How to write a successful blog (don't laugh!!)

My assignment this week was to write a blog post about "How to have a successful blog".  Yeah...that has yet to be accomplished. But I can tell you how I plan on doing that, and give you some helpful tips if you are thinking about joining the blogging world yourself. 

I started this blog as an assignment for the creative writing class I'm taking this year.  I was pretty excited, because who wouldn't want to have a place to vent your feelings and write whatever you want without worrying about who's listening? Writing really is a great outlet.
At first, I didn't really want anyone to read it, because I was worried about criticism and judgement.  But now, I've overcome that fear, and enjoy the feed-back from readers.  Blogging really has been a fun experient for me, and I definitely plan on keeping a blog when I have a family of my own someday. 

Monetizing your blog

Many people out there in cyberspace start a blog in hopes of one thing: Making some extra cash.  I am certainly not one of those people!  I enjoy creative writing, and I have learned so much through writing this blog.  I am not what you would consider "tech savy" so it is good to know some of this stuff!  Anyway,  If you decide you're interested in monetizing your own blog, here are a few ways you can do that.

1. https://www.google.com/adsense/www/en_US/tour/howitworks.html This link will take you to Google Adsense and walk you through the steps to signing up for yourself.  This is a great, easy way to start out.  If someone clicks on an ad displayed on your web page and buys something from that site, you get up to 8% of the profit.  I'd say that's a pretty good deal!

2. PPC programs- There are numerous programs out there known as "pay per click" sites, which tell you how to include ads in your blog that will give you money every time they are clicked on. The profit is pretty small but it's better than nothing!

3. An Amazon account- by creating your own account at: http://www.amazonservices.com/content/product-ads-on-amazon.htm?ld=AZPADSFooter you can start selling books and other things right on your blog.
With these ads, you can choose for yourself which products to display on your page.  If a purchase is made on that product through your site, you get a small portion of the profit. 

These are just a few ways to successfully monotize your blog.  There are obviously other ways out there, as some people make millions through there blogs. 

SEO

Search Engine Optimization- This is probably the KEY to having a successful blog.  You want to be recognized by Google.  It's as simple as that.  Labels, H1 tags, key words, relevant titles, and specific information are just a few of the ways to make your blog stand out from all of the rest, and hopefully make your way to the 1st page of Google someday!

Design

This is one of the best ways to drive traffic to your page.  Especially from a female's perspective, we all enjoy cute, tastefully decoration.  And the possibilities are endless! In the design section of your blog, you can customize almost all of the settings to change the appearance of your blog.  You can upload your own images from your computer, or take them from the internet.  Your blog should be eye-catching and easy to read if you want to lure readers to follow you.

I am no expert, but my teacher has definitely helped me along on this unfamilar adventure into the world of blogging.  It's easy to get overwhelmed at first, take it from me.  But if you stick with it and put in the time, effort, and research to making your blog work, you might just be making yourself some easy dough in the near future!

The 10 best jobs in America 2011/Cinnamon rolls

If you are around my age, (16),  parents, friends, teachers, and numerous others most likely bombard you with questions about your future.  "Where do you want to go to college? What kind of career interests you? Do you have any idea what field you want to go into?" And many of us, have absolutely no idea!

I feel fortunate to at least have a pretty good idea of what I want to do after I graduate.  I know I want to go into nursing, and hopefully specialize in pediatrics later.  I love being around children and I really feel like God has given me a gift for compassion and working with people, and I most definitely plan on using that for His glory!

In my opinion, the best job in the world is the one that God appoints you to do! There really is no BEST job, because if we all lived according to His will and plan, we would all be happy to do ANY job out there, knowing that God intended it especially for us! He created us each unique and special, with our own sets of gifts, talents, and abilities.  Unfortunately, most of the country doesn't see it that way, so there is constantly a debate over which jobs take the top spots.

There are many different factors that go into finding the BEST jobs in America.  We all have our own ideas of what makes a job better than the rest.  For many, their reasons are simply, salary; "What can I do with my life to get rich and make the most money?"  
For others, they may be interested in what is most beneficial to the world or the environment.  Well wherever you stand, there is a job out there for you!
 Here is a list of  The BEST Jobs of 2011, based on hours required, yearly salary, work environment, stress level, and job security. All of these are very important aspects to consider when looking for a job. 


                                         Yearly Income:

1. Software engineer-   $87,000
2. Mathematician-        $94,000
3. Actuary-                   $87,000
4. Statistician-               $73,000
5. Computer systems analyst-  $77,000
6. Meteorologist-           $85,000
7. Biologist-                   $74,000
8. Historian-                   $61,000
9. Audiologist-               $63,000
10. Dental hygienist-        $67,000

The computer industry has been BOOMING over the past decade, so it's no surprise that software engineering would take 2011's winning spot for best job of 2011. The emergence of specialized technologies is now creating new industries and more importantly, new jobs.  This job requires not only skill with numbers and problem-solving, but also a strong computer knowledge as well. 

This list is from this article about the best jobs of 2011:
   http://www.careercast.com/jobs-rated/10-best-jobs-2011

This guy sure knows what its like to do the WORST jobs in America! He started his own show doing just that.  In this clip, he's helping out at a wildlife facility bathing a liger:

So, as you see, there are so many jobs out there to choose from.  When it's time for you to make a decision as to what you want to do with the rest of your life, my advice? Make sure you enjoy doing it! If you don't, you wont strive to do that job to the best of your ability, and you won't be good at it.  Don't just base your career choice on income, because you will soon realize, money is definitely not everything! The highest     paying jobs are generally the most time-consuming and stressful!   There is no real "perfect" job, but some are much more ideal than others, as you can see.  So use those gifts and talents your God has given to you, and get out there and WORK!    =)                                                                                                       

                        
Of course, I will now include a standard recipe! Here is an easy, decicious recipe for ooey, gooey cinnamon rolls I found and slightly altered. It's sure to be your new favorite!

                                                          BEST Cinnamon Rolls

                           

Rolls:
3/4 cup warm water
2 tablespoons active dry yeast
2 tablespoons sugar
1 small package instant vanilla pudding
½ cup butter, melted
2 eggs
1 teaspoon salt
5 1/2 cups flour (plus a little more for rolling)

Filing:
1 cup butter, softened to room temperature
2 cups brown sugar
4 Tablespoons cinnamon

Frosting:
5 ounces cream cheese
½ cup butter, softened to room temperature
3 teaspoons vanilla
3 cups confectioner’s sugar
2-3 tablespoons milk

In a small bowl combine water, yeast and sugar. Stir until dissolved. Set aside. In large bowl, take pudding mix and prepare according to package directions. Add butter, eggs and salt. Mix well. Then add yeast mixture. Blend. Gradually add flour; knead until smooth. Do not overflour the dough! It should be very soft but not sticky. Place in a greased bowl. Cover and let rise until doubled. Then roll out on floured board to 34 X 21 inches in size. Take 1 cup soft butter and spread over surface. In bowl, mix 2 cups brown sugar and 4 teaspoons cinnamon. Sprinkle over the top. Roll up very tightly. With knife put a notch every 1 1/2 inches. Cut with thread or serrated knife. Place on lightly greased cookie sheet 1 inch apart. Cover and let rise until double again. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Remove when they start to turn golden (don’t overbake). Frost warm rolls with cream cheese frosting (combine butter and cream cheese and mix well, then add vanilla and sugar and mix again, then add milk for desired consistency). Makes about 24 very large rolls.

Organic Foods and Shortbread Cookies

The Benefits of Organic Eating

I was pretty darn excited when I heard my teacher announce the topic we were to write about in our blogs  this week.  The benefits of organic eating is definitely something I'm fairly well-informed about!

My mom has  been into organic food the past several years and has tried dietsthat are completely organic, so I'm familiar with organic and health food stores.  I actually prefer a lot of the foods found there, because they're fresher and they just taste better all-around. 
Organic eating has definitely increased tremendously in popularity over the past few years.  Almost every isle of your local grocery store probably offers a vast quantity of pricey, organic options as opposed to your standard household pantry staples.  Well if you've ever thought to yourself, "is it REALLY worth it?" Now is a great time for you to decide for yourself!

The USDA and the FDA have done numerous studies on the beneficial aspects of eating an all organic diet, and have come up with some fairly suprising results.  After years of testing, these studies have not been able to confirm there are any major benefits to eating organically.  Now, many have argued with the fact that the effects of the pesticides may be simply long-term, so we won't know for years if there truly is a difference.  For now, tomatoes and milk are considered the best organic products out there, as far as taste and quality, and health benefits are concerned.   

Here is a great link to a webpage with a list of foods that are usually the most highly contaminated with pesticides vs. the least likely to be harmful:
http://www.eatingwell.com/food_news_origins/green_sustainable/organic_or_not_is_organic_produce_healthier_than_conventional

Pros to going Organic

*Pesticide free- Most of the time, you will find the organic foods in the produce section to be a little lacking as far as looks are concerned.  The carrots aren't as bright, the apples aren't shiny, and most of the time, you will spot plenty of dirt! Well that dirt may not be such a bad thing after all.  There are absolutely no "supposedly" harmful chemicals on all organic produce.  Many would save them self the possibility of increasing their chance of cancer, and several other severe health problems thought to be linked to pesticides. 

*Tastier- I think when it comes down to it, taste is the most important factor in the groceries we pick out! Organic foods are almost always better tasting due to the lack of preservatives and chemicals.  You get the full flavor- effect instead of the toned down, preserved and processed version were all accustomed to. 

*Hormone-free- Most of the Cows in our country are injected regularly with hormones to supply them with more milk, so as to make a greater profit.  The eggs, and  also the meat supplying animals we consume are generally injected with these hormones as well.  Organic, grass fed cows provide better-tasting, better for you meats.  The cage-free hens produce eggs far richer in omega 3 fatty acids, and of course taste much better. 

Higher nutrient levels-  These nutrients have been found in larger amounts in all organic produce:

Chromium is a micronutrient found to be drastically lower in Western diets. Its deficiency has been found to be connected with the onset of adult diabetes and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Chromium levels were found to be higher in organic foods by an average of 78%.

* Selenium is an antioxidant nutrient that protects against the damage by environmental chemicals. It is found to help fight cancers and heart disease. It was an average of 390% higher in organic foods.

* Calcium,necessary for strong bones and teeth, averaged 63% higher in organics.
* Boron, which has been shown to help prevent osteoporosis (along with calcium), averaged 70% more.

* Lithium, which is used to treat certain types of depression, was 188% higher.

* Magnesium, which reduces mortality from heart attacks, and keeps muscles from spasming, averaged 138% more.


Feel better foods- The real proof of the organic food benefits is is in experimenting for yourself! Many studies have proven organic foods to boost energy, make you feel happier, and help maintain focus throughout the day. 

Downfalls of going organic

*Money, money,money- Organic foods are significantly more expensive than the regular foods found at the grocery store.  If you're on a tight budget, (which sums up a good percentage of the country) organic eating can take a big chunk out of your wallet. 

*Time!- The organic industry, growing as it may be, might limit your options as far as frozen or ready to eat foods are concerned. 

* Is it really worth it?- You may be thinking to yourself, "isn't that what vitamins are made for, to supplement for the nutrients that your food doesn't cover?"

The truth is, there is still a lot we DON'T know about the benefits to organic eating.  You will find many different opinions across the web and all over the media today.  In my opinion, I do think it is better to buy certain products organic if your family can afford it.  I think they taste better, and is there really any question as to whether or not foreign chemicals are good for your body? I think thats clearly a no. So if youre feeling up to it, try replacing a few items at a time with the organic substitute each time you go shopping.  Work your way up and see how it goes!

And now for a tasty, sweet valentines day treat my family loved! Heart shaped shortbread cookies with buttercream frosting   :o YUM.

Frosted Shortbread Heart Cookies

2 C. all-purpose flour
2 Sticks butter
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
3/4 C. sugar
2 tsp. vanilla extract
Frosting: 2 C. powdered sugar
                1 tsp. vanilla
                 5-8 Tbs. milk
                non-perils, or any sprinkles you prefer

Smash butter, vanilla, and sugar together in medium bowl until well-blended. slowly add in dry ingredients, using a fork or your hands until a soft, crumbly dough forms.  Roll to 1/4 in. thickness and cut into hearts with cookie cutter.  Bake at 350 F. for 9-12 minutes or until edges are slightly browned and dough doesn't appear glossy. Cool completely.

For frosting: Mix all ingredients, adding milk until a smooth frosting forms, the consistency of a soft peanutbutter.  icy should not be too thick, or you won't get that glossy sheen on your cookies.  frost and immediately sprinkle. 

Makes around 15 Cookies

The Good Ol' State of Indiana

"Back Home Again, In Indiana!!!"

This Is the song I've grown so accostomed to my dad belting out as we cross  back over the Indiana border at the end of a LONG road trip.  Sounds fun, huh?

A Little Side Note on a Snowy, Snowy Day

Blizzard of 2/1/11





The view from my window

As many of you reading this might know, Indiana was recently pelted with 21 inches of snow, and 60 mile an hour winds, otherwise known as: The Biggest Blizzard of the Decade, The Snowpacalypse, The Worst Snowstorm of the Century, etc.

Personally, I am quite tired of hearing about the whole thing.  I mean, come on.  Its just snow. It was exciting at first; waking up to 4 foot snowdrifts against my window and spotting entire vehicles completely buried.  Yet after two days stuck in the house with my...wonderful family, watching every weather report, reading hundreds of identical facebook statuses, and not being able to go absolutely ANYWHERE, its safe to say I wish I lived in Hawaii.

 However, it has been a wonderful time to try out new recipes. When I'm bored, I cook. I've made breakfast lunch and dinner for the past two days, much to my family's enjoyment. Oh, and I tried making a delicious white chocolate creme brulee which I will soon give you the recipe for.  My mom stocked up on groceries, and I've had more than enough time, so why not?
 The biggest problem I've had during this snowstorm though is motivation.  I just can't seem to find the energy to buckle down and do my school work,even though I know I need to, I'm bored out of my mind, and I'm completely unable to leave the house. 

The benefits of homeschooling

The real problem is, while everyone else is out of school for a few days, us homeschoolers are expected to carry on with our day as if nothing is different. Let me tell you; MUCH harder than it sounds.  There are howevever, many benefits to being homeschooled. The world's idea of homeschooling may look a little something like this:

And in some cases, that may not be far from the truth! But I also think that homeschooling has come a long way in the last few years, and I find myself often thankful that I haven't gone to a public school all my life.

 I have been homeschooled ever since preschool.  My mom heard many complaints about the school system in my town from different parents, and decided to try homeschooling and see how it went.  I've met a lot of great people I wouldn't otherwise know, and I've also LOVED the freedom and flexibility of it.  I would miss being able to babysit during the day, or do my school at nighttime when I've got things going on.  Here is a short list of frequently asked questions I've become accustomed to:

*Do you get to do school in your pajamas?

* Do you have any friends?

* Do you actually DO school?

*Are you ever going to go to college?

*Don't you wish you could go to school?

* How do you meet people?

* Does your mom just always give you As?

*Can your mom homeschool me?  I hate school.

And the list could go on and on :)

 As annoying as it is to try to explain to everyone I first meet that no, I am not weird, yes, I have many friends, and yes, I actually DO school, most of my friends forget after awhile anyways. Well, once they realize  I'm not really much different at all, except maybe in a few positive ways. 

 I feel very strongly that the people you hang out with greatly influence who you are and how you act in a huge way. I know this first-hand.  Growing up, I've been blessed to have many great christian friends in my life, and that's helped me to stay strong in my faith.  Going to a public school, it can be much harder to find a good group of friends that won't bring you down, and influence you negatively. 

 Another benefit to homeschooling is being able to move at your own pace.  Students learn at different rates and some are ready to move on while others still haven't grasped a  certain concept.  I like that I can move at my own pace and get my schoolwork done on my own time throughout the week.  I know of many successful homeschool students that have gone on to excel in college and in fact tend to do much better than average.