Tag: tools

Father’s Day Ideas for Dad + HM 187

It’s time to celebrate dad! Find great Father’s Day ideas for gifts, food, and fun to make pop feel super special. Plus, link up at Home Matters with recipes, DIY, crafts, decor. Father’s Day #FathersDay #Dad #HomeMattersParty

Father’s Day Ideas for Dad + HM 187

Your Mini-Roundup: Place your mini-roundup of 3 to 5 posts here. This section should be like a little mini post. It should have an opening and a closing for the themed roundup. Remember to include one from your own blog. You should have one photo/graphic for each post in your mini-roundup. Be sure to GIVE CREDIT BELOW EACH IMAGE using the following format we use for our features: Post Title, Bloggers Name (Bold), and Blog Name (Bold). LINK the Blog Post Title to the blog post (open in a new window). ie:

15 Father’s Day Mason Jar Gifts from Donella @ One Crazy House

 

Tool Party for Father’s Day from Michelle @ MichellePaigeBlogs

 

Over 20 Tasty Father’s Day BBQ Ideas from Karissa @ A Fresh Start on a Budget

 

13 Fun and (Mostly) Easy Father’s Day Cupcake Ideas from FINDinista

 

Father’s Day Ideas for Dad Blog Hop

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A Home Matters Themed Roundup

Last Week’s Theme: Travel Tips, Tricks & Hacks

Next Week’s Theme: Fruits, Veggies, Roses — It’s That Time

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Each week, we like to feature some of the awesome posts shared at last week’s party. We hope you will be inspired by these creative and talented bloggers who share their best recipes, DIY projects, crafts, home decor, organization ideas, and more. Enjoy!

Check out this week’s features below.

 

No-Bake Pineapple Cream Cheesecake from Katie @ Tuxedo Cats & Coffee

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French Provincial Vanity Makeover from Serena @ Thrift Diving

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Grilled Corn in the Husk with Honey Butter from Mel @ Adventures of Mel

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The 7 Best Natural Cleaning Products Already in Your Kitchen from Nadine @ The Kindest Way

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Easy DIY Faux Succulent Driftwood Planter from Crystal @ Hello Creative Family

PIN here.

 

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It's time to celebrate dad! Find great Father's Day ideas for gifts, food, and fun to make pop feel super special. Plus, link up at Home Matters with recipes, DIY, crafts, decor. Father's Day #FathersDay #Dad #HomeMattersParty Click To Tweet

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Rust Removal Is Easy-Peasy With Vinegar

Got rusty tools? Rust removal is quick and easy with vinegar. Learn how to clean-up and de-rust your tools in a couple simple steps.

 

Rust Removal

Is Easy-Peasy With Vinegar

 

A while back, Luke went to the Model T Swap Meet — an annual event for over 60 years. Luke, as you may know, builds and restores hot rods and classic cars for a living. So, these types of shows and swap meets are firmly imprinted on our calendar. You can check out some of our other adventures here.

This trip to the Model T Swap Meet, Luke came home with some new-found treasures. An old metal chisel and a couple of punches in sizes he did not already own. Needless to say, he was thrilled. These tools were in pretty great shape considering they are antiques, just a bit on the rusty side. Vinegar makes rust removal a snap. The vinegar actually does most of the work for you.

Honestly, you only need a few things to remove rust from metal tools, etc.

  • Vinegar
  • Plastic or glass container
  • Steel wool

Simply place the tools into your container and pour undiluted vinegar over them. Let them sit. You will see bubbles as the vinegar reacts with the rust.

Every so often, check on the rust removal progress. Once you think all the rust is removed that will be, remove the tools and rinse them in water.

Then, you can see any remaining rust spots and give them a little wipe with some steel wool. The rust has been loosened with the vinegar, so it rubs off quick and easy.

Rinse and dry tools thoroughly. See how great they look? These antique tools have lost some of their paint from age, use, and the vinegar. If that bothers you, you can spray them with some rust-resistant paint.

Is this not the easiest way to de-rust things? And you probably have everything you need to do the job sitting around your house or garage.

Got rusty tools? Quick and easy Rust Removal with vinegar and a couple simple steps. #Rust #Tools

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Garden Ideas, Tips and Tricks for Spring

Gardening is a fun and productive way to de-stress. Discover wonderful garden ideas and tips to plant, maintain, decorate, and beautify your gardens.

 

Garden Ideas

Tips and Tricks for Spring Gardening

 

Spring is fast approaching, and that means it is time to start thinking about your garden. So, I thought I would pull together a roundup of gardening ideas, tips, and tricks to help you along the way.

You will find a wide variety of information from planting; trellises; indoor, outdoor, and container gardens; disease prevention; pest deterrents; and more.

Planting and Growing

Sunflowers – How To Grow These Healthy Giants

Get a wow factor in your garden with these floral giants — sunflowers! Learn out to grow them from seeds and grow them to amazing heights.

Lilac Bushes – How To Plant Healthy Shrubs

Learn how to grow healthy Lilac Bushes. Lilacs are a gorgeous and fragrant addition to any garden and are one of the most carefree shrubs for maintenance.

5 Tips To Growing Gourds In Your Garden

Celebrate fall by growing gourds in your garden. Get 5 great tips. Use gourds for autumn decor, recipes, crafts, and more. Bird lovers will love them.

DIY Garden Projects

5 Metallic DIY Ideas For Your Garden

Check out these 5 Metallic DIY Ideas that are perfect for Your Garden! Easy DIY projects that add a little bling to your garden decor.

How To Create A DIY Rose Trellis

Roses come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. Add a gorgeous DIY Rose Trellis as a focal point in your garden with a stunning climbing rose.

Indoor Gardening

How-To Create A Terrarium For Your Home

Bring the joy of gardening indoors with this fun and easy DIY Terrarium for your home. Add the beauty of plants to your home decor.

Container Gardening

Potted Plants Keep Your Deck Colorful And Festive

Keep gardening through the autumn and winter months with potted plants. get ideas for colorful and festive ways to make your deck a garden to enjoy.

Alternative Gardens

Aquaponic Gardening – Create A Self-Sustaining Garden

Ever wondered about an aquaponic garden? Aquaponics is a method of gardening that creates a system of self-sustaining gardening.

6 Ways To Create A Zen Experience In Your Backyard

Looking for quiet and tranquility? Take a cue from Japanese culture and create a Zen experience in your garden or a small Zen garden for inside your home.

Garden Maintenance

Shrubs – 5 Hassle-Free Trimming Tips

Great tips on how to take back control of your yard, and keep your plants healthy and beautiful with these how-tos for trimming your shrubs.

5 Most Valuable Home Improvement Investments

A garden beautifies your home. Get a few key tools to make the most of time and energy, and ensure you have the right tools for the gardening job.

Plant Diseases and Pest Deterrents

Plant Diseases – How To Identify Them In Your Garden

Keep your garden healthy and strong. Learn how to identify and care for common plant diseases. Plus get prevention and disposal tips.

Humane Ways To Keep Animals Out Of Your Yard

Animals can be destructive to gardens. Find humane ways to discourage and keep unwanted animals out of your yard with these great tips.

 

Garden ideas, tips, and #DIY to get you ready for #Spring! A great resource for #gardening. #Garden

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This post gathers a multitude of information and is a fantastic resource for garden ideas, tips, and tricks! PIN it to come back to for future reference.

I hope this spring and summer your gardens will be filled with beautiful flowers, shrubs, herbs, and vegetables. Take pleasure in the gardening experience, relax and enjoy!

 

 

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5 Tools You Need To Remodel Your Kitchen

Any job requires tools and having the right tools for the job makes everything easier. Find out the 5 must-have tools for a kitchen remodel.

5 Must-Have Tools

For Remodeling Your Kitchen

 

 

There are plenty of tools on the market for home improvers and DIYers who hope to remodel their kitchens, but how many do you really need? Should you get ten specific tools, or invest in a multi-tool to help you with multiple projects? In the same way that you don’t want to waste money on overpriced tile or the wrong light bulbs, you don’t want to buy unnecessary tools for the job. Follow this guide to get the right tools to solve all of your problems.

The Right Tools

 

Demolition Bar

Image via Flickr by Loren Owensby

You demolition or pry bar can prove useful in many instances, especially if you’re trying to update an older kitchen. This tool is great for getting into tiny spaces and ripping out cabinets and anything else that’s been nailed to your wall. It also has a nail puller on one end in case you accidentally nail the wrong pieces together or want a more delicate removal than the wrecking side can deliver. Many DIYers think this tool is perfect when you need a controllable force on an object.

 

Shop Vacuum

A shop vacuum is something you want in your home long after you finish remodeling. It’s meant to pick up durable items from lost screws to sawdust and insulation. This will also provide your saving grace if a pipe bursts in your kitchen and water spews across the floor. The shop vacuum hose can reach into tiny spaces where a traditional vacuum or broom can’t. Furthermore, its attachments often suck up more than a traditional vacuum, which is important when you’re trying to clear a workspace or remove material that may contain mold.

 

Adjustable Ladder

Image via Flickr by iamvisi

An adjustable ladder is another tool that will help you long after you’ve finished remodeling your kitchen. It’s much safer than standing on chairs or boxes, and you can change its height to meet your specific needs. Try to find a collapsible model for easy storage so you can keep it close next time a light bulb needs to be changed or frame that needs to be adjusted. Furthermore, this ladder will be your best friend during the holiday season and Halloween, especially if you love turning your home into a winter wonderland or haunted house for the neighborhood kids.

 

Free Standing Light

If you’re working on electrical or plumbing improvements in the kitchen, you’re going to crawl into some dark spaces. You can either use up one of your hands with a flashlight, or you can invest in a free-standing or hanging light to brighten the area to free both hands. You can find these lights at your local home improvement store, and you can find models that collapse for easy storage afterward.

If you don’t have the room to set up a light, or are climbing on a ladder, consider buying a headlamp that lights the scene in front of you. These lights will be your best friends when you’re trying to install light fixtures underneath your cabinets, but you can’t see where the cables hook up.

 

Smartphone

Image via Flickr by Janitors

Your smartphone can serve a multitude of uses during your kitchen remodeling process. It has apps that serve as levels to make sure your cabinets and art pieces aren’t crooked. However, the most value that smartphones offer is ideas. There are apps for selecting paint colors and testing how they would look on your walls and others that let you place furniture in different positions to get a feel for how it looks when you move in. This can save you the time and energy of actually picking up your furniture and sliding it across the room — only to decide it looked better where it was.

All of these tools are important investments for the DIYer who wants to remodel his or her kitchen, but they can also be used throughout the house and during the rest of the year. Not only will they save time and energy, but the ladder and lighting can even save your life and prevent a trip to the hospital. A remodeled kitchen is nice, but not when the homeowner has to sacrifice safety.

5 Must-Have Tools for remodeling your kitchen! #Tools #Remodel #Kitchen #KitchenRemodel

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5 Most Valuable Home Improvement Investments

A garden beautifies your home. Get a few key tools to make the most of time and energy, and ensure you have the right tools for the gardening job.

5 of the Most Valuable Home Improvement Investments

 

Working on the house and getting out in the garden is a great way to get some fresh air with a side of meditation. Plus, you get a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment when a task is completed.

To help you make the most of the time and energy you spend on your home and garden projects, ensure you have the right tools for the job.

You don’t need to get overwhelmed by the hundreds of tools on the market, and you certainly don’t need to break the bank buying them all. Instead, get a few key tools and you’ll make your gardening easier and faster.

Here are five tools to start with:

  1. Work Gloves

There are many types, brands and price points when it comes to work gloves — the key is to get a pair. They won’t last forever and you’ll learn what style and size you like.

They protect your hands from thorns and thistles on plants, blisters from wear and tear, and they shield you from dangerous substances such as fertilizers and other chemicals.

If you injure your hands, you won’t be able to accomplish the tasks you set out to. So make sure to cover up your most useful tools — your hands! Then, you’ll be able to work harder and longer.

  1. Power Drill

No gardener and DIY-er should be without a power drill. These easy-to-use tools help make quick work of building a garden box, fixing a broken fence or hanging a trellis.

It’ll save your arms, wrists and hands from the laborious work of twisting in screws by hand, and can prevent wood from splitting when nails get hammered into place.

There are many options when buying a drill. Don’t be fooled into thinking you need a pink drill — just find a good, reliable, user-friendly one and you’ll be set.

  1. Hand Rake

This small hand tool is great for garden preparation and maintenance. It’s one of many kinds of rakes, but is probably the smallest one you’ll find.

It usually comes with three prongs on it, which you use to break up soil when you prep it for planting or for the winter. It also comes in handy with weeding, as it allows you to loosen and pull unwanted vegetation from around your flowers and veggies.

  1. Air Compressor

This appliance is versatile in its uses around the home and yard. When hooked up to the right attachment, an air compressor can become a pesticide sprayer, nail gun, a power washer, a paint sprayer and a tire pump.

As there are various models and sizes of air compressors, so make sure you rent one first to figure out which one fits your needs and space. While smaller models can be easier to move, larger models can accommodate more tools and have varying levels of power. So, make sure to do your research on its uses before making a final investment.

  1. Shovel

Get a shovel to help with jobs involving lifting and moving different materials, including gravel and dirt.

A shovel is handy when you’re building new landscaping or changing up what you’ve already got in your yard. It’s also helpful when you’re prepping a garden space for planting or getting it ready for winter dormancy.

Before you buy, check out your options and make sure you pick it up and try it out — seriously! You want to make sure the various parts of the shovel are a good fit for you. Ensure the grip is comfortable in your hand and the handle is the right length.

Getting a project done is a heck of a lot easier when you have the right tools for the job. Invest in these five key versatile tools and they’ll help to get you started. Although they aren’t the only tools you can use in your next project, they’ll assist you in making quicker work of your to-do list.

 

~Megan

5 Most valuable Home Improvement Investments – find out what they are… #HomeImprovement #Tools

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Pumpkin Carving Tools of the Trade

The Proper Tools

Make All the Difference

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It is an old saying that the proper tools make a job easier, and it is no different in Pumpkin Carving. The tools do not need to be expensive, just the correct tools for your use. My pumpkin carving tools of the trade encompass a variety of different types of tools for carving My Pumpkins.

  • A collection of Pumpkin Masters Carving Tools (not motorized)
  • Wood Carving Tools
  • Drill Bits (various sizes)

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Pumpkin Masters Carving Tools

   

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SAWS

There are several different sizes of saws both in length of saw blade and in the size of the teeth. For straighter longer cuts, use a saw with a longer blade and larger teeth. For more intricate or curvy areas, use a smaller blade length and smaller teeth.

The key to using the saws is making quick sawing motions. Do not try to use the saws like a knife and cut through the pumpkin. It takes very little pressure, but a lot of back-and-forth sawing motion. I have used these same saws for years.

You can see in my picture above, that I trimmed the top of the saw blade to an angled point. This helps a great deal. Purchase a separate set for children to use and keep the blunt end for safety.

SCRAPERS

I use the scrapers to add texture to the pumpkin. I have two large scrapers–one with a straight edge and one with a jagged edge. I use the straight edged one to smooth out the inside of the pumpkin.

The poker type scraper is great for deepening creases in a design.

Use the others to scratch at the pumpkin skin. This technique is great for adding an aged or weathered look, grass, or maybe a pattern to a scarecrow’s shirt.

**NOTE: These Pumpkin Masters Carving Tools are readily available at Target, Walmart, grocery stores, and drugstores.

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Wood Carving Tools

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I have a 5-piece gouge set that includes a flat angle-edge, an almost flat round-edge, a U-shape, a tiny V-shape, and a larger V-shape. These are fantastic for carving and sculpting! I would say that probably 95% of my actual design work is done with this set.

You can also use Linoleum tools and/or Exact-o knife.

Find the Five Piece Power Grip Carving Set at Rockler Woodworking and Hardware

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Drill Bits

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Drill Bits are great for punching perfectly round holes into your pumpkin. You do not need to attach it to a drill, just twist it through the pumpkin with your fingers. It is very easy to do. These little multi-packs from the 99-Cents Only Stores and other places, make it easy to have holes of varying sizes.

Now you have the Pumpkin Carving Tools of the Trade.  Upcoming posts will include tips and tricks on designs and patterns, carving, preparation, preservation, and more. Be sure to check back!

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What tools do you use for carving pumpkins?

Do you have any tool tips or tricks?

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On Another Note~

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Around the World with I Am Meg
The Travel Series is coming to a close. Please go check out the final Guest Blogger post.
Last Post in the Series: Kate: Amsterdam, Holland
For a list of all posts, Check the Schedule: HERE


 

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The Girl’s Got Power Tools! Pumpkin Gutter

If you love pumpkin carving, then you NEED to get this Pumpkin Gutter! It is absolutely fantastic. You won’t believe how fast and clean it guts your pumpkin – easy peasy! I love mine. Don’t carve with out it.

The Pumpkin Gutter!

A Power Tool for Pumpkin Carving

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A couple of years ago, Rory and I went to the most amazing pumpkin carving demonstration at Roger’s Gardens in Newport Beach. The local nursery is a beautiful place to walk around and explore and the host all kinds of interesting informational seminars on gardening, cooing, decorating and more. Roger’s Gardens is especially fun to visit at Halloween and Christmas when it is fully decorated for the seasons.

The man giving the seminar absolutely thrilled me. I was already an avid pumpkin carver, but I had never seen such a tool as he had and was using. He pulled a couple of kids from the audience to help him gut the pumpkin. He whipped out his power hand drill and attached this odd looking, super long drill bit that looked like it had an egg beater on the end, a Pumpkin Gutter. After he cut open the pumpkin, he stuck the Pumpkin Gutter inside and went at it. He even let the kids have a go. It is that easy to use.

The Pumpkin Gutter not only cleans the guts out of the pumpkin, but it also thins the pumpkin walls to make them better for carving. It also keeps the seeds intact for those tasty pumpkin seed treats. This inexpensive tool is a must if you are going to carve multiple pumpkins, have your family carving pumpkins, or hosting a pumpkin carving party!

Here’s How It Works…

  • Cut open your pumpkin
  • Scoop out as much gut and seeds as you can with your hands
  • Use the Pumpkin Gutter on the power drill running it around the pumpkin walls. (You will need to stop periodically and clean out the loose debris and the ball on the end of your Pumpkin Gutter. **Remember – the Pumpkin Gutter is a drill bit and is sharp.)
  • Once all seeds and guts are removed from the pumpkin, use the Pumpkin Gutter to thin the walls of the pumpkin for carving. (Watch for upcoming posts on how thin to make the pumpkin walls and other carving tips and tricks coming soon.)
  • Use a scraper to smooth the inside walls

Get your own Pumpkin Gutter here!

Good luck with your pumpkin carving!

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Do you have any special tools you use for gutting a pumpkin?

Do you have a favorite recipe for Pumpkin Seeds?

Are you thinking of hosting a Pumpkin Carving Party?


 

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X-ray of a Blog – Blogging Tips Series pt. 2

This is the Second article in a Three-part Series. If you missed the First installment of X-ray of a Blog, please go check it out.

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FADE IN:

INT. EMERGENCY ROOM PATIENT’S ROOM

The heart monitor beeps.

NURSE
Doctor, we’re losing him.

DOCTOR
Hand me the paddles. Give me 360 joules.

NURSE
Ready, Doctor.

DOCTOR
Clear!

FADE OUT.

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The X-ray of a Blog

In this three-part series, we will explore the attributes and make-up of a blog. In part one, we examined the Skeleton, Skin, Nervous System, and Brain. Part Two explores the Heart, Soul, Mouth, Eyes and Ears, and Hands. Once again, you will find links to help explain and provide you with more detail. Onto the X-ray…

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The Heart

Posts are the heart, pumping life into your blog. Every entry a blogger makes needs to be well written and well planned. That does not mean that every post requires an exorbitant amount of research or time. Just be sure that what you post well done. It is not always easy to know what to post about; maybe some of these links will help.

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The Soul

A blogs Soul allows the reader to get to know the author. The style of writing, the About Page, and the personality of the blogger shines through. Readers like to connect with the blogger. Share your Soul; show them who you are.

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The Mouth

A mouth speaks, and that communication through a blog comes in the form of comments. Comments not only from your readers, but also from replies back from you, the blogger. Interact with your readers, engage them in conversation, encourage feedback. Commenting on blogs you read is also very important. Leaving comments not only helps gain readers and followers, but also it can be key in triggering inspiration for your blog.

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The Eyes and Ears

You cannot use the senses of taste, touch, and smell on a blog, so the Eyes and Ears become all the more important. Be sure to use photographs, graphics, and videos to the best possible advantage.

Graphics and Fonts: A How To

Get Images To Behave In Blogger

How To Edit Photos with Pixlr Express

Top Ten PicMonkey Tutorials

How To Label Your Photos for Pinterest

10 Tips For Taking Pictures of Your Kids

One Simple Tip to Make Your Blog Stand Out

Make Sense of Shooting Modes

Clip Art Sources

How To Make Clip Art For Your Blog

Vlogging Tips

Video Blogging Tips & Tricks

7 Vlogging Tips to Become a Brand Ambassador

YouTube Optimization

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The Hands

Learn how to use your Hands to make your blog more interesting. Give your readers the opportunity to be interactive on your site with games, forms, surveys, printables, downloads and more.

How to Make Printable Recipes

How to Attach a Document to a Blog Post

How To PDF

How To Create a Printable on PicMonkey

How To Create a Printable on Microsoft Word

How To Add Zip Files to Blogger

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This series is jammed packed with great information. I hope you find it helpful.
Part Three of this X-ray of a Blog Series will examine the Muscles, Health, Feet, Veins, and Stomach. Look for it next Wednesday, August 21st.

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What did you find most helpful or interesting?

Do you have any tips or tricks you can share?

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X-ray of a Blog – Blogging Tips Series pt. 1

Life With Lorelai is being featured today on I Am Meg & So Can You!
Please go check it out.

FADE IN:

INT.    A BUSY HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM

PARAMEDICS push through the doors with a BLOG on a gurney. The NURSE gets them to a room and calls the DOCTOR.

PARAMEDICS
We have a Blog in distress, but no clues as to what’s wrong.

The doctor begins his examination.

DOCTOR
Nurse, We’re going to need some lab work. We have lethargy, failure to thrive, possible internal injuries, and clearly, the Blog is in need of some cosmetic surgery. Let’s get an X-ray stat.

NURSE
Yes, Doctor, right away.

FADE OUT.

The X-ray of a Blog

In this three-part series, we will explore the attributes and make-up of a blog. In part one, we will examine the Skeleton, Skin, Nervous System, and Brain. You will find links to provide you with more detail. Let’s delve into the X-ray…

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The Skeleton

Just like the human body, a blog cannot function without its skeletal frame, and in this case that means your blogging platform or blog host. Understanding these systems can be tricky, so it helps to know some key terminology, tips, and tricks.

…

The Skin

Unlike the skeletal bones, the skin doesn’t show up in X-rays, but it’s the first thing readers notice when visiting your blog. Work with themes, designs, and fonts. Taking care of your “skin” is vital.

…

The Nervous System

The nervous system is an internal communications highway. It receives input and passes it along to the proper areas for an action to take place. In a blog, plug-ins, widgets, customizations, and tools pass along the hidden parameters you set that result in how your blog works and communicates information to others.

…

The Brain

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The brain of a blog organizes, analyzes, examines statistics, and records memories.

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This is a lot of information for one post. Part Two of this X-ray of a Blog Series will take us on a journey through the Heart, Soul, Mouth, Eyes and Ears, and Hands.
Look for it next
Wednesday, August 14th.

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Did you enjoy this post and find it helpful? Do you have any useful tips?
Share your thoughts.

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…

I would love to hear from you … leave me a Comment.

And don’t forget…
Life With Lorelai is being featured today on I Am Meg & So Can You!
Please go check it out.

…

Big Birthday Bash TOMORROW on Life With Lorelai

~Lorelai

 

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~Lorelai

 

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Contact Lorelai at Lorelai@LifeWithLorelai.com

     
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