Welcome to March and welcome to Better Your Blog!

The sun seems to be shining just a little brighter lately doesn’t it? Perhaps you’ve even had a day or two where you could open the windows in your house and let in some fresh air. Well, that is what Better Your Blog is all about! This month we will be airing out our blogs, cleaning out the cobwebs and creating a warm and welcome environment for our visitors.

Many of you participated in Kick-Start My Blog at the end of January. If you didn’t, don’t worry! There is still plenty of time to join in the fun. If you did, then you are ready to move on to bigger and better things.

The Better Your Blog series will expand upon the ideas we laid out in January but this time we will delve deeper. When you put it all together you will find you have created a wonderful space that people will enjoy visiting as much as you will enjoy showing it off!

Here’s what we’ll do on Theme Thursdays this month:
March 7- Better Your Blog: General Goodness (A few bloggy tips we think you will love.)
March 14 – Better Your Blog: Appearance (Tips and tricks to getting a flawless, professional look to your blog.)
March 21 – Better Your Blog: Content (Kick up your writing style and create fabulous content.)
March 28 – Better Your Blog: Housekeeping (Some behind the scenes hints to keep your blog running smoothly.)

We hope you enjoy the activities we have planned for this month. We will be watching your blogs intently as they grow and transform. We will be providing a linky at the end of each Better Your Blog post so that you can keep up with the others as well. And don’t forget to provide us with feedback, because it will help us to create posts, themes and challenges that focus on the things you want and need to learn!

Will you be Bettering Your Blog this month? Sign up in the linky below so we can keep up with your progress. Please link to your MAIN page and only sign up once.

Lately I have had such a burden for marriages.

I don’t think the word “marriage” has the same meaning as it did 40-50 years ago. Back then it meant ..we are in it to win it! Now..not so much!

I have a few friends who come to talk to me on a regular basis upset about the direction their marriage is going…or not going.
I did a series on my blog about Marriage and how we can challenge ourselves to help our husbands.

I am definitely not an expert on this topic..I have only been doing this for five years..some of you have way more experience than I do..but what I do know is and I think we all can agree on is…It takes work!

If anyone tells you that marriage is easy…they are LYING! Flat out lying!
It isn’t easy..It is hard…It is humbling.. but it is worth it!

I love talking about my marriage..It isn’t great all the time.. but sometimes in those not great moments is when we are drawing closer to one another without even knowing it. Sometimes in those not great moments we are learning more about each other than we ever could just sitting and chatting small talk. Those not great moments…are rough…real…and raw….but they happen. They happen to every marriage. Expect them! But when they do happen..Notice them..and get the most out of them. Keep your cool! Love your spouse…and learn about them.

In my church we have a Young Married’s Sunday School Class that I absolutely love! It has great conversation because we get both sides to every topic we discuss. Taking out the trash is always a heated topic! A few weeks ago we talked about what husband’s wished their wives knew about them. I wrote these down since my husband is out-of-town so I can discuss them with him later..so I thought I would share those here with my AWB girlies and see how many you think are true or that you/your husband can relate to.

*Respect is KEY!
That word gets thrown around my house ALL the time! If your husband doesn’t feel respected..He doesn’t feel loved. Now all the times my husband told me that I wasn’t respecting him.he was actually telling me that he doesn’t feel loved by me. Ouch! I do love him..alot; but in a man’s world respect = love.

*Most men (at least in my Sunday School class) said they were insecure
What? No way! That is exactly what I was thinking! There is no way my husband is insecure..He is always telling me how good he looks..and how lucky I am! Ha Ha! I agree with him..but insecurity isn’t a problem for him. When in reality..what the husbands’ said is that they feel insecure about being a good husband..being enough of a provider for his family. What this tells me is that men need encouragement too! A simple “Thank you sweetie for working to provide for our family” can go a long way! Affirmation that they are doing a good job in their role as your husband will defuse any argument that comes your way! Who can argue with someone who gives you a compliment!? It will also effect other areas of his life. If you tell him how thankful you are that he works to provide for you he will have a sense of pride for his work and end up enjoying it a little more than normal.

*Husbands want to be desired.
This was a funny topic..because every one of the husbands said they would like to be told that they look nice on “date night” every once in a while. I have to admit..My husband tells me I am beautiful all the time..but I can’t remember the last time I told him that he looked nice. I personally didn’t think guys cared about how they looked or what we thought about their image. My husband can stay in the woods for 15 hours a day smelling like doe urine with a smile on his face..but when he gets out of camo and puts on cologne he wants to be noticed just like I do.

*Husbands want to be romantic but doubt their abilities.
I can see why? Have you seen any Nicholas Sparks movies? Look at what they have to live up to! When your husband does something sweet for you whether it be a card or a sweet text..tell him that it is romantic and you appreciate it. The more encouragement they get from you..the more confident they will be in their romantic abilities which in turns gets YOU more romance! Great cycle don’t you think? Husbands want us to know that they love us..but let’s be real..He can’t be the Bachelor and take you to Tahiti for dinner on Tuesday evening.

Men and Women are complete opposites! How any of us can come together with the opposite sex and live under the same roof without killing each other is beyond me..but somehow we do! Even though men call us women complicated..obviously they have their own complications too!

I have been so honored to be your blogger of the month of February … I look forward to getting to know more of you and hopefully seeing you all the AWB conference this year!! I love my husband with everything I am..but a little time away never hurt anyone!

by Stephanie Buckley, The Park Wife

I am in awe of Evolved Mommy Stephanie McCratic, not just because she is a social media goddess (yes, for Acumen Brands which includes Country Outfitter, uh huh, I thought you had heard of them), but because she is an extraordinary person. See, life has not always been sunshine and roses for her. However, she is a true woman of substance, she has had the courage to overcome all the tough times in her life and move forward with strength, integrity and kindness. And, oh my, a lot of humor.

All of this shows through on her blog, it is a true reflection of her fun, caring, geeky self. I must say some of her techno lingo requires me to pick up the phone and ask her “what the heck are you talking about?” but mostly, it has helped me to be a better blogger which has in turn helped me with this community of Arkansas Women Bloggers. Plus, sweet mercy, at Evolved Mommy you can also see her cutie patootie hubby and their precious angel Charlie.

Evolved Mommy is in the running for Top 25 Tech Blogs at Circle of Moms, please go vote for her. Just click here and then click the little heart next to Evolved Mommy.  You can vote every day. She more than deserves this honor, as a tech blogger and because she really is just one cool chic. I am blessed to call her friend.

Do you want to share your blog crush?
First, head over to the Arkansas Women Bloggers Directory.  Find another registered Arkansas women blogger and tell us why she is your blog crush. Whether she’s a long time amour or only recently made your heart go pitter patter, we want to know why she and her blog are amazing.  Email a short paragraph (three to eight sentences will do it) to Arkansas Women Bloggers, and we’ll feature some of the best blog crushes (with links to your blog and theirs) throughout the month!

Have you had a chance to meet Nikki Brewer of Just Lovely yet?  Nikki is this months Blogger of the Month and today we are going to take you on a tour of her blog, Just Lovely.

In the beginning…

We all have different reasons for starting our blogs but it seems many bloggers begin when something big happens in their life and/or they want to keep connected with friends and family that may not live close by.

Nikki’s first blog post came on March 12, 2008 when she was expecting her first child.

3rd Dr. Appt

A few week’s later, Nikki shares the first pictures of her growing baby and expresses her joy over discovering she was carrying a girl!

First Pictures of Lyla Faye

It’s A Girl!!!!

Between June and September of 2008, Nikki was busy doing the new mom thing but we finally get our first peek at newborn Lyla in mid-September.

Bath Time!

A short break…

We all find ourselves in seasons of our lives when blogging just isn’t a priority.  Nikki had a beautiful new baby but sometimes it can just be that we need a break.  Blogging has lost it’s joy or luster and we find ourselves shying away from posting.  Don’t fear…if you need a break, TAKE IT!  Nikki took a break from October of 2008 until May of 2010 but when she returned she was rejuvenated and posting like crazy.  Lyla was growing up and Nikki was exploring her blogging groove, slowly developing a style and theme and turning her blog into the wonderful thing it is today.

Just Lovely Today…

Nikki has an eclectic blog.  When you visit you might find some arts and crafts, cute pictures of Lyla and her husband Gregg, challenges to improve your marriage, Bible studies, and even things she finds Pinteresting.

Nikki posts frequently and posts from the heart.  We hope you find joy and motivation in Nikki’s blog, Just Lovely!

From comments on the blog and Facebook to emails, I (The Park Wife) am reminded daily of what a wonderful community of women we have created here at Arkansas Women Bloggers. At times, I  am overwhelmed by the genuine kindness and support of each other as bloggers, as women, wives, mothers, teachers, professionals,  friends, etc. This is good stuff ladies!

So, without further ado, four bloggers talking about four bloggers they love. Simplicity.  Perfection.  Bloggy Love.

By Jodi Coffee

My research was fast and furious, but in the pressure to find a crush, I happened upon Be the Mom by Tracey Eyster. Her blog title captured my attention: Be the Mom……well, that’s me! I’m a mom to three beautiful girls. Her posts immediately spoke to me, made me laugh, made me think, made me inspired. Inspiration motivates. Motivation results in action.  I look forward to returning to her blog for more words of wisdom on the subject I find to be my life’s greatest work, accomplishment  and honor — being a MOM. Go visit her at Traceyster.com.

By Amanda Brown

I love Kelcie from This Beautiful Inheritance!  Kelcie is genuine and authentic in real life and on her blog.   She lives a refreshingly contented life in a close-knit small town.  (And I secretly want to live in a charming small town, but alas I’ve always been a city-dweller).  Kelcie’s sweet spirit at the blog is such a breath of fresh air.  Be sure to visit her and tell her I sent you!

By Rhonda Bramell 

Angie Albright is my current blog crush.  I say “current” because the list changes and grows every day.  I love reading Angie’s posts because she’s just so real. I love her writing style and her brutal sense of humor. I just wish she’d been one of my college professors!  One of my favorite posts is titled “On Boobs and Sweet Nothings;” (http://www.agrowingseason.co/on-boobs-and-sweet-nothings/)   you should totally check it out for her take on what marketers really think about women’s precious pair.

By Cathy Lane of bestlovedchild.blogspot.com

I’ve decided that I read blogs for story. I tell myself I want recipes, decorating ideas, things to do with the kiddlets, beautiful pictures but the real narrative of another life is what really captures me.  AWB has introduced me to quite a few ladies in this virtual neighborhood that actually live somewhat nearby. I thought I was pretty familiar with most but recently I found Kyran Pittman of “Planting Dandelions” and she’s hit the top of my reading list.

Do you want to share your blog crush?
First, head over to the Arkansas Women Bloggers Directory.  Find another registered Arkansas women blogger and tell us why she is your blog crush. Whether she’s a long time amour or only recently made your heart go pitter patter, we want to know why she and her blog are amazing.  Email a short paragraph (three to eight sentences will do it) to Arkansas Women Bloggers, and we’ll feature some of the best blog crushes (with links to your blog and theirs) throughout the month!

Written by February 2013 Blogger of the Month, Nikki Brewer of Just Lovely.

Hello February!

I love the month of February! It is the month that we can be mushy and gushy … for no specific reason other than it is February! The month of Love!

I know when I started blogging…I started on a whim. I wanted to try it and see how it went. I blogged for a long time not knowing anyone else in Arkansas even knew what a blog was so I never really took it seriously…

until…

I met Gwen from The Lynns in Real Life

I taught her son in preschool. When we had our class Christmas party, she gave me a Christmas card. I loved it. I loved all the Christmas cards I received, but let me remind you…that I had 12 kids in my class..and…all those kids were 3-year-olds and hyped up on sugar!
*Visualize that*

But, Gwen’s Christmas card caught my eye because she had the URL to her blog on there which immediately resulted in a bloggy conversation..and we have been friends ever since!

She was my first Bloggy Crush!
*swoon*

Ha Ha..If she is reading this..she is probably laughing her head off right now!
Hi Gwen!

Then who wouldn’t fall in love with Gina from Desperately Seeking {gina} after hearing about her awesome proposal at the AWB Bloggy Conference.
{insert Awww}

I know right! How stinking sweet is that!? Even though right now Gina is planning a wedding and she thinks that it is taking up her time or something..she has taken a little hiatus from her blog..but I am anxiously awaiting her return!
Hi Gina!

Jenny from Blessings & Raindrops completely captured my heart with her timeline of her adoption story. I love reading about her day to day life and I am so thankful that there are people like her still in our world!  She definitely has many blessings and I know many more will come her way!!
Hi Jenny!

Ashley from The Ederington Family makes me feel bad  motivates me to run…so I hop on over to her blog when I need a push to get out the door and exercise.
Hi Ashley!

It really has been so awesome meeting all of you at AWB!! If it wasn’t for you my blog would still be weak and barely breathing. Thank you for being my crushes, answering newbie questions, and giving my blog a home! I love you all!!

Nikki Brewer. Miss February, is an Arkansas gal who lives for Jesus and loves Dr. Pepper.  Nikki’s blog Just Lovely is a wonderful compilation of crafts, photos, book reviews, fashion and organization tips.  Nikki began her blog in 2008 when she was pregnant with her daughter, Lyla.  Her blog has really evolved and changed over the years and has become something that is Just Lovely.

by Sarabeth Jones

February is the month of love – and we all like to take pictures of something or someone we love. It’s one of my favorite things. And while I’m not a professional photographer, I have been taking pictures for a really long time – and I’ve learned a few things along the way. Here are five simple tips that will help your photos be better. For the sake of simplicity, I’m going to use photos from my iPhone, since that’s the way I (and I bet you) take the majority of my everyday pictures.

1. Get Closer
If I could only tell you one thing, it would be this: get close to what you are shooting. Every so often you will be taking a landscape picture or a large group shot that needs some distance, but mostly, you want us to see one thing that you are taking a picture of. Get closer. You don’t need all the extra. Here’s an example from last Halloween, when my daughter dressed up as Carl Frederickson, the little old man from Up. This is the original photo:

Yes, she’s adorable. But this picture doesn’t emphasize some of the really cute parts of her costume. Plus, there’s a lot of other business going on: my neighbor’s house, my completely unkempt yard…clearly, things could be better. Here’s what happened when I got closer:

I took pictures of the details, and made a collage. Now you can see her hat, her homemade button, her walker. Even the full-length shot is better when it’s cropped closer.

2. Use Natural Light
Otherwise known as Don’t Use Your Flash. You don’t need it. Drag your kids outside to take that photo, place your plate of food by the window. I promise, it’s worth the little bit of extra trouble. Okay, there will sometimes be pictures you want to take at night when you have to use your flash. Go ahead. But during the daylight? Don’t use it. That blink of light is flattening out your picture, taking away its depth and color. I don’t have an example for you on this one because I really just never use it. I’m kind of a stickler about this one. Use natural light.

3. Get a Different Angle
Play around with the angle that you take your picture from: bend down, shoot from overhead, walk around to the side. Recently I took some pictures of a group of posters.  I started with a straight on shot…

but after several tries, ended up liking this angled up, shot from the side version.

4. Work for Your Point of View
This really just means think about what you are trying to say with your picture. I like to take pictures of drinks. Sometimes I’m trying to say I’m eating healthy…

And sometimes I’m saying I’m out having fun with friends.

Both are pictures of colorful drinks, but they say different things. In the first picture, the overhead angle helps you see the texture of the smoothie and the corner of the bowl of oatmeal. The simplicity of the picture – even the mason jar – all help communicate the idea of clean & healthy. In the second picture, the fact that you can see different drinks lets you know there’s a party going on. In both cases, some of it just happened, but some of it was arranged. Yes, I did shove all my friends’ drinks to the middle of the table before I would let them imbibe. A little shoving can make a great picture – work for your point of view!

5. Keep looking, keep trying
Sometimes you know you want a picture but it just isn’t quite coming out the way you want. Keep trying (and remember that you don’t have to post every try). When it snowed over Christmas I went out walking with my kids. The sun was shining and the snow and ice were gorgeous. But I just wasn’t getting it. I have about 10 different versions of this sort of shot from that day:

The snow looks grey. The ice is not sparkling. It wasn’t living up to what I could see right in front of me. So I kept taking pictures. And then, finally, I found the right line of trees, the right angle against the sun…

Everything I wanted to remember about this afternoon is right there. Keep trying!

Bonus: Favorite iPhone photography apps:

• Camera+ for the cropping, clarity filter, fun effects (free!)
• Snapseed for tweaking and cropping (free!)
• Tilt Shift Generator for great color, tilt shift, and vignetting (99 cents)
• Vintique for some really fun filters (99 cents)
• Diptic for multiple image collages (99 cents)

Hope these are helpful – now go find some things you love and take some great pictures!

Sarabeth Jones works in all things creative at Fellowship North, including design, writing, acting, directing, and photography. She overshares in words and pictures at The Dramatic and would love to connect with you there or on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest.

***Arkansas Women Bloggers is kicking-off a new Wordless Wednesday series – we welcome your photo submissions! Our 2013 theme is Fall in Love with Arkansas. Please send your photos to Stephanie today!