Blog Business Cards

If you've been following me on Instagram, you'll know that I finally made the leap and got "blog business cards."

Here's why you should get them:

-If you go to blog conferences (still trying to figure out how to get to one)

-To make people aware of your blog--I'm passing them out to my whole family AND you never know who you'll end up talking to at a party!

-To make people aware of your writing/communication skills/freelance opportunities
-TO TAKE YOUR BLOG TO THE NEXT LEVEL!

 

It was really REALLY easy to make them. First, you can either use someone's design services (I used Heart and Arrow Designs) or lay it out your self. Then, go to a design site (I used  moo.com) to upload your design! Moo has tons of templates to choose from if you aren't sure where to start! From there, you can choose the size, weight, and add on lots of features like rounded corners! (I ALMOST added stickers to my order!)

 

 

For my cards, I went with the LUXE design. These cards are matte and heavier than normal cards--I think it gives it a little something extra!

When making your card there a few (obvious) things you'll want to include:

-Name of blog

-Your name

-Email

-Social Links

-Phone Number (optional)

-Title (optional--since I'm the only contributer to Because I Said So, I figured it would be redundant to add owner/writer)

The beauty of making your cards is that you can make them however you want! They're YOUR cards after all!

 

 



 P.S. If you make your cards with moo.com and it's your first time printing with them, I have a discount code I can email you!

Tell Me All About It

Y'all. Because I Said So will turn two years old in less than a month! I can't believe it's been that long! When I started blogging I had no idea what I was doing or what it could/would turn into.

Ahead of my blog's second birthday, I created a survey for y'all to fill out! I'd love to know what you like, what you like less, and what you'd like to see more of in the upcoming year! Any and all healthy criticism is welcome!

Thanks for taking the time to fill it out! I can't wait to read your responses and make this  year of blogging the best yet!

Essential Oils for Beginners

After months of researching, testing, and researching some more, I finally made the leap and signed up to be a wholesale member of and use Young Living Essential Oils. I ordered the Premium Starter Kit (which is honestly, the most bang for your buck). Being a wholesale member also gives you the opportunity to get discounts, access to resources, and even sell them if you want (although there is NO obligation to do that if it's not your thing)! 

There are so many reasons to use essential oils: to lessen the amount of chemicals you put in your body, to relax, to cook with--there are literally countless ways they can benefit your life! Note: NOT ALL essential oils are made equal. That's one of the reason's I chose to go with Young Living.

A quick testimonial:

Friday night, after work, I went over to Joshua's house. He had that allergy gunk that I had last week (he claims I gave it to him --so maybe not allergies) anyway, I was excited to try my oils out on him! I rubbed Lemon, Peppermint, and Lavender on his chest and behind his ears and Thieves on his feet. Once when I got there--once before I left.

When he came over to my house on Saturday morning he said "either I was going to get better today anyways or those oils actually work!!" Duh. The oils actually work!

My favorite way to use oils, so far, is diffusing. When I got my starter kit I got ten oils (some seen in the pictures) along with a diffuser. My favorite combo (thus far) is Purification + Lemon. It made my apartment smell clean (for a change), fresh, and spa-like. Also, I'm currently diffusing Lavender to help me go to sleep--instead of reaching for the Zzquil.

I haven't been this excited about learning and using a product in a very long time, but since this can benefit basically every aspect of my life, I'm more than excited. Who wouldn't be?

P.S. If you'd like to sign up (remember a wholesaler gets 24% off, as well as, MANY other benefits), you can sign up as part of my team! (My ID # is 2812244) And if you'd like to learn more, please feel free to ask me any questions! 

The information, advice, statements, and testimonials made about the essential oils, blends, and products mentioned on this web site have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  Any suggestions made on this site are very specific to Young Living essential oils and should not be used with oils from another source. Information presented is for learning purposes only.  The information on this site and the products listed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease, nor are they intended to replace proper medical help. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any regimen with essential oils or making any changes to a medical routine.  If you are currently on medication, please do not stop. Testimonials are based on individual results and do not constitute a guarantee that you will achieve the same results. What works for one may not work for another.

Bathtime for Laney

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post.  We (Laney and I) received the flea and tick shampoo to review as part of Chewy.com's blogger review program.  Since Laney has yet to learn how to write, I am reviewing on her behalf. As always, all opinions and pictures are my own! (oh and Laney's) See Laney's other post here!

I'm happy to say that Laney has never had a flea problem. She does, however, have a problem with rolling in dead things/smelly things. And she hates baths.  

Usually, and I know this is terrible, I'll bathe her in whatever shampoo I have on hand--whether it's Herbal Essences or Pantene. And when I say "I'll bathe her" I really mean have my dad bathe her or pay one of my sister's to (or Josh's sister--she makes a killing). Like I said, this is terrible and not good for her as a dog obviously, so I was especially excited to receive this shampoo from Chewy.com.

P.S. She has a vet appointment today so I thought I'd make her extra pretty and smell good (shh don't tell her).

Laney is already on flea and heart-worm regimen, but since we live in the woods (aka middle of nowhere and Josh lives on a farm) it can't hurt to have the extra protection.  The shampoo itself smells surprisingly good even though it says "unscented". Think limeade. I was surprised it didn't smell more like medicine, but I was grateful that it didn't since I basically took a bath, as well.

As with any medicine you give your fur baby--read the label! You can only bathe your dog with this once every 7 days! It'll kill all fleas/ticks and repel ones from latching on. When using in conjunction with a monthly topical flea and heart-worm medicine, wait at least a week before bathing to ensure the medicine has had time to soak in.

After today, I'm hoping Laney continues to NEVER have a flea OR tick problem!

In vs. Out

Coming off of the Lilly for Target madness on Sunday and having the busiest weekend ever, I just knew this week was going to be a good one (as in go by fast). Last weekend was so fufilling that I found myself not dreading the work week (this weekend has big shoes to fill). Plus,  I secretly like to be busy, it inspires me!

Here's what's In and Out this week:

WHAT'S IN

Young Living Essential Oils--you guys. This is the real deal. I've been researching and getting samples for MONTHS before deciding to take the plunge this week. I had my kit over-nighted, I was THAT excited. Don't worry, it was in the budget, so I didn't break my spending freeze (kinda). For someone who goes to the Redi-Med or Urgent Care for every little ache and pain, this could prove useful for my hypochondriac self.

The Premium Starter Kit comes with 10 oils and a diffuser--I've already been diffusing the oil combo of Purification + Lemon and I kid you not, my apartment smells like a spa (it usually smells like old furniture, what my neighbors had for lunch/dinner, or cigarette smoke--neighbors again). So, I can already see the benefits. I promise to post more about them as I learn!

Being recognized by big companies-- I realize a lot of us bloggers were asked to participate in the Wayfair #CoffeeMyWay campaign, but how cool does it feel to be sought out and involved in something like that! What a community. I just love it! And hey, you have to start somewhere right?

Blog Business Cards -- Yep. It's happening. Stay tuned next week!

Supporting Small Businesses -- Some of my favorites: Revieux and Bijoux Avenue Designs

Can't forget these: Meeting and exceeding blog goals, having a post go viral, snail mail, and staying up late enough to watch the Disney throwback shows (think Kim Possible, Cheetah Girls, Even Stevens).

WHAT'S OUT:

Rainy Weekends--enough is enough Mother Nature. I'm starting to see why they call it "April Showers" Hoping to see those "May Flowers" any day now!

Being in a semi-long distance relationship-- Ok so Joshua and I are only 45 minutes apart, but with him applying for jobs and me working 9-5 everyday we only see each other on the weekends. It's dumb and I hate it.

Also out this week: Dumb questions, snobby people, not knowing what the future holds (seriously my Type A-ness can't even), and #LillyforTarget being sold out.

How was your week? Got any plans for the weekend?

Coffee is Always a Good Idea

When Wayfair asked if I'd share my morning ritual for their #CoffeMyWay campaign, I was happy to oblige. After all, it's a rare morning when I'm without coffee.

Ever since I started my spending freeze, the one thing I've missed more than anything, is my weekly (mostly daily) Starbucks runs. No matter how much sleep I get, I always need that extra push to wake up in the morning. So, without the funds, I've had to become resourceful. (By resourceful, I mean actually having to use my Christmas present that I NEEDED so badly at one time)

I got a Keurig for Christmas a few years back and have recently been experimenting with different K-cups.  There are literally dozens of different flavors! I haven't been able to recreate my favorite Starbucks drinks yet (Starbucks is seriously magical and makes coffee taste 100% better), but my Keurig is a nice second--especially when trying to save money.

My favorite thing about drinking coffee at home vs. the drive through is getting to use actual coffee mugs (pictured: "Miss Busypants c/o Shop Konfetti) I have quite the collection.

My mornings are typically spent in a flurry--after hitting the snooze buttons as many times as possible without making me late for work (it's an exact science, y'all), there's little time for coffee. Thankfully,  coffee with my Keurig takes less than 10 minutes to make.

I wish I could say that I wake up a few hours early and ease myself into the day by journaling or reading, but I haven't been able to make that happen. 

What's your morning (coffee) routine? Does anyone have any tips for waking up early?

I've Been "Sea Urchin For You"

This is the first "fashion/outfit" shoot I've done at my apartment. Usually I'll wait until I go home on the weekends, but with my sisters over for this very special weekend, I decided to make the most of the time. (They are my pro photographers after all)

People have told me that they "thought of me" with all of the crazy Lilly for Target shenanigans. I mean what can I say, I love the Lilly Pulitzer brand and  I got a lot of great things at the sale including these pants!

They are literally so perfect. I got them in the kid's section so the length is perfect and I don't have to get them altered or roll them (I've done it before, y'all--the struggle is real). This also means that I can wear these with flats!

The print is so vibrant and I know I'll be able to accessorize with multiple pieces in my closet (hence why I have two purses styled--the pants go with so much!)

The fabric is so light, but not too thin, which I love. I know these will get me through Louisiana summers for years!

 Lilly inspired door hanger "E" (similar here and here) || Lilly for Target Pants sold out || Wedges (Obsession Boutique sold out)  || Watch (Michael Kors similar) || Bracelets (Catherine Popesco + Charming Charlie) || Shirt (from my sister's closet!)

 

P.S. My mani-pedi has lasted since Easter and I'm obviously really happy about it!

Life Lately: The Weekend Edition

 

When five o'clock FINALLY rolled around on Friday, I couldn't be happier. This weekend was the most fun/jam packed weekend I've had in a VERY long time (last weekend I was sick--boo!) and was just what I needed.

Weekends filled with musicals, antique festivals, and shopping are the best. Don't let anyone tell you differently.

Friday evening we went to see my high school alma mater's production of Bye Bye Birdie. It's a favorite in the musical department. The kids were so talented, it ALMOST made me wish I was in high school again so I could be in it. Oh and my dad played a part in the quartet. 

It was supposed to rain ALL Saturday, but thankfully that wasn't the case. We went to the Covington Antique and Heritage Festival to support my cousin who had a booth set up for her jewelry! You can find her on Instagram @revieux_

Like how cute is all of it? Each piece is completely unique and one of kind. She buys old, antique pieces and remakes them into jewelry--um, can I have all the necklaces? Cousin discount perhaps?

I love love love walking around antique festivals. I've already mentioned that I'm an old soul, so it comes as no surprise that I love coming across things from another era! 

Saturday night my sister's and I had a sleepover to prepare for the Lilly for Target sale! We went around 10:30 PM to scope out our Target and barely got any sleep. IT WAS SO WORTH IT! We were at Target for about four hours and got almost everything we had our eyes on. You can see my entire haul here!

To top of my whirlwind of a weekend, we went to see Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat Sunday night. My dad was in a local production when I was five or six and we've been obsessed ever since. I was pleasantly pleased and enjoyed every second of it! If you've never seen it before, I highly recommend it. The songs are so catchy and the story, a classic.

This morning I overslept, but I would say this weekend was one for the books and one that I won't soon forget. Don't you just love when you have a busy, fulfilling weekend?  What were y'all up to this weekend?

Pink Sunday -- The Haul

A few phrases come to mind after this today's Lilly for Target opening: 

"We are the CHAMPIONS"

"My goodies, my goodies"

"I'm a SURVIVOR, I'm gonna make it"

My sisters and I had the date marked on our calendars for at least a month and we had a game plan. There are a few Targets in the area and it turns out the one we went to got every single item. 

Our plan: DIVIDE AND CONQUER. 

We woke up at about 5:30AM, got coffee for 6ish, and arrived to stand in line at 6:30AM. At that time, there were only three other ladies at the door. As the time ticked down to the doors opening, the line was well into the parking lot.

Our Target was only letting people in ten at a time, luckily we were numbers four, five, and six. But don't let our good line standing fool you.

I made it to the clothes just before the crowd descended on me. Literally a mad house. I was grabbing XS and S by the threes and Carol was doing the same on the next rack. There was no time to even think "do I want this?". Grab now. Ask later.

Luckily we are all relatively the same size! We regrouped with each other then headed off to find our other sister who was in search of baskets. I ended up finding them for her while she was wheeling and dealing at the dressing rooms.

Arriving at the "HOME" section was another nightmare in itself. This particular Target was NOT restocking ANY clothes, but was restocking the housewares. That meant every time any worker brought up a new shipment it was gone before you could say "save me a pillow." 

Making friends and bartering proved to be the way to go. We made friends with a few of the people in line with us and they ended up handing us stuff they didn't want later on. Worked out nicely for us (looking at you outdoor pillow!) 

We had so much in our buggies by the time we wanted to try on, that people were gathering around us and trying to shop out of our buggies! These women were NOT playing around.

This is where the trading came into play.  But only the people we felt were most deserving (aka not annoying and poking around in our buggy) That sounds horrible, but the lady who was reaching in my buggy, was NOT getting the shift she was getting handsy with because she was creepy.

All in all, we made out very well and seems we fared better than most people. I chalk it all up to planning in advance and lots of luck. 

Pictured above: Bowls, Romper, Shift, Pillow, Headband, Shirt, Pants, Flask

 Everything seems to be sold out online, but you may get lucky if someone returns something in the store! 

In vs. Out

Another week in the books. And a rainy one at that! It's literally been raining for a week and a half straight. I'm here to tell you, the weather really does affect your mood--bring back the sunshine!

What's IN:

-Blogging. Duh. It still amazes me that this little space of the internet attracts and keeps people coming back to read what I have to say. It's so inspiring to inspire others!

-LILLY FOR TARGET is the day after tomorrow! I'm excited to see the collection (in person) and excited to break my spending freeze!

-Weekend activities: After last weekend of being sick and pathetic, I'm ready to have a fun filled weekend! Watching dad sing in a school play, supporting my cousin at an Antique Festival, going to see a musical, and Lilly for Target. And that's just the beginning! Literally, going to be so busy, but I'm already loving it!

-Hail. Ok so it's not really "In" but I did see some at work the other day. It's the only time (that I can fully remember) that I've seen it. Thankfully, it wasn't big enough to do any damage, but still big enough to see!


What's OUT:

-The rain. Enough is enough already. I'd like to see the sun and do something about this lack of a tan I've got going on. So tragic.

-Allergies/Springtime colds. STILL getting over this one. Boo!

-Getting Up Early. Sometimes I don't mind getting up early, but I would definitely prefer to sleep in until at least 10 AM every day. Not getting enough sleep is the absolute worst.


Cheers to the weekend and making it through Friday!

Countdown to Lilly

We are officially three days away from the launch of the Lilly for Target collection!

As if I'm not already excited about the affordable prices and adorable designs, I'm also happy that this is my one day to break my spending freeze! Go big or go home, right?

The Target near me opens at 8AM Sunday morning and my sisters and I will be first in line with coffees in hand! I'll also be shopping online because a lot of my "wish list" items are online only! I have a feeling this will be a very "Supermarket Sweep" type deal--does anyone remember that show? One of my faves.

Here's what I'll be looking for: (although I'm sure much MUCH more will end up in my cart)

1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6 || 7 || 8 || 9

Everything I'm looking to get is so affordable (meaning less than $50!)--even more so if I can fit into some of the Kid's clothing! 

I can't wait to see what our local Target has and what we end up getting! Here's hoping there are no long lines or crazy people.

Are you shopping the Lilly for Target collection?

The Wedding File

I'm an old soul. I like to collect letters and love snail mail. So, even though there's this handy little thing called Pinterest, I still like to collect all things wedding the old fashioned way--in a file folder! 

Y'all already know that I go to a TON of bridal shows for work and that I'm at the age where a lot of people I know are starting to get married, so what better way to keep things organized?

Spoiler Alert: No, Josh and I are not getting engaged anytime soon. Whenever it happens, though, I'll be well prepared and well versed in all things wedding.

This file folder has everything ranging from brochures I pick up from my favorite vendors at the bridal shows I work, to programs from weddings I've been to with certain elements starred for future reference.

I even have my parents enlisted to pick things up from the weddings THEY go to. My dad really gets into it--I love it! I get a full recap of things they liked and things they hated didn't really love. One can never be too prepared. 

This folder has come in handy when helping plan my friend's wedding too! Picking out songs is harder than it seems and it was beneficial to have some real life examples to go off of.

Josh's mom asked me not too long ago how long it would take me to plan my "hypothetical" wedding. In all confidence, six months, given the right vendors were available and thanks to my very real file folder. (this is after I get my braces off of course!)

What can I say? I'm a planner, it's what I do.