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How to Make Quick and Easy Homemade Hand Soap

March 11, 2020 by KT Leave a Comment

I love making homemade hand soap… it’s quick, easy, healthy, and really inexpensive too!

I started making my own homemade hand soap shortly after I had kids because I wanted to use less harmful chemicals in daily life and organic soap was really expensive!

Now, I still make it because it’s actually SO CONVENIENT and CHEAP!

I buy a 32oz bottle of Dr. Bronner’s on Amazon for $16 and it lasts a really long time… that one bottle usually lasts close to a year. Crazy.

So here’s my recipe for this super easy, clean homemade hand soap:

*This post does contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy if you have any questions.

Easy Homemade Hand Soap Recipe

1-2 tsp of Castile Soap (I use Dr. Bronner’s)
Filtered or Distilled Water (I use filtered water from my side fridge dispenser)
Foam Pump Dispenser
Essential Oils (Optional)

Fill the foam soap dispenser almost full with filtered or distilled water and then add 1-2 tsp of castile soap to the top.

That’s it. It’s super easy.

I reuse the same pump dispenser (one I had from a store bought soap) and just fill with my water from my fridge dispenser and add a few squirts of castile soap.

You can also use essential oils to add a little scent and fun to it, but it’s totally optional.

It takes me less than 30 seconds, and I really run to the store to buy soap.

And, even better, castile soap is available on Amazon and it’s the price I normally pay.

If you figure $16 a bottle for castile soap with 2 tsp each time, you’re spending around .16 per refill without figuring the cost of changing your filter. But it’s still cheaper than the store bough stuff.

Super easy, super green, and super cheap.

There you go. Happy hand soap making!

How to Watch Hallmark Christmas Movies

November 3, 2019 by KT Leave a Comment

How to Watch The Hallmark Channel without cable

Are you looking to watch Hallmark Christmas movies but don’t have cable? How do you get the Hallmark Channel through streaming?

I love a good Hallmark movie, especially a Hallmark Christmas movie, but unfortunately the Hallmark Channel is one of the harder channels to watch without a cable package. (And I’m far too frugal to pay for cable!)

Hallmark Channel does offer their own streaming service, Hallmark Channel Now, but unfortunately, it only includes older movies and does not include new and live movies.

Hallmark Movies Now is $5.99/month but is not an option if you are looking for new Hallmark Christmas movies or looking to stream current programs.

Also, some of the biggest streaming providers don’t offer any Hallmark options.

I already had access to the biggest streaming options, but I still couldn’t access the Hallmark Channel.

Here are the popular streaming options I currently have access to:

Amazon Prime
Hulu
Netflix
YouTube TV

Unfortunately, none of the options above offered the ability to watch new Hallmark movies or stream live– especially 2019 Hallmark Christmas Movies!

I found some old Hallmark and Hallmark-ish movies on Amazon Prime and Netflix, but unfortunately the selection was very limited.

You can get When Calls The Heart and The Good Witch on Netflix but the latest season usually isn’t available until a new season starts.

So, how can you stream the Hallmark Channel live and watch Hallmark Christmas Movies this year?

*This post does contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy if you have any questions.

How to Watch the Hallmark Channel Legally Without Cable

There’s a few different streaming options to watch the Hallmark Channel (and other channels too!)

Frndly: Package options vary between $5.99-$9.99/month, Free 7-Day Trial
FuboTV: Options starting at $54.99/month for 70+ channels, Free 7-Day Trial
Philo: $20/month for 58 channels, Free 7-Day Trial
Sling TV: Packages starting as low as $25**/month (but you would need to add on Hallmark Channel to a package for $5/month). **There’s a 40% off deal currently, making it $15 month + $5 add on = As low as $20/month. Free 7-Day Trial.
Playstation Vue: $54.99/month for the Core package, but $65.99 for the Elite package to get all 3 Hallmark Channels. Free 5-Day Trial.
AT&T TV Now (Formerly DirecTV Now): Packages start at $50/month

You can always sign up for a trial and then cancel it before the trial ends. You can try a few and see what you like best. The free trials may even get you through the Christmas season!

Keep in mind that not every option below may work for you and not every streaming option will take every streaming device. You’ll want to research further to make sure you’ll be able to stream with your Smart TV, streaming device, and/or online.

You will also need a streaming device and/or a Smart TV to stream from your TV. Here are some of the most popular streaming devices:

There are other streaming options as well, so make sure to research to see what would work best for you!

I have a Firestick and Smart TV and have no complaints with either and perfect for streaming Hallmark Christmas movies and other favorites this Christmas season!

I'm Watching Hallmark Christmas Movies Socks, Hallmark Channel Inspired Socks

How Do I Stream the Hallmark Channel?

Frndly. After all the options, I decided to do the free trial for Frndly and so far so good.

I decided to do the $7.99 option because I’d like the DVR option and have the ability to record Christmas movies and watch it whenever I want!

It’s so nice to be able to watch Hallmark Christmas movies live AND to record for later!

I also didn’t want to pay $50/month for a streaming service because I don’t want or need a bunch of different channels at this time since I’m pretty much covered with other channels with other services.

I may try Philo at some point though because it would be nice to watch Lifetime Christmas movies, but I may just wait a little closer to Christmas to do so. We will see.

How do you watch Hallmark Christmas movies without cable? What’s your favorite Hallmark Christmas movie?

Fun Marshmallow Building Activity for All Ages

October 23, 2019 by KT Leave a Comment

marshmallow and toothpick building toddler and kid activity

Building with marshmallows and toothpicks is a classic activity.

I remember in middle school building with marshmallows and toothpicks to see what team could build the strongest bridge and then in high school, the biggest tower.

I even built and played with marshmallows and toothpicks as a grown adult for team building exercises in college and work.

Building with Marshmallows and toothpicks, and other variations too, is a great activity for any age… even toddlers and preschoolers!

My 4 year old was looking for something to do and I wanted to get a few things done on my computer.

My husband was complaining earlier in the day that nobody was eating the marshmallows and they were getting stale… and viola! An easy activity was born.

I gave my building loving boy toothpicks, marshmallows at the table and he went to town while I worked for my laptop.

He LOVED it.

It kept him so busy building and he was learning at the same time.

He actually did pretty good building and it kept him busy for well over 30 minutes.

I always did this activity when I was older, but you can really do this activity at any age.

(My two year old just ate the marshmallows though and made me nervous with the toothpicks so maybe not so young, but my four year old was so great with this activity!)

Marshmallow Building Activity for Kids: Supplies and Instructions

This Marshmallow Building Activity is quite simple.

Here is the supplies needed for this easy kid activity:

Marshmallows (the regular size worked better for my 4 year old then the mini ones, but we’ve done both!)
Toothpicks

That’s it.

Put the marshmallows and toothpicks out, and let the kids (or adults!) play and build.

You may want to put some paper towels down or tablecloth down first for easy clean up but this wasn’t that messy, so you don’t have to if you don’t want too.

You can also give some instruction or leave it totally up to them to lead the activity.

I personally just set left toothpicks and marshmallows out on the table and let my 4 year old go to town.

He needed some instruction and showed him how to make a box, and then after that, it was all him.

I occasionally held something here and there for him, but it was such a simple and self play activity. A great activity for toddlers– or any age!

However, if your audience is a little older or with groups you could:

Create the tallest building without falling
Create the sturdiest bridge without breaking
Structure that can hold the most weight
Create a variety of 3-D shapes

This is such a fun STEM activity for any age and you could create a challenge to it or just leave it open for creative play.

More Ways to Build

You also switch up the supplies if you don’t have marshmallows and toothpicks or switch it up to add a little variety to the activity.

Here are some ideas you could also do to expand on the basic activity:

Gum Drops (instead of Marshmallows)
Peeps (instead of Marshmallows)
Jelly Beans (instead of Marshmallows)
Play Dough (instead of Marshmallows)
Clay (instead of Marshmallows)
Spaghetti (instead of toothpicks)
Pipe cleaners (instead of toothpicks)
Popsicle sticks (instead of toothpicks)
Pretzel sticks (instead of toothpicks)
Straws (instead of toothpicks)

You can switch up any or all the supplies or try them all!

There’s so much this little activity can do!

I love introducing marshmallow and toothpick building to my four year old– and he had so much fun with this as a preschooler!

I also did spaghetti and playdough with my two year old, and that was a hit for a younger age!

However, I’m sure I’ll add some new supplies and new challenges as my kids get older! This is such a versatile activity for toddlers to adults!

What is your favorite way to do this simple activity?

How I Made $5,500 in My First Three Months of Blogging

October 7, 2019 by KT 1 Comment

new blogger income report, how to make money blogging

How did I make $5,500 in my first three months of launching a new blog?

I didn’t.

I’m sorry for the clickbait, but this is important. Chances are you are not going to make $5,500 in your first few months of blogging as a brand new blogger in 2019.

I’m tired of reading forums and questions about moms and new bloggers who are doing everything right. They’ve researched extensively, invested in quality classes and tools, and put quality work out.

The blogs are great (especially for a new blog!) and they are doing everything right, but are making zero money. They also just started a months ago and have twelve posts written.

It takes time.

Blogging isn’t a get rich quick scheme, it takes a lot of time and a lot of work!

You can absolutely make $5,500 in blogging over 3 months or even in one month, but it won’t happen right off the bat for a new blogger in 2019.

It takes a lot of work to get there, and if you keep with it, you may get there. It just takes a lot of time, patience, and hard work.

I’m also tired of all the amazing income reports from other bloggers with huge profits and such. It’s overwhelming and exhausting.

I don’t question their results (okay— sometimes) but you have to keep in mind that a lot of blog income reports are from blog experts. They’ve been doing this for awhile, and their blog niche pays nicely. Every niche is different though and experiences will vary greatly.

Although this is a brand new blog, I am not a new blogger. I’ve been blogging for a few years, and I’ve definitely made money. I’ve been able to put food on the table, buy clothing for my always growing children, and sign my son up for swim lessons (which he hated btw).

However, I’ve never made the big bucks that other bloggers have talked about. And that’s okay.

I decided to start completely over and create a mom blog about all the crap I do all day, and see where the journey takes me.

I’m taking my blog experience to a new blog and below are my real experience as a new-old blogger in 2019.

And, I forgot how hard it is to start a new blog. There’s so much to do and worry about and focus on in those first few months. Luckily, I have experience with WordPress and other tools, so it makes it a little easier for me since I’m frugal and never invested in any proper courses.

But things do change fast, and blogging in 2019 is different from 5 years ago!

There’s over ONE BILLION BLOGS NOW. That’s crazy.

So here is my little plan to monetize in 2019 and moving forward, as well as how much I actually made in my first few months with an absolutely brand new blog.

*This post contains affiliate links. You can read my disclosure policy if you have any questions.

My Plan on Monetizing a Blog in 2019

My plan to monetize my blog to start is pretty simple. I want to focus on simple things and don’t want to spend too much time experimenting.

Here is how I am currently monetizing my blog:

Google AdSense
VigLink
Amazon Affiliates
Referral Codes from Things I Love (AirBnB)

That’s It. Yes, that’s my short-term plan for monetizing as I get page views up, find an audience, and find my own voice.

There’s SO many different things to do and learn in the first months of blogging and monetizing shouldn’t be the main focus.

However, I think you should still monetize, but keep it simple.

There’s so many ways to make money blogging but my long term plan is to make money through display ads and affiliate marketing.

My plan is to get my page views up and apply for a great ad network like Mediavine or AdThrive to replace Google AdSense because the payout is much higher.

I also hope to apply for more affiliate marketing programs in the future and focus more on affiliate marketing when I have more time, but for now, I’m keeping my making money blogging plan pretty simple.

Here’s my current monetization strategy for my blog:

Google AdSense

Google AdSense is a great beginner program because it’s fairly easy to get accepted and it’s simple to use.

You simply copy their code and put it on your site. You can select the settings you want, and decide if you want them to put the ads wherever, how often, and the type of ads.

After you put the code on your site and select the settings, you just need to check your account and see your earnings.

You get paid for every click on that ad. It’s pretty simple.

However, if you don’t have a large audience, you won’t get many clicks or a big payday, but it’s a nice starter program.

VigLink

VigLink takes all your links on your website and will make them affiliate links if available.

For example, if you are writing about your family trip to Legoland and you link to Legoland’s main site, VigLink will take that link and make it an affiliate link.

Even better, if someone buys tickets to Legoland, you would get a cut (usually around 5%) from the sale. It’s not big money, but it’s great because you were writing and linking to Legoland anyway, and now you get a small percentage of sales for not doing much.

I think VigLink is a great starter program because you don’t have to worry about finding a lot of different affiliate programs and products to promote, and you can just focus on writing (and all of the other things that come with just getting started).

You just need to put some code on your site and they will automatically make links affiliate links when available.

You can also look at your stats and see what links are getting clicks and what is popular with your audience.

If you find that you made clicks and sales with Kohl’s and Macy’s, find those affiliate programs and apply directly. You will usually make a higher percentage through the affiliate program directly because VigLink will take a cut.

However, VigLink is great for beginner bloggers because you are still applying to affiliate programs and figuring out what merchants will get some traction from readers.

You are also getting income on links that you may have not optimized correctly and a great back up.

You can also pick a variety of settings, and optimize all links to affiliate links or none. I actually don’t have any links optimized at the moment, but I’ll go in and manually create affiliate links.

Instead of searching all around for affiliate programs, I’m just using VigLink and creating affiliate links from there. If I notice an affiliate program is popular, I’ll switch the links later when I’m bigger and get into bigger affiliate networks and get the higher percentage.

Right now, time is limited for me and my audience is small so I’m going for ease and convenience.

I’m sure that’s a weird strategy for some, but it works for me for now.

Amazon Affiliates

Amazon is a great affiliate program because everyone knows of Amazon and has shopped on the site before.

It’s also easy because you can just link to a product you want to promote.

I know for me, I wasn’t even planning to monetize a post but then I organically talked about a few of our favorite books to read and other favorite products that I love as a mom.

I then decided to put a link to Amazon with product info just in case they wanted more information about the book or to buy it!

I’m sure there’s so many times you talk about a product naturally, and you can just include the product link to Amazon or any other affiliate program or product you want to promote.

However, if you don’t have an audience, you won’t make any sales, even if the product you love is amazing and life-changing.

The other problem about the Amazon affiliate program is that you need to make so many sales within a short time frame. If you don’t do that, you won’t be part of Amazon Affiliates. You can definitely reapply, but you would have to change your link.

It is something you need to consider before applying to the Amazon program. I’d definitely make sure you are launched and have a little bit of traffic first.

Referral Links from Favorite Things

Have you noticed some of your favorite companies and brands have referral programs?

I have, and I love to talk about things that I like. For example, I wrote a post about 13 Tips & Tricks for Saving Money with AirBnB.

I love AirBnB and in the post, I also shared my referral link. When people use my referral link, they will receive a $40 credit towards their first travel booking, and I’ll get $30 in free credit.

It’s not real money, but I’ll gladly take $30 in AirBnB credit because I travel frequently with my family!

So many different companies offer affiliate programs, and usually you just need to copy the link and share it! You don’t even have to apply to a program to promote!

Sometimes you may also find referral programs when you are organically talking about things!

For example, my hosting company is SiteGround and it makes sense to talk about them in this post since I’m talking about blogging! They have a referral program for free hosting, and I’m taking about them so it makes sense to add a link!

You’ll want to compare programs though because sometimes you can apply directly for an affiliate program and it makes much more sense because it’s actual money instead of credit and it may be a much better offer.

However, sometimes the credit is a better deal or just easier, especially when you are just getting started.

It’s also a great starter because you don’t need to apply for anything and you can check out how your favorite companies perform

Real Income Report as a New Blog

So how much money did a new blog make in 2019 with an exhausted mom by the helm who apparently has some experience blogging before?

Here’s my tiny income report with this new adventure:

Google AdSense: $24.50
VigLink: .15
Amazon: $0
Free Credits & Perks: $0
Total earned in 2019 so far: $24.65

That’s it. I actually bought my domain and hosting in the Spring with SiteGround. (They’ve been a great hosting company to work with so far– I’ve had no problems!)

It took me a little bit to launch my blog and my first post went live in Mid June so it’s been over 3 months and I’ve made less than $25 in 2019! (And that doesn’t even count expenses…)

I’m a little embarrassed to say I’ve blogged before because I feel like I should have done so much better, but it is what it is.

I also have two little ones, so it definitely hard to launch a blog and keep up with everything as a stay at home mom. There’s also so many other bloggers, especially mom bloggers out there so it can definitely be hard to stand out sometimes!

My time is definitely limited these days, and when I have time when the kids are in bed… I’m exhausted, and just want to call it a night. Sometimes, I do.

I wanted to share my income report as a new blog to give others a realistic look at blogging as a stay at home mom, whether you have experience or not.

It’s a lot of work, especially in the beginning, but I’m blogging for the long game.

I don’t want to discourage you to start a blog, but I want to give you a realistic outlook. I feel like there’s so much YOU NEED TO START A BLOG NOW material out there, and it’s just not for everyone.

It takes a lot of work and perseverance. Did I mention there’s over A BILLION BLOGS?

With that said, I still think blogging is a wonderful option– especially for stay at home moms and others who want a creative outlet and want to work from anywhere at anytime.

It’s so amazing to have so much flexibility and be my own boss, and I love that I can put in the hours I can into it.

I also love that someone can write an article with affiliate links, and still receive income a few income from it a few years later! (I obviously don’t currently experience this at the moment- but hope too!)

Blogging is such an interesting option, and not for everyone. If you need immediate income, I’d probably search elsewhere or do blogging in addition to freelancing or another side hustle.

Blogging is definitely crowded in 2019, but I still think you can make money from blogging as a new blogger– you just need to be patient! I hope that is the case at least!

Are you a blogger? Do you have the same experience as me? What is your monetization strategy for 2019?

Fantasy Football Team Names for Girls

August 19, 2019 by KT Leave a Comment

Awesome Fantasy Football Team Names for Women, Fantasy Football Names for Girls

Fantasy Football Season 2019 is almost here and time for a fantasy team name!

I love looking at Fantasy Football Team name idea lists for unique, creative, and funny fantasy football team names!

I’ve compiled a list of my favorite team names and included some of my own too! Some fantasy football names are just for girls and some team names can be for both men and women!

Personally, I like picking a team name after I draft and using a player or players to make a witty name.

Last year, I drafted Todd Gurley, and was “The Only Gurley” because I am the only girl in my league! (Feel free to use the name this year as it’s a WINNING name and hopefully give you some good luck!)

Here are some popular and funny Fantasy Football team names for girls and boys for 2019:

Popular Fantasy Football Names for Girls

Fantasy Football names for girls, ladies, and moms that are popular and can be used any year, but are definitely female specific!

Victorious Secret
Sacks in the City
Gridiron and Wine
Cleats and Cleavage
Watergirl
Glitz and Blitz
Fantasy Goddess
Hail Mary (especially good if you’re Mary)
Friday Night Tights
Women Who Score
Show Me Your TD’s
TD Master
Blondes Have More Run
End Zone Divas
Back That Pass Up
Field Goal Diggers
Get Ovary It
Here Comes the Run
Lady Luck
Wrecking Gals

Player Inspired Fantasy Football Team Names

Fantasy Football team names inspired by a football player on your own team. Some are just for girls, but most of these could be used by male and female owners. Some of the guys in my league have inspired some of these too!

The Only Gurley (Todd Gurley)
I’m a Gurley (Todd Gurley)
Not a Gurley Girl or Gurley Girl (Todd Gurley)
I like Gurley Things (Todd Gurley)
Brady Got Back (Tom Brady)
Call Me Brady (Tom Brady)
Luck Be A Brady (Tom Brady)
Nobody Puts Brady in a Corner (Tom Brady), May be too long though
Brady Gaga (Tom Brady)
98 DeBrees (Drew Brees)
Easy, Breesy CoverGirl (Drew Brees)
Queen Brees (Drew Brees)
Take Mahomes Tonight (Patrick Mahomes)
Luck Be A Lady (Andrew Luck)
Baby Got Dak (Dak Prescott)
Dakstreet Boys (Dak Prescott)
Dak to the Future (Dak Prescott)
Dak and Yellow (Dak Prescott)
Hit Me With Your Prescott (Dak Prescott)
InstaGraham (Jimmy Graham)
Newton’s Apple (Cam Newton)
Green Eggs and Cam (Cam Newton)
Baking Bad (Baker Mayfield)
Mayfield of Dreams (Baker Mayfield)
A Kiss from a Rosen (Josh Rosen)
Jimmy G-Strings (Jimmy Garoppolo)
Saving Matt Ryan (Matt Ryan)
Old McDarnold Had a Farm (Sam Darnold)
Mariota Had A Little Lamb (Marcus Mariota)
A Carr is Born (Derek Carr)
Mercedes Wentz (Carson Wentz)
Just Say Wentz (Carson Wentz)
All I Do is Winston (Jameis Winston)
Shake it Goff (Jared Goff)
I Gotta Theilen/Can’t Stop the Theilen/More than a Theilen (Adam Theilen)
O-Dell No (Odell Beckham Jr)
The Farmer in the Dell (Odell Beckham Jr)
Ladies and Edelman (Julian Edelman)
Le’Veon on a Prayer (Le’Veon Bell)
Lights, Kamara, Action (Alvin Kamara)
Instant Kamara (Instant Kamara)
Kelce Lately (Travis Kelce)
Diggs in a Blanket (Stefon Diggs)
Game of Jones (Julio Jones)
Dalvin and the Chipmunks (Dalvin Cook)
Too Much Landry (Jarvis Landry)
Stairway to Tevin (Tevin Coleman)
Sony With A Chance (Sony Michel)
My Little Sony (Sony Michel)
Fuller House (Will Fuller)
Kittle One (George Kittle)
Kittle Caboodle (George Kittle)
The Baby-Sitters Chubb (Nick Chubb)
Golladay Inn Express (Kenny Golladay)
Zay It Ain’t So (Zay Jones)
Giorgio Amari (Amari Copper)
T.Y. Next (T.Y. Hilton)
One Crabtree Hill (Michael Crabtree)
DJ Chark DooDooDoo (D.J. Chark, sleeper/bench player)
Daisy Dukes (Duke Johnson, sleeper/bench player)
Hot for Watt (J.J Watt, defense player so any J.J fans can use)

Team Inspired Names

Fantasy Football team names inspired by your favorite Football teams!

Dallas Cowgirls
Chicago Mama Bears
Green Babe Packers
Mile High Heels
Save a Bronco, Ride a Cowboy

GOOD LUCK THIS YEAR!

What other Fantasy Football team names for girls and guys have I missed? What is your fantasy football name? Do you play?

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter if you don’t already!