July 2020 – Mary Taylor

It’s Mary Taylor’s Instagram Course | Learn How to Use Instagram

For those that don’t know me yet, I’m Mary! I am a social media manager and social media coach specializing in Instagram. I love to help other business owners and curious clients learn more about how to utilize Instagram to build like, know and trust as well as credibility and brand awareness within their community of current and potential followers.

Like with most things, there are general questions that I get asked a lot when it comes to Instagram. It can be anything from what is an Instagram story all the way to how do I view and record my analytics and insights.

In order to help answer my most asked questions and provide a baseline of knowledge for those interested in getting to know Instagram, I created an Instagram course.

What’s This Instagram Course All About?

You’ll learn everything from creating & maintaining your brand and how to create an Instagram story to growing your account organically and learning more about hashtags! There are real-life screen recorded videos, screenshots, images, and written content to help you get started.

It’s Mary Taylor’s Instagram course includes:

📱Your access code and link to the Instagram Course (45 pages of Instagram knowledge & Goodness)

📱Your analytics template (excel file) with an example

📱Instagram Course Worksheets for Hashtags, etc. (PDF)

If you’re new to Instagram or you just want a little extra guidance, this is the course for you. I also offer one-on-one Instagram coaching which you can learn more about by contacting me here or finding me on social media. You’re always welcome to reach out to me!

Let me know what you think and don’t forget to tag me while taking your course if you take pictures along the way. I would love to see what you’re working on and connect with you on Instagram. You can find me @its.mary.taylor!

If you enjoyed reading this and would like more information on home, lifestyle, advice, tips, tricks, and more, follow me on Instagram @Its.Mary.Taylor and on Facebook at Mary Taylor! I can’t wait to see you there!

Signing off,

Mary Taylor <3

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Tips for Eating Healthy While on a Budget

Today we’re going to talk about budget-friendly grocery shopping and eating healthy while on a budget. Eating healthy doesn’t have to be expensive (and sometimes, it can actually be cheaper).

1. Buy frozen veggies – they’re usually cheaper!

2. Only buy the meat and veggies that are on sale – then bulk freeze

3. Ditch the processed drinks (if you love soda, get a SodaStream and add in fresh lemon, essential oils, or other fresh fruit to your bubbly water)

4. Simplify recipes and use what you already have

5. Buy in bulk

Some of the links included in this blog are commissioned links. This means I may earn a small commission when you use them. I cannot see who purchases what and it doesn’t cost you anything to click on them.

6. Use all of the veggie (for the ones that you can) – check out this blog for more info

7. Buy dried garlic (in bulk) instead of fresh garlic

8. Make sure what you do buy doesn’t go off. Wasting food is a HUGE expense not only to your bank account but also to the environment.

9. Start a garden! Growing your own food is not only great for your wallet but also for the environment. Here’s a gardening kit to help you get started. You can even grow your own herbs.

10. Only buy what’s on your list. When you’re growing shopping, make sure to stick to your list. Even when you see something you really want. Only buy it if you need it.

11. Meal plan so you know exactly what you need for each meal. This means less waste and less money spent. It also helps you eat healthier. Check out these (cheap but awesome) reusable meal prep containers!

12. If buying rice, buy brown rice. Brown rice has more fiber and antioxidants, as well as a lot more important vitamins and minerals.

13. Skip the bread and potatoes and go for something healthier (carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, nuts, etc).

14. Buy whole uncooked chickens instead of chicken breasts, etc. (make sure it actually works out to be cheaper)

15. Bulk cook (by bulk cooking you’re not only reducing your time in your kitchen but also your electric/gas bill).

16. Ditch the unnecessary items (chips, candy, chocolate, ice cream, etc. – swap chips for veggies and hummus, tzatziki, etc. – swap store bought ice cream and desserts for homemade coconut pudding). This way you know exactly what you’re putting into your body and you can alter the ingredients to fit a healthier lifestyle.

Do you have any other shopping or cooking tips you can give us? We would love to see you in our FREE shopping and deals group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/marytaylorshopping/

Signing off,

Mary Taylor <3

What’s the Difference Between a Business, Creator, and Personal Account on Instagram?

Why is an Instagram business account important and how do I make the switch? What’s the difference between a creator account and a business account?

First, let’s identify the differences between these three Instagram account types.

Instagram says, “With a business account, you’ll be able to access business features and Instagram Insights. These tools can help you understand who is engaging with your business on Instagram.” This means you have access to special analytics which gives you information about your followers such as their age range, gender, location, and when they’re online. All of this information is extremely helpful in identifying when to post and who your current audience is.

With a business account you also have the ability to change some profile settings such as displaying or hiding your business category and contact information on your profile. You can also add a specialized button for contacting, booking an appointment, or making a reservation.

Instagram says, “The Creator Account on Instagram gives you a set of tools that makes it easier to control your online presence, understand your growth and manage your messages.” Creator accounts are “best for public figures, content producers, artists, and influencers.” Nowadays, creators accounts are very similar to business accounts but business accounts have extra added features which is why I recommend switching to a business account.

To change your personal Instagram account to a business account on Instagram, go to your profile, click the burger menu (the three lines in the top right-hand corner) if you’re on a mobile device. Then, click settings.

Next, click account, and then at the bottom you’ll see “switch to professional account,” then choose business. Since I already have a business account, it says “switch to personal account” but this will be replaced with “professional account” if you have a personal account.

Instagram says, “If you’d like, you can follow the steps to connect your business account to a Facebook Page associated with your business. This step is optional, and will make it easier to use all of the features available for businesses across the Facebook family of apps. At this time, only one Facebook Page can be connected to your business account.”

I hope this helped you learn more about the differences between a creator account and a business account on Instagram and how you can get your business account set up. If you’re not already subscribed to our mailing list, be sure to sign-up for more free social media tips and tricks delivered directly to your inbox each month. You can sign up using the form below.

Signing off,

Mary Taylor <3

FREE Social Media Tips & Tricks

Dry July Mocktail Recipes

Not only is it Plastic Free July, it’s also Dry July! This is the perfect time to try out some fun mocktail recipes!

To read more about my recipes and why I create them the way I do (without specific measurements, times, and temperatures) check out this blog post.

First of all, what is Dry July?

In general, dry July means you go alcohol free for the entire month of July. In New Zealand, Dry July is a fundraiser that challenges you to go alcohol-free and raise funds for New Zealanders affected by cancer.

And, what’s a mocktail?

A mocktail is a “non-alcoholic mixed drink is a cocktail-style beverage made without alcoholic ingredients.”

As an Amazon associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases. However, I cannot see who purchases what.

For this Dry July, I thought I would come up with some fun mocktail ideas (and hey, if you’re reading this and it’s not Dry July anymore, feel free to turn these into cocktails instead). I’ve partnered up with the Soda Press Co. to bring you the yummiest, healthiest, and freshest mocktail recipes! Throughout my recipes, I used a SodaStream for our sparkling water. You can purchase your own SodaStream here. If you’re US based and want to purchase Soda Press syrups and concentrates, you can do so here. Check out my full list of cooking and drinks favorites here.

I made three mocktails: a blueberry & lime mocktail (inspired by a blueberry margarita), a passionfruit & mandarin mocktail (inspired by a fruity sangria), and a raspberry & mint mocktail (inspired by a berry mojito). I’ve also included a few extra recipes from Soda Press Co. (you can grab their free recipe book directly on their website).

Blueberry & Lime Margarita Inspired Mocktail:

Ingredients

Fresh or frozen blueberries
Fresh lime or lime essential oil
Soda Press Co Blueberry & Lime Syrup
Sparkling water
Jalapeños* (optional)
Blueberry simple syrup* (optional)
Tequila* (for a cocktail not a mocktail)

Instructions

1. Muddle blueberries with lime juice (if you’re making a cocktail instead of a mocktail, now is when you should add in your tequila)

If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, you can even use a jar! These ones are perfect for single serving drinks.

If you want to sweeten it up or take things to the next level, add a homemade blueberry syrup with fresh or frozen blueberries and sugar. Add a little bit of water if needed. Reduce this on a stove until you have a thick syrup consistency.

2. Want to make it spicy? Add in a jalapeño (either whole, chopped, or muddled with the blueberries)! This mimics a blueberry jalapeño margarita.

3. Depending if you prefer the “pulp” and skins or not, you can strain out the liquid and throwaway the skins. Note that there may not be very much liquid if you’re not adding any tequila.

4. Fill your glass with ice and pour your muddled fruit, Soda Press Co syrup, and your sparkling water into the glass.

5. Top with blueberries if you choose and enjoy!

Alcohol-Free Passionfruit & Mandarin Sangria

Ingredients

Soda Press Co passionfruit & mandarin kombucha concentrate
Fresh fruit (oranges, passionfruit, berries, cherries, pineapple, lemons, etc)
Sparkling water (only if making mocktail)
Mint* (optional)
Wine (white wine or rose recommended) or bubbly wine of choice* (to make a true sangria instead of an alcohol-free sangria)
Add in triple sec* (for cocktail not mocktail)

Instructions

1. Cut your fresh fruit into small pieces (if applicable) and place in a jar.

2. Add desired amount of Soda Press Co passionfruit & mandarin kombucha concentrate.

3. Add in sparkling water or wine/bubbly wine and triple sec.

4. Add sugar or simple syrup if needed.

5. To meld the flavors together (specifically if using alcohol), let your creation sit in the fridge for a minimum of 30 mins.

6. Pour in glass, top with mint, and enjoy!

Raspberry & Mint Mojito Mocktail:

Ingredients

Soda Press Co raspberry & mint syrup
Fresh mint
Sparkling water
Fresh or frozen raspberries
Lime juice or lime essential oil
Simple syrup* (optional if you feel it needs a bit more sweetness)
White rum* (if making a cocktail not a mocktail)

Instructions

1. Muddle fresh mint and raspberries with a dash of water. If you’re making a cocktail instead of a mocktail, add white rum instead of water.

2. Strain your mint and raspberries (if you choose) into your glass.

3. Put a dash of Soda Press Co raspberry & mint syrup.

4. Mix well and shake well!

5. Fill the glass with ice and top with sparkling water.

6. Add fresh mint and raspberries if you choose.

A few extra recipes:

“WHERE MY ROSEMARY GOES” Pink Grapefruit & Rosemary Mocktail:

Soda Press Co Pink Grapefruit Soda Syrup
Sparkling Water
Pink Grapefruit Slices
Sprig of Rosemary

“Green Thumb” Elderflower & Cucumber Mocktail:

Soda Press Co
Elderflower Soda Syrup
Sparkling Water
Lemon Juice
Cucumber Slither Garnish

“Gran’s Remedy” Kombucha & Apple Mocktail:

Soda Press Co
Elderflower Soda Syrup
Soda Press Co original kombucha
Lemon Juice
Sparkling Water
Half a Granny Smith Apple (chopped)
Apple Fan Garnish

If you make any of these recipes, please tag me and Soda Press Co on Facebook or Instagram so we can see (and share) your creations! You can find Soda Press Co on Facebook here and Instagram here.

If you’re looking for your own blog post or professional images check out my services here. And don’t forget to sign up to my mailing list here to get monthly tips, tricks, and deals.

Signing off,

Mary Taylor <3

Social Media Resources

Hello fellow adventure seeker, inspired entrepreneur, and lover of life! I am so glad you found your way here. I’m Mary – a social media manager, blogger, and content creator (that means I get to do fun things like photography, retouching, graphic creations, and so much more). If it has to do with business, I want to talk about it! I love helping other entrepreneurs to learn more about networking and social media. I have this deep rooted belief that everyone should be doing what they love. I love helping other entrepreneurs experience that by eliminating the things they don’t enjoy doing (which I actually DO enjoy doing).

Social Media Tips & Resources

Join our FREE group Mary Taylor’s Social Media Management & Training to learn from and connect with other business owners.
Check out the several resources, courses, and worksheet we have available: here.
Get an Instagram or Facebook audit here or contact me directly.

4. Follow my social media Pinterest board for social media tips and tricks.

5. Read more social media related blogs here.

6. Sign up to our email list for FREE monthly social media tips and tricks AND a free monthly content calendar with post ideas & hashtags!

Receive FREE social media tips & content calendars each month!

Signing off,

Mary Taylor <3

What’s an Instagram Audit?!

An Instagram audit is when I review your Instagram account and give you suggestions. For those that don’t know me, I am Mary, a social media manager, blogger, and content creator (that means I get to do everything from photography and retouching to graphic creation, copywriting, and more). I even have a full Instagram course to get you started with Instagram. This matches perfectly with your audit.

But why should you get an Instagram audit?

An Instagram audit can help you to improve your account without the need for a full social media manager. It gives you an inside, unbiased, and professional opinion of your Instagram account. Check below to see what’s included in an Instagram audit done performed by me.

Here’s what’s included in your Instagram audit:

✧ Your engagement rate for your account as well as what this is/more information
✧ An analysis of your bio (what you’re doing well and what needs to be improved upon as well as suggestions)
✧ Review of aesthetics of your account – what to improve/what looks good (profile picture, grid design, images, highlight covers, etc).
✧ Custom review of two to three Instagram posts (hashtag usage, caption, image, etc) – recommendations, improvements, what you’re doing well, etc.

Did you know I also offer social media management services as well as other business templates and worksheets on Etsy? Everything from identifying your ideal client to learning to how to grow your Instagram account organically.

Signing off,

Mary Taylor <3

How to Identify Your Ideal Client | Worksheet

If you’re having trouble reaching your ideal client it might be because you haven’t yet identified who they are. It’s important to dig deep into who they are so you can analyze where they are and where you can reach them through advertising. They say potential customers need to see your product or service as many as 7+ times in order to actually click purchase.

Why should you identify your ideal client? Our goal in identifying your ideal customer is to spend less time advertising in places they wouldn’t be. We want to spend more time focusing on how they WILL see your advertisement, post, or product. The more clarity you have surrounding your potential clients, customers, and followers, the more effective your marketing can be.

This is why I created my ideal client worksheet. You’ll learn more about your ideal client by filling out a series of questions on who your ideal client is. We will think about age, gender, location, family status, and so much more. The goal of this is to really imagine you’re the ideal client. To find out where they might be so you can easily target them and market directly to your ideal customer. Then, you’ll use the information that you fill out on the first page, to think even deeper. We want to put your answers into action!

What else have you used to identify your ideal client? Do you have more questions? You can find me on Instagram and on Facebook!

Signing off,

Mary Taylor <3

Eco-friendly Home Swaps

Did you know that having an eco-friendly home can actually be easy? You might think of eco-friendly as more expensive or even more difficult but it doesn’t have to be.

Here are some really easy and inexpensive eco-friendly swaps that you can do at home:

Swap out your paper towels for unpaper towels. Unpaper towels are just as they sound. There are so many ways to do this depending on your budget. The most favorite (but also most expensive) option would be to purpose pre-cut and pre-rolled unpaper towels (find here). But if you’re like me and can’t afford (or don’t want to spend) $x/paper towel, there are a few other options. These paper towels are actually recycled bamboo. They last a super long time and they’re easily rinsable with just soap and water in your sink. I love these because they look like real paper towels and they don’t need to go in the washing machine. My last suggestion if you want to use unpaper towels is to make your own. You can learn how to make your own here. Plus bonus tips on other things we use instead of paper products.

Now that you’ve gotten rid of paper towels you should also replace napkins. You can find cheap and beautiful reusable napkins online. Then, just throw them in the wash with your other items.

Cleaning products in plastic containers. Although you might be buying the eco-friendly cleaning sprays and cleaning products, they’re still usually in a plastic bottle. To save money and reduce waste (like throwing away the plastic bottles afterwards), you can make your own cleaning products and store them in glass containers. You’ll still need to purchase the ingredients to make the cleaning products but try to buy in bulk, refill your own containers at a bulk store, or buy powders in recycled cardboard boxes. Check out this blog for a DIY all-purpose citrus spray cleaner. See and click on the images below to check out a couple of great glass container options.

Straws! You definitely have seen this one before but I thought I would just throw it in anyways. Ditch the plastic and even paper straws and purchase reusable metal straws. You can find some here.

Going out to eat and usually bring home leftovers? Don’t forget to bring your glass watertight container to put your leftovers in. This way you don’t need to rely on the restaurant to provide a throwaway container that might not be recyclable.

Buy in bulk & use your own containers! This doesn’t just go for cleaning products but also your food! Did you know that bulk stores often allow you to bring in your own containers such as jam jars? If you don’t have any reusable glass jars on hand or want an upgrace, check out a few of my favorite eco-friendly glass container options here.

Say bye-bye to ziplock bags! These reusable ziplocks are my FAVORITE swap of all! I used to try to wash and reuse regular ziplocks (because I hated the thought of throwing them away after one use) but they never dried and were such a hassle. Plus, they never looked clean. Now I have several sets of different reusable ziplocks! For clear, regular looking ziplocks click here. For watertight, large, silicon ziplocks check these out.

Glad wrap or sad wrap? Glad wrap, plastic wrap, or cling film. However you want to say it, it’s a huge waste of plastic and can easily be replaced with beeswax wraps. Once you’re done using them, just give them a rinse and use again. Check out these gorgeous designs.

Baking paper ➡️ baking silicon! We use this tray liner that can be reused again and again. Nothing ever sticks to it so it’s a great replacement for baking paper or tinfoil.

Skip the plastic toys, decor, and household items! Although most of these items aren’t one time use plastics (like takeaway containers and straws are), they’re still contributing to the pass amount of plastic production and waste in the world. Opt for wood items such as toys, toothbrushes, hooks, hangers,

Check out these inspirational home images below and click on any of them (or click here) to see my shopping list of eco-friendly home items.

Do you have any other eco-friendly swap ideas for us? Tag me in your eco-friendly home inspiration on Instagram @its.mary.taylor and on Facebook here. I can’t wait to see how you use these ideas and your own ideas to create your eco-friendly, green home!

Signing off,

Mary Taylor <3

Mary Taylor

Monthly Archives: July 2020

Tips for Eating Healthy While on a Budget

FREE Social Media Tips & Tricks

Dry July Mocktail Recipes

Blueberry & Lime Margarita Inspired Mocktail:

Ingredients

Instructions

Alcohol-Free Passionfruit & Mandarin Sangria

Ingredients

Instructions

Raspberry & Mint Mojito Mocktail:

Ingredients

Instructions

A few extra recipes:

“WHERE MY ROSEMARY GOES” Pink Grapefruit & Rosemary Mocktail:

“Green Thumb” Elderflower & Cucumber Mocktail:

“Gran’s Remedy” Kombucha & Apple Mocktail:

Social Media Tips & Resources

Receive FREE social media tips & content calendars each month!

How to Identify Your Ideal Client | Worksheet

Eco-friendly Home Swaps

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