itsmarytaylor – Mary Taylor

Scheduling Posts Ahead of Time

If you’ve been following on social media for a while (particularly Instagram), you might have seen my content calendar a few times. I am OBSESSED with planning out content. That’s why I am SO excited to teach you more about scheduling posts on social media. P.S. You can free monthly content calendars sent directly to your inbox just by signing up for my newsletter below or in our free social media group on Facebook.

So, why should I schedule out my social media posts?

I love scheduling my social media posts ahead of time because it not only helps save me time in the long run AND plan ahead what I need to get done, it also helps me repurpose content. I believe that repurposing content is essential to long term success on several social media platforms – especially if you’re using Pinterest! Do you need help managing your Pinterest or repurposing your content? Let’s chat!

How do I schedule my social media posts ahead of time?

There are many ways you can schedule social media posts ahead of time. Some apps actually let you do it directly on their website (like Pinterest and Facebook) but I love to use Later because of how easy it is to you. If you use this link you can even get an extra 10 FREE posts per platform per month. With Later, you can link one of each of your accounts including Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter. Then, upload the images you would like to post, drag and drop them into your content calendar (or even pre-set your posting times for each week and organize your grid via the preview section to see what they will look like on Instagram). After writing your caption just push save.

Your posts can automatically be published to Instagram if you have a business account which is linked to a Facebook page! Just change from “notifications” to “auto” at the bottom of the scheduled post.

If you need extra help getting set up, don’t hesitate to reach out to me on Facebook or make a post into our social media group.

BONUS: Something I learned recently!

Recently, I learned an extra bonus tip that helps save even more time! When you’re scheduling your posts on Later, you can hover over an additional “social bubble” at the top of your screen and a plus sign will appear. Click it and you can schedule two posts (the same image and content) to multiple platforms. For Pinterest, you’ll just add in your list, board, and title (it will prompt you). Check out what I mean below.

Did you like this tip for creating and managing several different Instagram accounts? You can learn more in our FREE social media discussion & learning Facebook group! Join here. You can also receive more free tips and tricks as well as a monthly content calendar (with hashtag suggestions), by signing up for our newsletter below.

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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Why Blogs are Powerful for Your Business

Are you thinking about creating a blog or do you already have one? You probably started a blog or want to start a blog because you have some idea of why blogs are powerful for your business. If you’re thinking, “I have heard good things about blogging but don’t REALLY know why exactly I should be blogging regularly,” this is the blog for you! I often see people who start a blog but can’t keep up. If that’s your struggle too, check out my blogging services here.

My favorite reason for starting a blog is because of all the potential to repurpose content. If you know me, you know I love talking about repurposing (and not just in your home products but also, in your business)! Everything that you write in a blog can be repurposed to a bunch of mini posts on the same topic. So when you’re sitting down every week to schedule your social media posts, you can easily head to one of your previous blog posts and pull some of the content you’ve already written.

You can also draw further attention to the blog post by mentioning it within your social media post. Not everyone might have read the blog post yet. It can also encourage people to comment on the social media post with any questions or comments they had when they did read the blog post. Staying engaged with your audience is SO important.

Having a blog also gives people a reason to come to your website more often. Once they’re there, they might have a little wander throughout your site which could lead to more sales, clients, and customers.

You’ve gotten your potential client to your site now (through your blog post). They’re reading along and realize, “Dang! She/he knows what she/he is talking about!” When you blog about topics relevant to your business or brand, you’re building credibility! Having a blog should provide enough value that your reader feels like they’re learning something but not too much value that they now don’t need to hire you. If you’re a product based business, your blog posts should highlight different aspects of your product. For example, if you own a skincare company, you should write about the benefits of the ingredients in your skincare. Once your reader knows about all of these benefits, how could they not want to purchase your skincare? You’re selling without actually having to SELL. Instead, your informing your audience to make educated purchase decisions.

But what about those that don’t follow you yet? Blogs can be helpful for SEO purposes! SEO includes all of the things that you do to increase the visibility of your website and its content (like your blog) on search engine result pages (like when people search on Google). Search engines look at things like if a website is regularly updated, how long people stay on your website, the quality of the content on your website, internal linking, meta descriptions, image tagging, and more! Blogging can help you add more of these features to your website which will end up helping your website to appear higher in search results.

Whether people are coming to your site just for your free content (blog posts) or to purchase from you, you can still make money from everyone who comes to your site! Having a blog is another way that you can make money! Stay tuned for a blog post soon about ways to make money from your blog!

Now that you know all about why blogs are important for your business, are you going to start blogging? Once you write your first blog, don’t forget to tag me in the post when you share it! I can’t wait to read all about what you do. If you need help getting started, let’s chat! I not only offer blogging services but also coaching and editing. I can also help you repurpose your blogs into posts across your social media accounts. Check out my links below to get in touch.

Signing off,

Mary Taylor <3

FREE Social Media Tip & Monthly Content Calendars

AliExpress Gifts for Kids

Last month I wrote a blog about Christmas Gift Ideas for Guys and when continuing my search for Christmas presents, I came across some of the most amazing AliExpress gifts for kids! You’ll want to add these to your cart right away so they arrive in time for Christmas but if you have the time, these are SO worth the wait.

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.

These AliExpress kids finds are perfect for Christmas gifts for kids – especially if you’re on a budget! I’ve included everything from kids toys to kids clothes! These are definitely unique kids gifts. Don’t forget to join my free shopping group on Facebook to see more fun finds and shopping inspiration!

If you’re not set of having Lego or you’re on a budget but still want to build, you have to check out these Lego look-alikes from AliExpress! They have several different sets and the reviews are incredible. Check out these cheap Lego alternatives:

Do you love magic?! Have you ever seen gypsies, travelers, or magicians selling fun puzzle games? Here’s where they probably got them. These interactive games are even educational as they get your brain thinking.

Metal Montessori Puzzle

If you prefer the wood style puzzles, check out these several different options:

You can even build your very own wood plane or ship model using these laser cut out wood kits!

Have you ever played tetris? What about wood tetris? Well, now you can!

The amount of montessori based toys that AliExpress has is SO cool! Check out these large Rainbow Stacker Wooden Toys For Kids

They even have wood baby toys! Check out these high quality baby 3D wooden puzzles!

How cute are these baby’s first Christmas PJ’s on AliExpress?!

If you’re looking for inexpensive, modern children’s clothing on AliExpress, here are some my favorites!

I can’t wait to see what you purchased! Feel free to share your reviews with us in our shopping group and post pictures when your items arrive. Don’t forget to save this post (even better, you can pin it to your Pinterest) so you can come back for more updates! Don’t forget to follow me so you can stay up to date with new blog posts and pins.

Signing off,

Mary Taylor <3

Laundry Room Inspiration

I’m so excited to dive into our visions for our laundry room! If you’re looking for laundry room inspiration or garage conversions for your laundry area, this is the right place. If you’re new here, welcome! My husband, Robbie, and I are building our very first home together. You can read about our experience so far and see more of our home inspiration here. To see where you can buy similar (or the same) products that are featured in all of my home inspiration posts as well as all credits on images, head to my inspiration shop here. View and purchase ALL of my Amazon home decor inspiration and ideas here!

Now, our laundry room is actually just part of our garage but I want to focus on the things we want to do to make a laundry area within it. I even have some tips and tricks to creating a modern and stylish laundry room space in your garage! First of all, take a look at our inspiration board below:

Here are some of my ideas on how to make your garage into a laundry room:

Multi-functional organization – what I mean by this is to create an area that can serve multiple purposes such as having a countertop on top of your washer and dryer so that when you have extra space for folding, washing, etc.

2. Positioning – place your washer and dryer in a place that will not only be functional when it’s used but also when it’s not in use. Will you stack your washer and dryer or have them placed side-by-side? Do you want them tucked away or out in the open? Think how and where your doors open up and close. You want to make sure that you don’t place your washer/dryer where you’ll need to move, close, or open something else in order to use it.

3. Design & style – if you choose to keep some of your washing products on display, make them pretty! Here’s a list of beautiful laundry room ideas on Amazon!

4. Display when not in use – It’s important to think about what else you’ll be using your garage for. If you’re storing a car in your garage, you probably don’t need to worry too much (or at all) about hiding your washer and dryer when it’s not in use. But, if you’re using your garage as a hang out room (or a brewery/movie theater like us), you might want to consider covering them up. This should play into the design and style! Check out the ideas below that I have found for covering up a washer and dryer that are actually cute!

Signing off,

Mary Taylor <3

Bacon & Chicken Spinach Salad

Have you ever just thrown a bunch of food together and it actually turned out amazing?! This was exactly one of those times! I love eating salad but only when it’s filled with pretty much everything besides the kitchen sink. This recipe is seriously so easy and delicious. It’s also packed with amazing nutrition and healthy ingredients!

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.

Here’s what you need:

Spinach
Cooked and sliced chicken (we made ours in our Crockpot express – check it out here)
Crispy bacon
Chopped apples
Feta chunks
Fresh squeezed lemon
Sunflower seeds
Pumpkin seeds
Sesame seeds
Linseeds
Olive oil (we love garlic flavored olive oil because it gives it extra flavor and a kick – plus, garlic is great for your immune system)

Like all other salads, just mix it all together and ta-da! How easy is that?!

What’s your favorite salad to make at home? Post a picture of your salads to your stories on Instagram and tag me (@its.mary.taylor) so I can see and share it to my story too!

If you make this recipe, please tag me on Facebook or Instagram so I can see your creations!

Signing off,

Mary Taylor <3

Managing Multiple Instagram Accounts

Do you have multiple Instagram accounts that you want to manage more easily? Maybe you have an account for your business and a personal account. Or maybe your kid or your pet has an account. Or maybe, all of the above! Today you’re going to learn how to manage and store multiple accounts on Instagram.

Check out the instructions below for how to add another account to your Instagram:

Go to your profile, click the burger menu (the three lines in the top right-hand corner), and tap on settings.
Scroll to the very bottom and tap “Add Account.”
Then, add your other account(s) by username and password. You can add up to 5 Instagram accounts at a time. If you run out of space, just logout of one of the accounts and add the new one.

To get between both profiles, hold down your profile picture in the navigation bar to view all connected accounts, then click on the profile you would like to switch to. You can go to your profile, click on your username at the top, and select which profile you’d like to go to.

Besides easily being able to switch between accounts (which saves time logging in and out of accounts with different passwords), you can also share one post to several different accounts. When you’re making your Instagram post directly onto your profile (a grid post not a story), you’ll see the option to post to other Instagram accounts that you’re looking into also. With your business account, which you can learn how to set up here, you can also post directly to your linked accounts (twitter, tumblr, and Facebook).

Signing off,

Mary Taylor <3

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DIY Eco-Friendly Products You Can Make At Home

I’ve always been interested in living as eco-friendly as I possibly can but the last few years I have been even more committed to making it part of my lifestyle. This year we ditched single-use paper towels, tissues, baby wipes, makeup removing wipes, and so much more! We are even in the process of getting rid of liquid soaps. Love eco-friendly ideas just as much as me? You can check out my Eco-Friendly Home Swaps blog here!

This blog post contains affiliate links. I may make a small commission from purchases you make from this blog but I cannot see who purchases you what. You are NOT charged anything additional for using my links. It helps me continue to provide you with fun and interesting blog posts, shopping tips, and suggestions. Thank you for your support.

Not only can you reduce your grocery bill and weekly spending by creating your own products at home, you can also help the planet! Did you know that more than 552 million shampoo bottles could be ending up in landfills every year?

Here are a few simple eco-friendly home recipes you can easily make from home!

Check out my Amazon list for where to buy some of the ingredients and “tools” (spray bottles, jars, etc), you’ll need to make these eco-friendly products at home!

All purpose cleaner: You’re going to be shocked at how easy this recipe is! You can read the full blog with the recipe here.

Conditioner with apple cider vinegar: Did you know that apple cider vinegar stimulates hair growth and prevents hair loss? It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties. You can make your own apple cider vinegar conditioner by adding apple cider vinegar and water to a spray bottle. After shampooing, spray the apple cider vinegar mixture into your hair and wait one minute. Then, rinse it out! If you want to make it smell better, add a few drops of your favorite essential oils. Please make sure you’re using pure essential oils without synthetics – especially when applying to your skin in any way.

Dishwashing tablets: Here’s what you need:

2 cups of baking soda

2 cups of sodium percarbonate or washing soda

½ cup of citric acid

½ cup of white vinegar

20 drops of essential oil

(Optional) ½ cup of salt

Mix your dry ingredients then add your vinegar slowly. Mix well and add essential oils of choice (some great options include: lemon, peppermint, tea tree, cinnamon, and lavender). Place your mix into an ice cube container and let sit for 24 hours until hardened. Be gentle when using them as they won’t be as tough as the ones you buy from the supermarket.

Bug spray: All you need to make your own bug repellent is 30 drops of essential oils, witch hazel, water, and alcohol (rubbing alcohol or vodka)! Some good essential oils for bug spray include: lavender, lemon eucalyptus, citronella, lemongrass, peppermint, and tea tree. Find these oils on Amazon here. If you’re NZ or AUS based and would like help finding where to purchase these products, please reach out to me via Instagram. Please make sure you’re using pure essential oils without synthetics – especially when applying to your skin in any way.

Which of these were your favorite eco-friendly products that you can make at home? I plan to add even more tips and suggestions for DIY eco-friendly products so don’t forget to pin this blog post and come back later to find more ideas and inspiration.

If you make this recipe, please tag me on Facebook or Instagram so I can see your creations!

Signing off,

Mary Taylor <3

Fact check me:

https://unwrappedlife.com/blogs/blog/the-case-for-plastic-free-shampoo-and-conditioner

What are Love Languages & Why Love Languages are Important

Did you know that there are five love languages?! When Robbie and I first met, Robbie didn’t know what love languages were. When I explained it to him, he immediately could identify with what his love languages were. The five love languages are: quality time, gifts, physical touch, acts of service and words of affirmations.

I quickly realized that we had very similar views when it came to quality time and physical touch! One thing that we differ in is gifts. Robbie is not a gifts guy so giving him gifts wasn’t going to show him that I love him. However, on the other hand, I love gifts! I can honestly identify with all of these love languages although quality time and physical touch are my number one’s.

So, why is your love language important to know about? And why should you know (and remember) other people’s love languages too?

Because not everyone values the same things with love languages, it’s important to know what people in your life identify with which love language. The love languages that you prefer to receive might not be the ones that you like to give or might not be the ones that you tend to give. This could be true for your partner, family members, or friends too. This leaves room for a lot of miscommunication. You think that you’re showing love (or how much you care) to these important people in your life but they might not be identifying with that love language and therefore, can’t see or feel how much you care. We need to learn how to love people in the way that they prefer to be loved. This means that sometimes it might not be the most natural thing for us to do. But, if that person is important in your life, do you want to make sure that they feel loved.

“I’m not sure what love languages I prefer or what I give. How do I know which love languages I identify with?”

This is a great question! Especially if you’ve never heard about love languages before, you might be a little bit confused as to which you identify with most. The best way to think about it is to rate the five love languages from most important to least important. You might love and appreciate all of them but you’ll most likely have a top one or two. If you’re still unsure, you can take a quiz which will help you identify which love languages you resonate most with. You can take the quiz here.

Love languages are important in everyday relationships (everyone from your spouse to your parents, siblings, and friends) because it can be a huge source of confusion, frustration, and miscommunication if you’re showing someone you love them in a way that you like to receive love but they don’t like to receive love. Next time you’re giving someone a gift, think about which love language resonates most with them. Maybe next time instead of gifting someone a physical gift, you’ll gift them a homemade coupon for an act of service like cleaning their home or making dinner. Maybe you’ll gift them a one-on-one experience they have been wanting or you’ll even write them a card telling them how much you love and appreciate everything they do for you.

I would love to hear about which love language you resonate most with! Let me know on Instagram and send me your gift ideas for your love language!

Signing off,

Mary Taylor <3

What questions do you have for a wedding

Where to Find Essential Oil Stock Images

Essential oil stock images images can be hard to find but look no further because I have suggestions on where to download doTERRA stock images!

First off, did you know that I create and sell doTERRA images and graphics? You can purchase them directly from me through my Instagram account @oilyimages or contact me if you’d like me to create something specific or see more images and graphics that I have ready to go.

I not only sell images but also essential oil Instagram stories or other engagement graphics and even essential oil recipe graphics!

If you’re looking at hosting a week long virtual event, we can customize a package of graphics just for you. Ask me what classes I suggest you run to get your audience involved!

If you’re looking to purchase several graphics and images and want to incorporate many different styles, you can sign up for a One Drop subscription here. By using this link, you will get an additional 10% off your first purchase (that means you can save up to $22.20 on their Unlimited Yearly plan)! You can check out my vault of images and graphics here. If you see any images here that you would like to purchase separately (without a subscription), please contact me.

The FREE option: The last place I recommend looking into is Pexels. It’s one of my favorite stock sites. However, you won’t find as many options here!

I hope you found this blog helpful! Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest to find more essential oil tips, tricks, and recipes.

Signing off,

Mary Taylor <3

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Christmas Gift Ideas for Guys

“Christmas gift ideas?! Really, Mary? It’s not even September yet!” Yes, really! My mother in law starts Christmas shopping for the next year on December 26th so I think in her book, I would be late to the game! Seriously, look it up on google, it’s a thing! Did you know that in the Philippines they start decorating and prepping for Christmas on September 1st? They even start playing Christmas music! They call it “ber months” which means it’s the start of the year where months end in “ber” (SeptemBER, OctoBER, NovemBER, DecemBER).

Shopping for guys has always been the hardest part about Christmas shopping – even shopping for my own husband! I’ve attached my favorite Amazon gift ideas and AliExpress gift ideas but of course if you can find something locally, that’s even better! Amazon even has it’s very own “find a gift” section on their website to make it easy for you. Check it out here. You can find more of my fun finds and gift ideas on my lists here and even join our FREE shopping group on Facebook!

Home Brewing Kit on Amazon

Money Clip Multi-Tool on Amazon

Ice Ball Glass on Amazon

Nintendo Switch on Amazon

I asked my husband what he would want as a gift and he said, “Anything for a smart home!”

Smart homes are the new “thing” and since we are building our first home, I thought I would throw in some fun smart home gift suggestions. Learn more about our home inspiration here.

Smart Plug on Amazon

Fingerprint Electronic Lock on AliExpress

Google Nest Home Thermostat on Amazon

Wifi Plug on AliExpress

Robot Vacuum on Amazon

We have a robot vacuum and LOVE it!!

Smart Light Bulb on AliExpress

I would love to see what you get your partner, dad, and/or brother for Christmas this year! As always, feel free to tag me in posts relating to this blog post so I can share and see too! You can also share and see more shopping suggestions in our FREE shopping group on Facebook! 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

Mary Taylor

All posts by : itsmarytaylor

Want FREE Social Media Tips & Content Calendars Each Month?

Why Blogs are Powerful for Your Business

FREE Social Media Tip & Monthly Content Calendars

AliExpress Gifts for Kids

Metal Montessori Puzzle

Laundry Room Inspiration

Bacon & Chicken Spinach Salad

FREE Social Media Tips & Content Calendars to Your Inbox

DIY Eco-Friendly Products You Can Make At Home

What are Love Languages & Why Love Languages are Important

Want FREE social media tips & a monthly content calendar?!

Christmas Gift Ideas for Guys

Home Brewing Kit on Amazon

Money Clip Multi-Tool on Amazon

Ice Ball Glass on Amazon

Nintendo Switch on Amazon

Smart Plug on Amazon

Fingerprint Electronic Lock on AliExpress

Google Nest Home Thermostat on Amazon

Wifi Plug on AliExpress

Robot Vacuum on Amazon

Smart Light Bulb on AliExpress

FREE Printable Birthing Affirmations

Our Floral Themed Baby Shower

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