, or classes specializing in their blog niche. Many years ago, I used to teach couponing/frugal living classes in my local area. While the classes themselves were free, I sold newspaper subscriptions, and that’s how I made money. This is back in the days when most coupons came in the Sunday paper, and rebate apps like I bought it or not common.

Referral credits: When bloggers share apps or services, oftentimes the app service offers a referral incentive. Examples include Ibotta, Fetch Rewards, and Venmo. They frequently have incentives of a few dollars (or the point value equivalent), usually up to about $10. 

Of course, the more a blogger posts, and the more eyes are on the content, the greater the opportunity to earn money.

Supporting your local blogger by visiting a blog for even five minutes or scrolling through a post is a great way to support a blogger. Read a few posts and share on social media if you find something that resonates. Leave a comment on their social media. These small steps can really help increase a blogger’s reach, which opens them up to being offered more lucrative opportunities.

Support Artists & Artisans This Small Business Saturday!

Abby H.

download.jpgI am a huge supporter of artists and artisans all year, but especially on Small Business Saturday.

Below as some small businesses owned by artists that I know (and endorse). Most of these businesses are historical or nerdy (as I am both), so they may not be your cup of tea, but it’s always fun to check out new businesses, right?

Carolyn’s Geek Boutique– I love her aprons and hooded towels

September Girl Designs– Dianne makes all kinds of awesome stuff, but I really love that she makes T-shirt quilts with your old shirts. This is great if you have theatre shirts from old productions or camp shirts, or if you have a loved one who has passed and you want to make something from their old shirts.

Kit’s Designs– Kit makes THE BEST EARRINGS! Is there a book that you loved as a kid? She can make earrings or a pendant of that book. Or Christmas ornaments.

Northernridge Glassworks– Awesome handmade lampworked glass beads.

CokGuzel– Handcrafted historically inspired jewelry and fabric

Viking Krafts– Rick makes beautiful knives, wooden chests, and all sorts of other goodies. I have several of his chests in my home.

The Brackish Baroness– Angela is immensely talented. Cloisonne jewelry, hand stamped copper jewelry, and fan art prints are among some of the cool stuff in her etsy shop.

Wyng’d Lyon Creations– Decals, accessories, jewelry, Cosplay goodies, even corset making supplies. Colleen has it all!

Talk Back: If you have a small business, please feel free to leave a link in comments!

 

April is Autism Awareness Month: How You Can Help & Support Those in Your Life Touched by ASD!

Abby H.

ribbon-large.jpgIt’s been 3 years since our big guy was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. We work hard each day to spread awareness and acceptance in our local community and circle of family/friends.

You or someone you know is effected by Autism, whether you know it or not.

If you are looking for more information about Autism support for you or family/friends, I recommend:

The Autism Society- They have links to local branches, where you can find local support groups for moms, dads, and siblings. Most branches have monthly meet ups and events. It’s a great way to meet parents who are in the same boat you are!

National Federation for Autism Research- Based in San Diego NFAR has many great resources, including monthly Mom and Dad meet ups, where you can have a hot meal, network with other Autism parents, and listen to a speaker. They also have a fun program for kids 2-8 called Engage & Connect at Kid Ventures in San Diego.

Screen Shot 2019-03-29 at 11.56.08 AM.pngIf you are looking for a fun way to meet other special needs families and do a fun activity, iFly has a great All Ability Night. The San Diego location has it’s all Ability night on June 2, 2019.

Easterseals also offers assistance to families with kids on the spectrum, including respite, and help for caregivers.

Finally, here is my post: 5 Ways you can Help a Special Needs Mom.