Welcome to the fifth installment of Blog Idol Interviews the SITS 31 Days to Build a Better Blog edition!

Nearly five weeks ago, I announced my team of fabulous bloggers helping to support the SITS event and how each Monday, I will have a Blog Idol Interview featuring the team’s advice on the topics at hand for that week of the SITS 31 Days to Build a Better Blog event – well, this my friends is your final installment of this edition (there will be future editions including one focused on SEO and monetizing) of Blog Idol Interviews.

Did you miss the past four weeks?

Week #1 Blog Idol Interview {Assess Your Blog}

Week #2 Blog Idol Interview {Look Under the Hood}

Week #3 Blog Idol Interview {Build a Community}

Week #4 Blog Idol Interviews  {Hone Your Writing}

The advice featured in these interviews is a fantastic way to to find additional direction and inspiration for taking your blog the next level, so be sure to check them out if you haven’t already.

I plan to continue this series in coming weeks, so please check back for more great blog advice even after the SITS 31DBBB event comes to a close.

If you’re looking for additional Blog Idol Interviews, head to the Blog Idol Interview tab above and find advice from fantastic bloggers like Jill from Scary Mommy, Kat from Mama Kat’s Losin’ It and Heather from Theta Mom.

Now onto this week’s interview…

SITS Girls 31 Days to Build a Better Blog – Content Block #5 – Promote Your Blog

When you have found your blog in a rut, how did you boost your content and readership?

Something I have been doing recently is promoting OLD posts via Facebook and Twitter. I have new followers and likers that I didn’t have 2 and 3 years ago who have not read the “old stuff”. I try to promote one old post a few days a week as a way to increase traffic and bring new eyes via Facebook and Twitter. It never fails to bring 25% of that day’s traffic. ~Jenny, Jenny on the Spot

This is a tough question, as my blog is currently in a rut – it’s been neglected for several months! First, I look to see what topics are hot in my Twitter circle or what people are talking about on Facebook and try to create some content around those ideas. Second, always try to think big – come up with a brand new photo contest, or perhaps a series on something I’m really knoweledeable a bout. Third, curating other people’s content – providing a “best posts of this week” as an example – can be a great way to bridge gaps AND pay it forward to other bloggers. Finally, I dabble more heavily in social media outlets that I’m not typically super active in.  ~Gigi, Kludgy Mom & SITS Girl

I create an online “event” to bring them back or gain new eyeballs. You have to do something exciting or different to shake things up from time to time. I strongly believe in always finding ways to reinvent yourself and your site. ~Andrea, Savvy Sassy Moms

I tend to spend more time on social sites like Twitter and Facebook just talking to people. I also may check out and participate in linkups or see an idea on someone else’s site and then write a post on the same topic, but give them a shout out and link back in my post. If I’m in a rut and looking for content, I’ll throw questions out on those sites and see what people have to say. And anytime I have an idea about a post to write, I always start a draft with the idea (it might only be a few words), That way, when I’m looking for something to blog about, I can go through the drafts and I always find something. ~Natalie, Mommy of a Monster & Twins

If I’m in a rut, the best thing that has worked for me is to take a break. I shut down the computer for a day, few days etc…until I feel refreshed. This always helps me to clear my head and spark up new ideas. ~Tina, Life without Pink & Girls Lunch Out

If you had three social media outlets to focus on (forums included) where would you spend your time? 

Pinterest, Pinterest, Pinterest. I am in love with using it as a tool for promoting content as well as connecting with potential readers who I would not find through other aspects of social media. Pinterest is a great place to connect with people who have similar interests to you. You can create a board for a specific special interest of yours and connect with those who follow it or strike up a conversation in the comment section under a pin. It is also a great place to look around for creative ideas for a new post. ~Jessica, Four Plus an Angel

Twitter, Facebook & Pinterest ~ Tracy, Sellabit Mum

“Less is more” is my mantra when it comes to social media outlets. Not that I only have a presence on three platforms, but I’m a big believer that you aren’t really doing yourself much good if you are only devoting 10% of yourself to 10 different outlets. You’ll get a lot farther if you share your time in 2 or 3 different places. ~ Liz, Belle, Bean & a Chicago Dog & Eli Rose Social Media

Twitter, Twitter, and Twitter. I’m a Twitter addict to my core. ~Amy, Resourceful Mommy

Twitter.

Twitter.

Twitter. 

Ok, how about Twitter, Facebook and Instagr.am. Hands down, those three. Instagr.am is a great way to entice people and keep them interested in you with beautiful pictures! And as far as Facebook goes, apparently, people still love it, so it is a great traffic driver to your blog!  ~ Rachel, Rachel Voorhees.com & Mommy Needs a Vacation

Now that we’re at  the end of the SITS 31 Days to Build a Better Blog edition of Blog Idol Interviews, what other questions linger about blogging? What should future installments cover? What do you want to know more about? 

The twins turned two in December.

I knew the day was coming….

when chaos would commence….

Exhibit A: a roll of TP in the toilet

Exhibit B: Crayons thrown into the heating grate….

Exhibit C: 

It’s a good thing they’re so cute…

Just sayin’

I came into this world unwanted.

Or, at least, that’s how it has felt.

When your parents essentially abandon you – it can feel as if they wished you had never been born.

They were young. Teenagers to be more specific, who weren’t ready to be the parents to the one child they had inadvertently created, let alone the second one who came along a mere 11 months later.

I don’t think the facts of my parents choices really resonated with me until I became a parent myself. And to this day, as a grown woman, it is more devastating each time I think of it.

No child should feel that kind of pain. No adult should have to carry it around with them for their entire life. And yet…

Now don’t get me wrong, I was loved and I was cared for by remarkable family members and friends who picked up where my parents left me  behind, and I am so thankful for their selflessness. But there really was no way to replace the emptiness that comes with a life without your parents, especially when it’s a conscious decision on their part.

Unfortunately, I spent many of my younger years feeling as if I were a burden to my extended family, but now, as a parent – I know there was no other way that they could let my life be. They had to step in and be there, as best as they could. And their love and commitment saved me.

I’m not sure I would want to have my life go any other way, if I’m being completely honest, and  I didn’t realize this until I came across a clip from Oprah’s Master Class where she said …

“Had I not been raised in an environment where I came unwanted, and people had to take care of me, I would not have the passion, compassion, empathy, sympathy, caring, care, understanding – that I do for other people, who were not wanted. That’s all part of my journey, to get to be who am I and where I am.”

~Oprah, Master Class - The Upside of Hard Times

It was then that I had, at the risk of sound “Oprah cliche’”  - My Aha! Moment.

I guess, deep down, I always knew that I was better for my struggles.

I was better for not having two dysfunctional people care for me throughout my youth but, I didn’t really find a sense of peace with that fact until I listened to Oprah make this statement.

It’s not to say I don’t feel pain over the circumstances of my life, and the fact that neither of the two people who brought me into this world wanted me enough to overcome their own weakness and selfish nature – but, I’m more at peace with it now.

And…I actually feel a sense of sympathy for my parents. Because, they are living with their own emotional burdens – things that they obviously have never really come to terms with. Things that drove them to make that unimaginable choice to leave their child.  It is sad to me that they are living their lives in a way that is lacking honesty for their mistakes and the resolve to do better so they can enjoy their lives and I wish that they had the strength to overcome.

So, while I am still heartbroken  -  I am  O.K.

I’m a better person because I struggled.

What has shaped you in your life? 

It’s time for Listable Life again!

Last week, I left you with the following three options for this week’s linkup:

5 Things/Activities That Take You To Your Happy Place

5 Social Media Pet Peeves

5 Things You Do Well

If you’re just jumping in, no worries! The linky will be open until Friday, so link up throughout the week and I’ll be sure to stop by your space in the blogosphere and read along with fellow linkers.

This week, I went with 5 Things That Take Me To My Happy Place and let me tell you, this is not an all inclusive list…but they all contribute to the bigger picture. They make me smile, contribute to my sanity and are just plain fun.

1.) Hot Shoes…because The Proof is in the Stilettos, no? 

2.) Need I say more? 

3.) Shiny new appliances that make my life easier…Hello Lovers…..

4.) Old Family Photos…my brother and I were so cute…look at those chubby cheeks! We weren’t twins…we’re 10 months apart…

{Ahem}

5.) Writing for Military Spouses Like Me. I have had the great honor of being published in Military Spouse Magazine, a national magazine that’s sole focus is to bring support, offer guidance  and share the stories of those spouses who sacrifice and forge through in spite of the consistent challenges they face. I’ve written about Army Wives making the best of year-long deployments with the husbands in Iraq, how to help your kids cope through deployment, and…

and in May, my name will be on the same page with  Guy Fieri - a huge advocate and supporter of military families among other things. I must say I’m a little bit giddy about that one. Talking with him on the phone has been the highlight of my writing career thus far.

It is such an honor to write for the men and women serving our country, and more specifically, their spouses. Add into that, the fact that it is a  professional and creative outlet, a much needed reprieve for this Mama of three – and I’m one happy gal.

Writing, plain and simple, is my sanity.

What takes you to your happy place? 

***Interested in linkup next week? Here are your topics:

5 Moments You Would Live Over Again

5 Photos that Reflect the Essence of “You”

5 Bloggers You Admire or Enjoy the Most

If you’re a planner, head to my #ListableLife tab and plan out your posts through March.

Welcome to the fourth installment of Blog Idol Interviews the SITS 31 Days to Build a Better Blog edition! Several weeks ago, I announced my team of fabulous bloggers helping to support the SITS event and how each Monday, I will have a Blog Idol Interview featuring the team’s advice on the topics at hand for that week of the SITS 31 Days to Build a Better Blog event. Did you miss week’s 1-3?

Week #1 Blog Idol Interview {Assess Your Blog}

Week #2 Blog Idol Interview {Look Under the Hood}

Week #3 Blog Idol Interview {Build a Community}

My hope is that the bloggers sharing their advice will offer you additional insight and thought when working to take your blog to the next level.

SITS Girls 31 Days to Build a Better Blog – Content Block #4 – Hone  Your Writing

Do you use an editorial calendar? If so, what program or method have you found most successful?

We just started using an editorial calendar because I have brought on many more contributors, we use google docs. It helps me see the month head and plan for any special seasonal posts, holidays or deadlines for sponsored posts and giveaways.  ~Andrea, Savvy Sassy Moms 

I have tried an editorial calendar plug-in before, but I found myself rarely using it. For me, I have developed my own rhythm, if you will, for what type of content I post on what days. Monday is the highest traffic day, so whatever post I feel is most important to me at the time is what I put on Mondays. Since starting #iPPP a few months ago, my Wednesday post is always a post with photos taken with my iPhone. I also can link this post in with Wordless Wednesday linkups, so there’s some added value there. Over time, I’ve seen how traffics wanes on Fridays across the internet, so Friday is going to be something casual, goofy or fun. ~Liz, Belle Bean & Chicago Dog & EliRose Social

I keep an editorial calendar on a plain old weekly paper organizer. As much as I love technology, I am a very visual, very tactile person. Putting post titles and dates into an app and having it ping me will simply never work. I need to write it in ink and cross it off when it is complete.  ~ Amy, Resourceful Mommy

Yes, I do! I use the WordPress Editorial Calendar. When I have sponsored posts I need to write, I put them on my calendar so I do not forget. Also, as I come up with ideas for my posts, I’ll add them to my calendar. This really helps me stay on track and keeps my ideas flowing. ~Tina, Life without Pink & Girls Lunch Out

How do you engage your readers through your posts? How do you get them to respond and connect with you on a regular basis?

I try to ask questions at the end of my posts and occasionally post polls when I want to know what my readers want to see more of or think about a particular topic. It’s been very useful. ~ Natalie, Mommy of a Monster & Twins

Most of the time, I pose a question in the last line of every blog post – to try to ensure readers will comment with their thoughts. It’s a great way to open up discussion and have readers come back to further the conversation.  ~ Tracy, Sellabit Mum

What have you found to be a successful way to generate ideas for posts?

I keep a post-it list on my computer…I’ll email myself (smartphone) when an idea hits…I have notes on my desk, and sometimes I’ll start a new post with a title and add notes in the body field. For me, ideas come as I engage my day. My blog is largely lifestyle/humor. The content is as living as me. My editorial calendar is for managing sponsored content. But the rest of the content is birthday in almost real time. Perhaps it is not the recommended approach by the professionals, but it’s where I am right now…Which is a problem when I go away to conferences or vacations. Having posts ready and/or planned for is so important for those times. Yet another thing to work on in 2012! Managing a blog is SO much like managing one’s life…there is always room for improvement! ~Jenny, Jenny on the Spot

I’ll shamelessly promote my Idea Bank as a way to generate ideas for posts. Dozens of bloggers contributed over 500 topic ideas to the bank last year, and it’s a great resource. Because I write a lot of humor posts, I can also draw from the things that irritate or make me laugh during the day. I always keep a notebook nearby when I have an idea or enter ideas on my iPhone reminders so I don’t forget anything. The smallest thing can be the inspiration for a post, so don’t rule out the small stuff! ~ Gigi, Kludgy Mom

Anytime an idea pops into my head, I add it to my Notes section on my iPhone or quickly open my WordPress dashboard and Add a New Post with a quick title. The title usually prompts me to write about the story later…generating new ideas for posts can be difficult at times. Sometimes I just don’t have any good ideas. This is when I take a step back and remind myself that this is supposed to be fun. I also belive that when you write about something you are passionate about and have knowledge about, the ideas flow a whole lot easier!  ~Rachel, Mommy Needs a Vacation/RachelVoorhees.com

I have a natural itch to write. I always have. Idea generating is not extremely difficult for me because I tend to write about the everyday, taking small experiences and expanding on them. I do try to ask myself if a post idea is universal before posting though. Is it something most readers can either relate to or take something away from?…When I blog about a narrow subject, I try to pull in a general message that readers who are not affected by this topic can also find relatable. When I find myself running out of ideas, a great source of inspiration is the book, “Bird by Bird” by Anne Lamott. I can’t say enough about it. ~ Jessica, Four Plus an Angel

I have so many ideas that pop up in my head when I am away from the computer enjoying life! Remember, in order to come up with great material, you have to have those experiences. Also, by reading other blogs. Sometimes reading a story will inspire a new idea or bring back memories that eventually turn into a blog post. ~Tina, Life without Pink & Girls Lunch Out

I try to blog about the everyday. Kids are funny and weird and usually provide unlimited content. Sometimes a three minute conversation with your child can be a hilarious post. I have a small notebook and pen in my purse at all times in case a new idea hits me..or I send myself and email. ~Tracy, Sellabit Mum

Which piece of advice did you find most helpful? How do you keep the creative juices flowing and organize them into a calendar? 

**Listable Life linkup is tomorrow! Choose a topic from this list (topics dated for 2-7-12) and link up tomorrow! The linky is live until Friday if you need to post on a different day. I read each and every linkers post, so join in on the fun! I love getting to know my blog friends better!***

Want more Blog Idol Interviews? 

These are my daughters…

Don’t let their gorgeous little kissable cheeks fool you.

They’re addicts.

All of them in one way or another.

The oldest sucks her thumb…she’s almost seven. The twins are both thumb suckers too.

I need to get a job so I can afford the braces these girls are going to need.

Then there is ‘B’

They all have one. He’s their beloved Bear a.k.a Lovey

‘B’ first came to us from my Mother-in-law while I was pregnant with Jordan, my oldest daughter. As she got older, he quickly became her most treasured possession. To this day, ‘B’ sleeps with Jordan and goes with her when we travel.

He is a part of the family, it was only natural that we get the twins their own ‘B’s. So, before I started my lengthy stay at the hospital. Jordan and I went on the hunt for two identical ‘B’s – which was only fitting since our twins are identical.

It was all so innocent and sweet.

Flash forward two years, and we have a problem on our hands.

My Charlotte. Sweet, adorable, feisty Charlotte is, I fear, in need of an intervention. She cannot be without her lovey ‘B’ for very long. She has become so dependent on him, that this happens when we leave home without him.

She uses him for comfort. It’s really quite cute, because she flicks his tail while she sucks her thumb.

Sometimes, she steals Maddie’s bear to have double the fix.

At one point, her thumb-sucking-tail-flicking became so frequent, her thumb developed a blister and it was raw all over. That seemingly uncomfortable scenario didn’t stop her…oh no! She can only suck her left thumb while flicking his tail. She’s not able to do it with her right – it just doesn’t flick right…..or something.

SO, we resorted to short periods of putting a glove on her  one hand Michael Jackson style…

she wasn’t amused.

I had to use tape snuggly wrapped at the top of the glove (not on her skin folks…I’m not Mommy Dearest) so she couldn’t pull the glove off. We tried a bandaid…she kept pulling it off. So, this was necessary so her thumb could heal – she had been kicked out of her once-a-week-mommy-gets-two-glorious-hours-on-her-own playgroup people! I had to come up with a solution…

It was either snuggly taping the glove or doing what their Early Intervention Therapist suggested…cut off his tail…

{Ahem}

I couldn’t bear to break her heart like that. SO, we opted for the glove, and let’s just say she went through some serious withdrawals. I could only manage the glove for about an hour at a time before she would break out a face that was so sad and lost, I couldn’t stand it anymore.

I’m not sure how long this obsession will last…but God help me if we ever lose that damn bear.

Do your kids have an obsessions like this one? Do I have hope for an end to this addiction or am I doomed?

Let me just say, that I am so stoked with how well this series is being received. The first week, I had 20 linkers and last week there were 30. I love that so many of you are joining in on the fun and I have really enjoyed stopping by to read each and every linker’s post. You have made me laugh and you have shown me what fabulous writers you are through your Listable Life posts. You have also inspired me to try to write better and I thank you for that.

It is my hope, that through this series, I’ll put more of myself into this blog, while learning more about my blog friends who link up and join in on the fun. I think the effort put into this series will be time well spent. We’ll learn more about ourselves as well as each other in the process, which is really what blogging is all about.

Listable Life will sometimes be introspective, sometimes silly and embarrassing (did you not see my pimpin’ blue glasses in last week’s post? Ridiculous.) and they will be authentic and fun. At least, that’s my hope. So please continue to join me and if you haven’t already – I hope I’ll get to read your Listable Life post soon.

Last week, I provided the following three prompts:

5 Things on Your Bucket List (Putting it on “paper” will make sure you do it, no?)

5 Things Every New Blogger Should Know ( a way to pay it forward)

5 Reasons Traveling to ____________ is a Must. (Think travel story from personal experience)

I chose to go with my bucket list. Because, I’m introspective like that. My Bucket List is always evolving and so it’s impossible for me to create an all encompassing list but, I thought it was time I put my bucket list down on the proverbial “paper”.

Although, admittedly, it was hard for me not to share Why Traveling to Hawaii is a MUST, because I used to live there and I have so much to share on that topic. But…I’ll save that for another post.

So, without further adieu….. 5 Things on My Bucket List

1.) Grow old with my girls. You know, like Sophia and Dorothy from the Golden Girls? I plan to be just as spirited and sarcastic as Sophia but a little less grumpy and without the whole putting food in my purse thing. I hope that this will be a part of my life’s journey. Hope and pray.

2.) Travel Throughout Europe.  I’ve been to the U.K. and Scotland but, I have yet to make it anywhere else. If I had to choose one place, it would be Italy. The Tuscan region. I’d love to spend weeks exploring at a leisurely pace.

Eating. Drinking. Soaking up the history, culture and beauty of it all without the worry of time.

3.) Become a Journalist.  I’m already doing this a bit, but the educator in me wants to learn all I can so I can be a great contributor to the world of Journalism. So, next to this computer I’m typing on, sits a GRE book. A Master’s is in my future.

I just need my littles to not be so little so I have a bit more time to dedicate to this goal. But, for now, one test, and then one class at a time.

4.) Inspire Others. I don’t know how this would be measurable. But I would like to somehow bring good to the lives of others. Whether through my words, my actions or some other way. I haven’t quite figured out how to accomplish this goal, but I would be fulfilled in life if I knew I had a positive impact on the lives of others.

5.) Help Disadvantaged Children. Once my girls are older, I would like to foster or adopt another child. It’s always been close to my heart and I have hope to do it some day when we are more settled. Right now, we are in the military, and stability is not the name of our game. But in time, we’ll make our family bigger.

What’s on your Bucket List? What big goals do you have hope to accomplish? 

Want to link up next week? Here are your prompts:

5 Things/Activities That Take You To Your Happy Place

5 Social Media Pet Peeves

5 Things You Do Well 

Welcome to the third installment of Blog Idol Interviews the SITS 31 Days to Build a Better Blog edition! A few weeks ago, I announced my team of fabulous bloggers helping to support the SITS event and how each Monday, I will have a Blog Idol Interview featuring the team’s advice on the topics at hand for that week of the SITS 31 Days to Build a Better Blog event.

The first week covered Assessing your Blog where the team shared advice on how to use analytics to improve your blog, their perspective on why blog buddies are vital to your success, tips for successful blogging Memes (pronounced Meems) and how to stand apart from the rest of the blogging world.

Last week, we covered Looking Under the Hood, which covered the ins and outs of a fabulous ‘About Me’ and PR Page. The Blog Idol team shared their must-have plug-ins and how to make sure your readers can find your older posts easily.

This week, they are sharing advice on building a community.

My hope is that the bloggers sharing their advice will offer you additional insight and thought when working to take your blog to the next level. In addition to this series of interviews, I have other Blog Idol Interviews from fabulous bloggers like Scary Mommy & Mama Kat. So make sure to check those out for additional tips and advice for successful blogging.

SITS Girls 31 Days to Build a Better Blog – Content Block #3 – Build a Community

Which forums do you find most engaging and useful as a blogger?

I am a Twitter-holic, and when I don’t have time to read and comment on blogs, you’ll find me engaging my audience on Twitter. I also am a huge fan of BlogFrog and you’ll find me there too. What’s great about BlogFrog is that you can ask questions on various community boards and get a variety of answers, opinions, and points of view. ~ Natalie, Mommy of a Monster & Twins

Hands down, the most successful tool for me in growing my blog was Twitter. Joining twitter and engaging with other bloggers took my blog to the next level. Aside from twitter, I engage with readers quite a bit on my Facebook page and respond to comments as well as visit my readers when they comment. WIth that being said, I can’t do ALL of these things all of the time. There are times I concentrate more on one aspect of social media and times I concentrate on others. I try to always work on engagement though. As a blog reader myself, I like to know that my comments are being heard and that my visits are appreciated, so I try to do the same for my readers. ~Jessica, Four Plus an Angel

Having a Facebook like page has been a great space to connect to people outside of the blog…a place to carry on the banter a little bit..an extra point of connection. I don’t think this strategy is the best choice for ll…I think it depends on the personality of your readers…and the tone your blog sets. Since I am light-hearted and silly…Facebook is an excellent space for just that. More room than Twitter, and there are lots of people on Facebook that are not on Twitter. ~Jenny, Jenny on the Spot

Accessories are my thing because they make the simplest of outfits come together. Last week, I shared an ensemble that had bold accessories and pops of color. This week, I’m going with a look that incorporates neutrals to make an Everyday Glam look for the busy gal.

Now, granted, I can’t really afford the $250 Burberry glasses or that Michael Kors watch…or the white super skinny jeans – which are all over $200 – but I’m pretty certain I could still put this look together shopping at more affordable stores.

Also, with a little patience, you can often find a great deal on some of your favorite, pricier items. There are some great deals for chic pieces likes those pictured below if you’re willing to wait and keep your eyes open.  For example, I was eyeing that Michael Kors watch for ages. I would go to Macy’s and try it on, drool, and then put it back in the case. I couldn’t justify the $250. Then, I was on endless.com and voila! I found an Invictus Chronograph watch with a little bit of bling and a mother of pearl face – with a $695 price tag- that I loved.

{Ahem}

It was on sale for $100.

So of course I jumped on it, because it was similar (and WAY better than the Michael Kors watch I was obsessing over) and Santa needed to bring a gift for Mommy too.

So below, is a look that includes what I consider “staples” in every stylish gals wardrobe and more specifically, daily staples in the accessory department. This look may not be for everyone, but I bet there are elements of it that can be taken from it that fit everyone. So, read below for my tips.

Because….I’m a fashionista and stuff?

1.) Stock Neutrals and Jeans. A selection of neutral (white, black, champagne, grey, brown etc..) tanks and tees with a few pairs of your favorite jeans is perfect for everyday. They might be skinnies or a standard cut – find a pair that fits you well and highlights your assets. And, if you’re seeing some spillage, ie: muffin top, love handles etc…then go up a size. If you have to have them tailored to fit right in other areas, it’s worth the investment. No one wants to see a muffin top and regardless of shape, you can avoid that spillage if you take the time to find your perfect fit of jean.

And remember….crack kills. You’re not 17, so the low waisted jeans may not be a great option for you anymore. Just sayin’.

2.) Oversized Watch & Bangles. An oversized watch is my new absolute favorite accessory to pair with some delicate bangles. It adds some bling, and interest to an otherwise boring wrist. I am a fan of the chunky bracelet or stacked bangles look. The watch and bangles combo will glam up any of your everyday looks and I feel more put together when I wear it. And bonus, now you can be a little more timely.

Win-win!

3.) Delicate Extra-long Chain. This adds a little something to an otherwise boring tee and jeans combo. When you look for a necklace to fill this need, keep it simple and basic so you can put it with any of your everyday outfits. It shouldn’t be too bulky.

4.) Neutral Flats. I went with a pewter flat for this combo because the bulk of the accessories are silver. Personally, I have a pair of pewter, black and brown. The next pair on my list is the camel. By having several neutral pairs of flats, you can be stylish, but practical at the same time – especially if you’re chasing after twins like I am.

This is also an opportunity to be a little more fun because flats come in all sorts of different styles that include things like bling, flowers, different fabrics, textures and patterns etc.. so choose a pair that fits you, but keep it neutral in color so they can be paired with nearly all of your daily wear.

5.) Aviator Shades. Now aviator shades isn’t a look that everyone can wear, so if you’re not a fan of the aviator on your face, just find a great pair of larger glasses to complete your look for running those errands and picking up the kids from school.

What do you think about this look? Would you put together some of these things, all of these things or none at all?