As a Knott’s Berry Farm ambassador, I receive complimentary admission. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The sights and sounds of the holidays have filled Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California. Merry Farm, the park’s holiday overlay, has decked with halls with giant bows, oversized ornaments, and, of course, Peanuts characters in costumes.

Want to know more about Merry Farm before you visit? Read this guide!

With so much to see, we have found ourselves making special trips just to take in the charming decor and experience the holiday spirit. This scavenger hunt printable puts your famiy on the lookout for merry signs around Merry Farm.

I’ve made scavenger hunts for Knott’s Berry Farm before, and they’ve always been such fun! I’ve updated the directions slightly to give you the opportunity to turn it into a photo scavenger hunt. It’s a great activity for tweens or teens.

Free Printable Merry Farm Scavenger Hunt

Get your free printable scavenger hunt

There are times of the year where my family wants to race from coaster to coaster, and others when we want to experience the fun of interacting with characters. But Merry Farm is our time to slow down and stroll through the Farm, soaking in all of the decor and magic of the season.

For tickets and more theme park information, please visit Knotts.com.

The immersive show is filled with unforgettable moments taking characters onto the ice and through the air! It’ll bring the magic closer than ever with engaging performances on the ice, plus acrobatic stunts through the skies, and even in the seats!

More about this magical experience for Disney fans this holiday season!

Embark on a quest with Mickey Mouse and pals as they follow Captain Hook’s treasure map for clues to find Tinker Bell after he attempts to capture her magic. 

Journey across the Marigold Bridge with Miguel from Disney-Pixar’s Coco into the magnificent and mystical Land of the Dead and discover a vibrantly colorful performance with skeletons atop sway poles dancing over the audience in a beautiful cultural celebration of family. 

Travel to the wintry world of Arendelle and sing along with Elsa as video projection creates a kaleidoscope of crystals to help build her ice palace.

Witness Belle lift into the sky as the enchanted chandelier comes to life high over the ice for onlookers seated above and below. 

Board the Jolly Roger and laugh hysterically as the hilarious pirates flip, tumble, and twist on air tracks, stilts and more in an effort to showcase their talents for Captain Hook.

Sail away with Moana on her daring voyage across the ocean and bravely encounter the fiery wrath of Te Ka.  

And make memories with your whole family during Aladdin, Toy Story and The Little Mermaid as the search party becomes an all-out magical celebration!

Disney on Ice Tickets

Tickets for Disney on Ice start at just $15! Discount Opening Night tickets are available for as low as $16 each for select seating (not valid for premium VIP/Front Row seating).

Los Angeles — Staples Center

Thursday, December 12 – Sunday, December 15

• Thursday, December 12 7:30 PM
• Friday, December 13 7:30 PM
• Saturday, December 14 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, & 7:00 PM
• Sunday, December 15 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, & 7:00 PM

Tickets available for purchase online at AXS.com, charge by phone at 888-9AXS-TIX or in-person at the venue Box Office.            

*prices subject to change; additional venue/ticketing fees may apply

Anaheim — Honda Center

Thursday, December 19 – Monday, December 23

• Thursday, December 19 7:00 PM
• Friday, December 20 11:00 AM & 7:00 PM
• Saturday, December 21 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, & 7:00 PM
• Sunday, December 22 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, & 7:00 PM
• Monday, December 23 11:00 AM & 7:00 PM

Long Beach — Long Beach Arena

Thursday, December 26 – Monday, December 30

• Thursday, December 26 7:00 PM
• Friday, December 27 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
• Saturday, December 28 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, & 7:00 PM
• Sunday, December 29 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, & 7:00 PM
• Monday, December 30 7:00 PM

Ontario — Toyota Arena

Wednesday, January 1 – Sunday, January 5

• Wednesday, January 1 7:00 PM
• Thursday, January 2 7:00 PM
• Friday, January 3 7:00 PM
• Saturday, January 4 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, & 7:00 PM
• Sunday, January 5 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, & 7:00 PM

Tickets available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com or in-person at the venue Box Office for shows in Anaheim, Long Beach, and Ontario.          

*prices subject to change; additional venue/ticketing fees may apply

To discover more about Disney On Ice, visit www.DisneyOnIce.com.You can also follow along on your favorite social media platforms! Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube or by following #DisneyOnIce or #MickeysSearchParty.

This post may contain affiliate links. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

We’ve been trained to work in an office from the day we enter kindergarten. Assigned seating, set schedules, and oversight from a supervisor. But with the boom of remote employment opportunities, many are leaving the office and working from home.

I’ve been working from home for almost two years, and there are many sins of a remote worker that fill me with guilt. But I’m here to share what I’ve done wrong and what works so you can lead yourself out of the working-round-the-clock desert and into the promised land of work-life balance.

Grab yourself a few stone tablets and write down these 10 Commandments of Working From Home.

1. Thou Shall Not Stay in Pajamas All Day

When I first started working from home, working in my pj’s was a HUGE selling point. And still, I find great joy in donating “work clothes” and filling my closet with a more comfortable wardrobe that suits my personality and my life.

However, productivity and pajamas do not mix. Swap the jammies for clothing that inspires you to get the job done.

I won’t tell if you keep the slippers on all day, though.

2. Thou Shall Not Use Chores as a Break

In a traditional office with an 8-hour schedule, you’d take a lunch break, a coffee break, and maybe even sneak in a few minutes to discuss what you’re binging on Netflix with your coworkers. Those breaks are important for your mental and physical health.

Switching from working to another chore like unloading the dishwasher is not a break. Instead, go on a brisk walk around the block.

It also reminds your family that magic elves don’t clean the house when they go to work or school.

3. Keep Holy Your Work Schedule

Technically, you are physically available to run to the post office for a friend or baby sit their kid in a pinch. But it’s a very slippery slope.

It helps to think of your home office as a traditional office. Would your friend ask you to leave your office to assess the health of her rose garden? No. Would you leave work to pick up a sick kid from school? Yes.

Hold your work schedule in high regard, and others will do the same.

4. Thou Shall Not Spend All Day on Facebook

Social media can be a time vacuum. During work hours, put away your cellphone and don’t open Facebook, Instagram, or other social media platforms on your computer.

Eliminate any known distractions to increase your productivity.

5. Thou Shall Not Work from the Couch

Just like getting dressed each day increases your productivity, it’s important to have a dedicated work space. It’ll keep you on track when you’re in the zone (both literal and figurative zone).

Let your loved ones (hello, kids, I’m looking at you) know that when you are in your work space, you are not to be distracted unless limbs are missing or the coffee is ready.

6. Honor Thy Local Coffee Shop

Sure, I just said to have a dedicated work space. But you can also take advantage of the flexibility to work from anywhere. It’s important to get out of the house, and working remotely periodically can be invigorating.

Your local coffee shop is a great option for remote working.

7. Thou Shall Not Work Around the Clock

In a situation where your work doesn’t go away at 5 PM, it can be easy to check in on your email inbox after dinner or cross a few more items off of your to-do list. Does working around the clock earn you exponentially more? Nope! It just causes burn-out and resentment.

Instead, mute notifications, ignore email, and close the browser tabs until the next day.

Equally important, take weekends off to recharge and refuel.

8. Thou Shall Not Isolate Yourself

Working remotely can be isolating. Set up time to check in with your coworkers and employer. Webcams can provide face-time to help you feel connected. It strengthens your relationship with others, and reminds everyone that you’re here.

9. Thou Shall Keep Good Records

It’s vital to track business elements like hours work and expenses. You can keep track of time using tools like Hubstaff. These reports allow you to assess how you are using your time, plus you can share your hours worked with your employer.

Keep track of expenses for tax purposes. Things like office space, supplies, and utilities can serve as tax write-offs so make sure to keep track. Quickbooks is an easy way to invoice, log expenses, and even mileage!

10. Thou Shall Take Advantage of the Flexibility

It’s true that it’s important to keep sacred your work schedule and keep productive. But one of the biggest benefits of working from home is the flexibility it provides.

Chaperone the field trips, schedule the mid-day manicure, go to the dog park. Enjoy the flexibility of working from home!

This is a sponsored post with Best Buy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

With the kids back in school, I’m finally catching my breath and catching up. Is it the more laid back schedule or the increased social outings? What is it that has me a little frazzled by the end of summer break?

It’s the snacks.

I know I’m not alone in this. This is a typical dining schedule during summer:

• Breakfast
• Second breakfast
• Snack
• Lunch
• Popsicle(s)
• Snack
• Dinner
• Popcorn, candy, something from the ice cream truck, or what’s left of my soul.

The doling out of snacks was wearing me down. But at least I had an assistant in the kitchen keeping the pile up of dishes respectable.

And then on one lovely mid-summer day, my dishwasher decided it could no longer keep up with the demands of a neighborhood’s worth of children and their high-snack needs. It quit. No two-week’s notice or time to acquire a suitable replacement.

What’s a mama with a full pantry and revolving door of kids to do? Ending the season-long playdate was not happening.

It was time to hunt down the perfect new dishwasher for a house full of snack-loving kiddos.

Happy to share what I’ve found!

Bosch 800 Series Dishwasher

I may be a grown-up, but I’ve got homework too. I wanted to make sure my next dishwasher stacks up and will last through snack-filled summers, Thanksgiving dinners, holiday cookie decorating, and springtime tea parties.

Check out the Bosch 800 Series Dishwasher with CrystalDry technology!

Features of the Bosch 800 Series Dishwasher with CrystalDry Technology:

24” Width

We are a family of 5, but I need way more room than just five plates in my dishwasher. You can fit up to 16 place settings. Plus, choose from 6 wash cycles including five-level wash, 5 options like Extra Dry, and a concealed heating element.

PrecisionWash and CrystalDry Technology

Called “the ultimate clean,” the CrystalDry delivers a sparkling clean and dry. How is it that my old dishwasher could fog up my glasses with the crazy burst of steam but still couldn’t dry my dishes? Who knows. But With the combination of wash and dry tech, the dishes come out of the dishwasher actually ready to be put away. Yes, plastics too!

• PrecisionWash uses intelligent sensors that scan dishes throughout the wash cycle. It uses powerful spray arms to reach every snack bowl, every fork for the ultimate clean.
• Patented CrystalDry heats things up to 176F for the ultimate dry. Picture your kids’ smoothie cups in a hot tub or sauna!
• Patented CrystalDry technology delivers 60% better drying results.

Based on aggregate average drying performance of Bosch Dishwashers with CrystalDry on combined household load including plastics, glass, steel, and porcelain as compared to Bosch Dishwashers with PureDry.  Drying performance may vary by dish type.

Worried about the clean? The Sanitize Option reduces 99.9% of bacteria.

Quiet Operation

A house full of kids is loud enough. There are 18 unique sound-reducing tecnologies including multiple insulation layers, grindless food filtration, and a sound absorbing base. We’re talking super quiet opertion (42 dBA).

Touch Control

Oh, I’m here for Touch Control. Kids, guess what! You can help out by starting the dishwasher quickly using simple touch technology.

Customizable Loading

One day it’s over-sized popcorn bowls, the next it’s an ice cream social. Bosch’s MyWay rack can accommodate it all with additional loading space. It’s totally flexible with 16 place settings.

• The Rackmatic® upper rack can be adjusted to 9 different positions.
• That means you can add in tall stemware with bulky things down below.
• Flipping tines make loading things like wide bowls super simple.
• Loaded racks move easily with EasyGlide racks.

ENERGY STAR Qualified

Let’s be honest, we have a ton of appliances going around the clock. Knowing that every Bosch dishwasher meets or exceeds federal guidelines for ENERGY STAR qualifications.

Summer was filled with so much fun. And so many dishes. Thankfully there are resources to make our lives easier like the Bosch 800 Series Dishwasher.

Want to learn more about the cure to the summer snack mess? Check out the Bosch 800 Series Dishwasher with CrystalDry Technology at Best Buy.

This post may contain affiliate links.  Please read my Disclosure Policy for more information.

My kids inherited my love for crafting.   That can also be categorized as a need to keep my hands busy.  With weeks off from school for their Christmas vacations, I know that I’m going to need products in my arsenal to keep them busy crafting.  These suggestions from Goliath Games are great gifts for little crafters!

Gift Ideas for Crafty Kids 

Paint-Station for Preschooolers 

My preschooler can make a mess when crafting.  So this mess-free Paint-Station is a great solution.  The Paint-Station comes equipped with the following:

• a plastic tabletop easel,
• three paint pots,
• two paintbrushes,
• and paper

Set up is a snap (literally, just snap the easel together).  Normally paint does not equal mess-free, no spill, and washable.

The set came with three colors, with refills are available here.

Check out the Paint-Station in action here:

Paint-Station is recommended for children 3+ and can be purchased here.

Photo Pearls

I spent so many summers working with pearler beads, melting them into things like keychains and coasters.  I made them as fast as my mom could iron them.  Underneath our Christmas tree, my kids will find the upgrade to my childhood fav.

With Photo Pearls, crafters can transform pictures into unique works of art.  Our Animals pack came with:

• 3600 beads
• 4 peg boards
• 4 adhesive sheets
• 4 templates

Place the 4 templates together and start placing pearls.  The picture starts to emerge with each bead!  One great part is there’s no ironing.  The adhesive sheets secure your work of art.  The kit we received includes a puppy illustration, but the possibility are endless. The easy-to-use Photo Pearl app will transform your own photos into pearler guide templates, so the possibilities are endless!

Check out the Photo Pearl video for more information:
Photo Pearls is recommended for children 7+ and can be purchased here.

With crafty kids underneath the Christmas tree, I know my kids are going to be so merry!

All thoughts and opinions are my own.  Please read my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Each day at the Disneyland Resort is downright magical.  Disney days are how we track the seasons here, and how we celebrate the holidays. One of my favorite times to visit the resort is during Halloween.  It’s the perfect blend of holiday spirit and Disney magic. Plus, all that CANDY!

Mickey’s Halloween Party is a separate ticket event, inviting guests to trick or treat their way through the Disneyland Resort.  In addition to “treat trails,” guests enjoy the themed decor, seasonal food offerings, and ghoulishly costumed characters.  It’s been part of our holiday tradition for years now.  How cute is my lil’ skeleton?  She’s going to be 9 in just a few weeks!

‘s

A post shared by Melanie Walsh (@clementinecounty) on Oct 13, 2016 at 11:18am PDT

After almost a decade of fun, we are continually thrilled by the fun presented each year!

As a mama, there’s a balance between tradition and new experiences.  Disneyland gets that!  I look forward to our picture in front of the great pumpkin!

Mickey’s Halloween Party 2018 Dates

For 15 spooktacular nights, Mickey hosts a special Halloween Party after hours.  The parks close early to guests, so those attending Mickey’s Halloween Party can creep and crawl throughout the lands.  Tickets SELL OUT!  So it’s imperative that you get them early if you are planning on attending.  Get your tickets here.

Some important dates to remember:

• June 5: Tickets on sale to Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders, Disney Rewards Visa card holders and Disney Vacation Club members
• June 12: Tickets on sale to general public
• Mickey’s Halloween Party 2018 dates: Sept. 19, Sept. 21, Sept. 24, Sept. 26, Sept. 28, Oct. 2, Oct. 5, Oct. 9, Oct. 12, Oct. 16, Oct. 19, Oct. 23, Oct. 26, Oct. 29, Oct. 31

Last year was the first year that the fun spilled into both parks!  As a huge Nightmare Before Christmas fan, I love the themed fun of Disney’s California Adventure.  Oogie Boogie has overlayed the park with swarms of bats and other Halloween decor.

(Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort)

You won’t want to miss Cars Land celebrating Haul-O-Ween as Radiator Springs turns into Radiator Screams.  There you can take a spin on Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree and dance over to Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween.  The fun doesn’t stop there are Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! gets an overlay of its own each night into Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark.

Looking for more Disney Halloween fun?

Easy Halloween Bat Wreath

This easy DIY wreath was inspired by the bats descending upon Disney’s California Adventure Park.

Easy Nightmare Before Christmas Photo Backdrop

Planning a Nightmare Before Christmas party? Make an easy DIY photo backdrop for just a few dollars!

Nightmare Before Christmas Scavenger Hunt

Nightmare Before Christmas Rice Krispies Treats

We are so excited about Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort!  For more information on Mickey’s Halloween Party, check out the Disneyland website.

Share your favorite Halloween traditions in the comments!

This post may contain affiliate links.  Please read my disclosure policy for more information.

Let’s go back to middle school.  Like many I was awkward, oblivious to what the “cool” kids were into, and reading every book on the library shelves.  Enter Madeleine L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time.  Her iconic book is the tale of similarly awkward Meg Murry and her younger brother Charles Wallace.  Despite having genius physicists for parents, the duo are typecast as dumb.  Misunderstood and lonely after their father’s mysterious disappearance, Meg is full of self-doubt.  This is something so many of us can relate to, especially during those tender tween/teen years.

With the companionship of Calvin, Meg and Charles Wallace are guided through time and space by three celestial guides through wrinkles in time in an effort to find Mr. Murry and defeat It, an evil force taking over the universe.  Meg’s quest is one of self-discovery while simultaneously being a rescue effort for her missing father.  Meg must be a warrior to defeat the darkness.

I was pumped when I heard the news that Disney was going to take on this beloved story from my youth.  And then the casting announcements started coming in.  Mindy Kaling as Mrs. Who, Reese Witherspoon as Mrs. Whatsit, and Oprah as Mrs. Which. Oprah, you guys.  Oprah.

In a tale including a young girl’s woes with fitting in, the inclusive cast is quite fitting.  Director Ava DuVernay with screenwriter Jennifer Lee and producer Catherine Hand bring a strong female lead to the film.  Plus, the diverse cast brings added dimension to the film.  We can call that the 6th dimension.  A Wrinkle in Time stars Oprah Winfrey as Mrs. Which, Reese Witherspoon as Mrs. Whatsit, Mindy Kaling as Mrs. Who, Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Mrs. Murry, Michael Pena as Red, with Storm Reid as Meg Murry.  The cast also includes Zach Galifianakis as The Happy Medium and Chris Pine as Mr. Murry.

To celebrate the release of Disney’s A Wrinkle in Time, I’ve got fun activity sheets to share with you.

A Wrinkle in Time Coloring Sheets

A Wrinkle in Time – Planet Uriel

A Wrinkle in Time – Camazotz

A Wrinkle in Time – Happy Medium

A Wrinkle in Time – It

A Wrinkle in Time – Mrs. Who, Mrs. Which, Mrs. Whatsit

A Wrinkle in Time Activity Sheets

A Wrinkle in Time – Spot the Difference

A Wrinkle in Time – Fortune Teller

A Wrinkle in Time – Maze

I’ve been trying to re/reread the series prior to the release, but I’ve only made it through A Swiftly Tilting Planet.  Mom life.  Despite being decades old, the books are so relevant.  Take book #3.  A dictator with the nuclear power is threatening to end the world, the reality that we are all dependent upon each other.  So perfect for these times.  In between using these fun coloring sheets, I may have to race through the rest of the series!

If you’re new to the book, you’re in for such a treat.  Watch this trailer to get to know the diverse cast in Disney’s A Wrinkle in Time.

If you’re looking for more fun, check out these other activity sheets!

Moana Activity Sheets

Beauty and the Beast Activity Sheets

I received complimentary admission to facilitate this review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

It’s the merriest time of year, and there’s nowhere that gets my heart more filled with the holiday spirit more than the Disneyland Resort.  When the garland goes on Main Street I know it’s time for the holidays.  Those Disney imagineers sure know how to max out on the holiday spirit.

2017 welcomes the 2nd celebration of the Festival of Holidays at Disney’s California Adventure.  This foodie’s dream offers unique food and drink offerings from around the world in celebration of Christmas/Navidad, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Dawali.  Imagine an international pot luck with everyone bringing their favorite seasonal dishes.  Each of the 12 food kiosks in the Festive Food Marketplace offers a variety of tasty treats, delicious dishes, or bubbly beverages.

Grab a Festival Guide and nibble along!

Food Offerings at Festival of Holidays

• Chips, Breads & Holiday Spreads Snack on spreads like Chicken Liver Pâté on Toast with Cherry Jam and Pistachios ($5.50) or Chorizo Queso Fundido with House-made Tortilla Chips ($6.00)
• Making Spirits Bright A booth for the grown-up Disney fans features wines and mimosas
• Joy to the Sauce Seasonal favorites, topped with yummy sauces like the Seared Salmon Filet with Lemon Caper Sauce ($7.50) or Beef Short Rib with Smashed Potatoes and Gravy ($7.75)
• Spicy Celebrations Say “Hola” to flavor with a Beef Corn Tamale a la Plancha with Spicy Rojo Sauce ($7.25) or a Pomegranate Margarita ($12.00)
• Brews & Bites This Anaheim-er girl was happy to see Naturia Double IPA from Unsung Brewing Company ($9.75) alongside Bavarian Pretzel with Dijon Mustard ($5.00)
• Holiday Duets Pairings are perfectly matched in dishes like Warm Polenta & Chilled Crab Salad ($7.50) or Macaroni & Cheese with Cornbread Crumbles ($7.25)
• Classic Crocks & Casseroles This new booth offered my favorite dish of the night, Chana Masala with Garlic Naan Bread ($6.50).  The Green Bean & Mushroom Casserole with Crispy Onions ($5.75) is another classic holiday favorite.

• Blissfully Braised Slow-cooked dishes you’ll gobble up quick like Braised Pork Belly Adobo with Garlic Fried Rice ($7.50) and highly-recommended Braised Lamb Cheeks with Mediterranean Cauliflower ($7.75)
• A Twist on Tradition Put a twist on holiday favorites with new dishes like Reuben Potato Smash with Russian Dressing and Rye Toast Crumble ($6.75) and Butternut Squash and Almond Pakora Fritters ($6.00)
• Winter Sliderland My husband’s fav from last year, the Roasted Turkey Slider with Cranberry Sauce ($7.50), is back with other sliders like the Holiday Ham Slider with Pineapple Relish ($7.50)
• Grandma’s Recipes Going back to holidays past, try Sweet Potato Pie($4.50) or the Merry Cherry Pineapple Punch ($5.00)
• Festive Holiday Extras Fill up with festive sides like Brussels Sprouts with Goat Cheese, Cranberries, and Bacon ($6.75) or Baked Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes ($6.50)

The offerings range in price from $4-8, and a full meal can be made with a couple of menu selections.  However, there are so many amazing choices that sampling with friends is a great way to get a little bit of everything.  I’m a vegetarian so I did call dibs on the vegetarian options, with my favorites being the Chana Masala and Butternut Squash Fritters.

Entertainment at Festival of Holidays

Music

While enjoying the flavors of the holidays, you will also be treated to a unique entertainment schedule with musical talent such as the Grammy-award winning Mariachi Divas.  We had a great time swinging into the holidays with the Phat Cat Swingers.

You will also enjoy the Mostly Kosher making the songs of Hanukkah brand-new with rock, hip hop, and other unique sounds.  The Blue 13 Dance Company bring a Bollywood style dance party to the streets of DCA.  Another favorite back for another year are the Holiday Toy Drummers.

Crafts

For the younger park guests, check out the crafts & activities.  Each offers a fun craft and information regarding the holiday to serve as both an activity and a learning opportunity.

Disney !Viva Navidad! 

The Three Cabarellos are rolling into town in a unique and festive street party.  The trio grooves to the mariachi and samba sounds (and you will too).  With musicians, dancers, puppets, and a recognizable mouse or two, the !Viva Navidad! celebration is the holiday party not to miss this year.  Check it out in the live video.

As I sampled my way through the Festival of Holidays, I was filled with the spirit of the season.  It’s become a holiday tradition in just two quick years!  Make sure you check out the Festival of Holidays and other holiday magic now through January 7, 2018.

Looking for more Disney fun?

Solo Disney Day  Can you visit the resort by yourself?  YES! Ideas for making a solo trip to Disney extra magical.

Holiday Traditions at the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa Don’t forget to visit the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa during the holidays.  Free entertainment and gingerbread galore are one of my favorites!

Have you visited the Festival of Holidays? Share your favorite dish!

This post may contain affiliate links.  Please read my disclosure policy for more information.

Before Clementine County, I had a blog dedicated to each of my daughters.  I updated it with pictures, milestones, and all the stuff grandmas wanted to see.  After that, I had a party blog where I shared party inspirations and fun DIY’s.  It took a ton of stuff to create material and the blog earned me exactly $0.00.  Well, technically there’s so cash sitting in a Google Adsense account but never enough to cash out.

I was determined to make this blog fiscally successful, as well as an outlet for our family adventures.  I’m happy to report that July was the best month yet.

4 Things to Try When You’re Blog Isn’t Making Money

Take a Class

The first thing I did this month that really increased my income this month was to invest in my business and take the Blogging Fast Track course offered by Heather & Pete from It’s A Lovely Life.  It’s a 30-day program that covers everything from what a good post includes to mastering the social media platforms.

The things I thought I knew how to do were fine tuned.  But it also provided some of the practical nuts and bolts of blogging, like writing a privacy policy.  To be able to speed through what would have taken me years to do on my own brought my blogging from a side hustle to a realistic goal for working from home.

Pitch Everyone

Make a list of all the brands you would love to work with.  Find their contact info by searching for press releases from said company.  Email them all.  It’s a game of numbers, so don’t stress if you don’t hear back from all of them or if you are told no.  Just keep pitching.

There’s a sample pitch letter included in the Blogging Fast Track course, but the essentials are what you have to offer and what you are hoping to receive.  If your traffic numbers aren’t fantastic, blow away the competition with an incredible product (aka your blog post).

Affiliate Sales

Many bloggers use affiliate links to bring in additional income.  Through companies like Amazon, bloggers recommend products.  If a reader purchases that item, the blogger receives a teeny, tiny percentage.  It’s cents, people.  So to play the numbers game, select items that are higher in value and cost.  It’s true you may make less sales suggesting an appliance than a cute kitchen tool.  However, your income could be higher.

Consider Becoming a VA

A significant portion of my blogging income comes from my VA services.  Essentially, I do the chores other bloggers don’t have time to do.  From scheduling social media shares to designing content, it’s an easy way to make a little extra money while building your own brand.

I’m considering writing a VA course to provide tips and how-to’s.  Leave me a note in the comments & I’ll let you know as soon as it’s ready!

I’m looking forward to seeing where blogging can take us, both you and me.  I can’t say enough amazing things about the depth of knowledge I gained in just one month during the Blogging Fast Track course.  It’s possible to make money blogging, and it doesn’t have to take forever.

One of the things I love about blogging is the community aspect.  I’d love to hear your tips and suggestions for making money blogging.  Share them below in the comments!