Animal Therapy via Pinterest

The only thing getting me through this week are the fact that I'm one week closer to Thanksgiving break & these furry little creatures. I'll bet you didn't know that Pinterest acted as therapy. Every time you feel stressed, overwhelmed or just plain mad at the world, go onto Pinterest and type: adorable animals, funny animals, puppies, kittens, penguins, or any other animal you can fathom, and let the therapy begin. 

 Too cute! Who doesn't love a baby rabbit meme? via  Pinterest

If you didn't just "awe", you have no heart.
I'd gladly take this presh lil pooch into my home.
He's too adorable. via Epicgasm

Who doesn't love a dog in a costume?
Who doesn't love a costume on a dog?
via Imgur

Even the ugly ones need lovin'.
I'll bet his mom thinks he's the cutest kitten ever.
Sphinx kitten. 

Sometimes we all just need a hug from a monkey.   

Just bein' a panda bear chompin' on some fresh greens.

I could love this little guy forever.
I wish penguins were domesticated pets in the United States.
I'd have a whole heard... I mean a whole waddle.


Like my animal therapy for the day? Leave a comment below.
Want to share your favorite fluffy animal? Tweet me!

Is Pinterest Saving Craft Stores?

Hobby Lobby, Michaels and Jo-ann Fabrics all have one thing in common: they are brick-and-mortar arts and craft stores. At one point, I thought that craft stores were doomed. There was a lack of craftiness, less quilters, knitters and stitchers. With no crafters, there'd be no need for craft supplies, and with no demand, the stores would close.

But wait, they're all still here, and all with improving sales. How is this possible? More than ever, people are being crafty. The quilters, knitters and stitchers are back, and with a quest to be the best do-it-yourselfer out there. Crafty is the new sexy.

 Could this be because of Pinterest?

I was curious. Could the saving grace of craft stores be the almighty Pinterest? I did some digging & here is what I found. (I am by no means a professional researcher.  I am merely a blogger with a knack for Googling.)

Increase in sales: All three stores showed significant increase in sales and profits over the last two years.   These increases could be due to a variety of things, but I have a strong sense they link back to Pinterest. Not only does Pinterest link you to crafts, but it links you to influential bloggers who promote where they buy their craft supplies. 
 "In 2011, we increased our sales by $300 million." -Hobby Lobby Founder & CEO, David Green

"[Jo-ann Fabric's] net sales for the fourth quarter increased 3.6% to $624.1 million from $602.2 million for the same period last year." -JO-ANN Stores, INC.

"Arts and crafts retailer Michaels Stores said ... that it earned $112 million in its fiscal fourth quarter, a 15 percent increase from the previous year, as shoppers spent more on their visits." -Sandra Baker

Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/03/14/4681390_michaels-stores-says-profit-increased.html#storylink=cpy

Where there is an increase in sales, there is an increase in brand awareness. Hobby Lobby has its own Pinterest page. Who's surprised? Not me. Of course they have a Pinterest page, free advertising is the best advertising. Now my only question is, how do I get a job pinning for them?

Cray Cray alert! Micheals has their own Pinterest page, too. What a small world. What are the odds Jo-Ann Fabrics has one? Wait for it, wait for it...

Yup, Jo-Ann Fabrics has their own Pinterest page, too!

How can they not attribute some of their success to Pinterest? They have to.

Actually, a ton of companies and organizations have to attribute a sliver, or a huge chunk, of their increase in popularity and sales to Pinterest. Numerous brands are on Pinterest promoting themselves everyday, it's genius. Why not take advantage of a free advertising platform.
In crease in sales, increase in popularity, and increase in reverse showrooming. Showrooming, what? 

showrooms: places where customers maul the merchandise and pester salespeople for advice before going online to buy the same products at a lower price

reverse showrooming- users would look at items online and then go to a retail store to make the purchase

It's interesting that a social media platform that is leading in eCommerce sales is also pushing more people to actual stores. What a pickle. So Pinterest has the best of both worlds: buying online & buying in stores. 

1 in 5 Pinterest users has bought something in a store after pinning or liking it on Pinterest. 

32% of Pinterest users who pinned the item bought it in store between 24 hours and 1 week. 

These stats are pretty amazing if you think about it. The amount of users on Pinterest is 70 million users and climbing. That results in a ton of sales. A ton.

This research is just scratching the surface. It doesn't prove or disprove anything, but I believe that it clearly shows a correlation between Pinterest and the success of arts and craft stores. 
I can't wait to dig in a little deeper in future blog posts, but first I need to do some deeper, more official research. 

If you have any ideas, suggestions or comments about this correlation or my continuing research comment below or tweet me! 

Blogger Bible: Fave Four Sites for Bloggers Old & New

As a new blogger I'm always looking for ideas, inspiration (or pinspiration!), and topics to discuss. I was recently using my most beloved research tool, Pinterest, and found tons of helpful blog pins. I was in awe of the resources I had at my fingertips. Not only could Pinterest help plan my wardrobe, teach me how to cook, but it could also help me blog.

Here are the pins I found the most helpful. Enjoy!

#1 Bloggers Bazaar

Just starting to blog? Start here, you won't regret it. Bloggers Bazaar offers an array of blogger help, tips, tricks, and ideas, but one of the articles I found especially helpful was "How to Develop a Social Media Strategy for Your Blog". They offer step-by-step directions for laying out a successful plan for your new blog. After you follow these steps to a kick ass blog, check out Bloggers Bazaar for other great blogging information.

#2 My Snippets of Inspiration 

Via Danielle's Blog

Not only is this blog fantastic for all things social media, but it is so chic! Danielle, a great blogger with awesome advice, lays out the basics for new bloggers in easy to read posts. She highlights the essential blogger tools and how to use them in this great beginners post.  She also provides information on blogging workshops for bloggers who'd like to take it to the next level. The amount of information on her blog is incredible, the advice is rock solid, and it's pretty. What more could you want? 

#3 IFB (Independent Fashion Bloggers)

Run out of ways to promote your blog? No worries. IFB offers 23 Ways To Promote Your Blog. With the basics like, Facebook and email, but also new ideas on creating infographics, guest speakers and more. After reading that post, click on the Blogging Tips tab and prepare to be blogtastic. Everything you want to know about blogging can be found at IFB, all you have to do is check it out!

#4 The SITS Girl

Already have a blog? Great! Check out the SITS Girl How Healthy is Your Blog? post. This post gives you a check list, or better yet, a check up list for your blog. Make sure once you get the ball rolling on your brand you don't just let it roll off into the distance. This blog offers ideas and ways to keep the goals and ideas of your blog in check. They also offer a free downloadable flow chart to help you keep your blog in order. 

I hope these websites help you in all of your blogging endeavors! If you have a favorite blogging website comment below or tweet me. I'd love to hear from you!

A Little Weird, A little Genius: My Favorite "Non-Traditional" Pins

Yes, I love Pinterest for its fashion, DIY and home remedies, but I really, truly love Pinterest for opening my eyes to a world where anything is possible. Not only can you have your cake, but you can eat it too. After you slice it with dental floss. After eating your cake you can check out the endless awkward photo pins. You can pin adorbs photos of places pomeranians don't belong (one of my favorites!).  And don't forget about recipes for squirrel stew. Yup, this recipe calls for 70 squirrels. Where you'd get that many squirrels is beyond me. 

The possibilities of pins are endless. You never know what you're going to run across.  

 Like for instance, this pin from imgfave. 

How freakin' genius is this? 

An old CD case repurposed into tupperware for a bagel. 

Mind blown. 

If you think that's neat, check this out. 

Via Engadget

Yup, that's right folks. This is a clear toaster. The toasting world will be forever changed. 

No more burnt toast. I'm in love with this idea because I hate burnt toast. 

This next pin is for everyone. 

Ever been too drunk to drive home? Want to go camping but don't want to sleep in a tent? Taking a long road trip and want to take a nap? Like fooling around in the back seat? (Haha, just kidding!) 

Via Dump A Day

This inflatable bed fits perfectly in the back seat of any regular sized car. How perfect for cat naps at work. 

After a long night of sleeping in your car you might want to brush your teeth. Check this bad boy out. 

Via Wordless Tech


 This toothbrush not only fights cavities, it shoots water into the air, acting as a water fountain. How clever. No more bending down and getting your face wet, no more cups, and no using your hands as cups. Now the water will just jump right into your freshly brushed mouth. 




With the holiday season fast approaching you won't want to miss out on this. 
Hamburger wrapping paper. 

Via Kick Starter 

Yum, is all I have to say. I'd gladly accept any gifts wrapped in hamburger wrapping paper on any occasion. 

Last but not least. Drumroll please.....

Via Pinterest

This magnificent deer head! It is too stinkin' cute not to love. The earrings, eye lashes and wig just make me giddy. I think this is adorable and creepy at the same time, which is pretty much how I like my deer heads.

If you have any funny, helpful, quirky pins that you'd like to share comment below or tweet them!

On The Trek to Number One

Reasons Why Pinterest Is On Its Way To The Top

• Not only is Pinterest the 3rd most popular social media site in the United States, but it is taking the world by surprise. Countries around the world are utilizing Pinterest and all of it's value. In order to become #1 Pinterest has created a site that not only satisfies American's urge to pin beautiful creations, tasty treats, and the latest fashion trends, but to satisfy this urge for people across the world. 

• Pinterest hit 11.7 million unique monthly U.S. visitors faster than any other website in history. This number is off the charts crazy. If a site can draw that many people to it, it must be something pretty darn special.

• Pinterest has 70 million users and counting.                                               That's right, 70 million. The key words are and counting. The number of Pinterest users is continually on the rise. 

• It's just a baby.                                                                                   Pinterest was established in March 2010. This website barely has 
its walking legs, let alone its running legs. Give it a couples years, maybe even a couple more months, and Pinterest will be on top. 

• There is so much to pin. There will never be enough pins in the world to make people stop pinning. New content is added everyday by users around the world. Having user content added is what makes Pinterest so easy to love. The pins are up to date, trendy and always evolving, and this is what keeps users coming back everyday for more and more. 

• To be #1 you have to think like #1. Pinterest is always updating, creating new apps, and adding new features. Pinners will never cease to be amazed by the out pour of technology from the Pinterest team. For example, the new pin feature for touch screen devices. By holding a finger down on a pin a pinner is given three options pin it, like it, or send it. 

Via Tech Crunch

Not only is Pinterest a site that I love (obviously) but millions and millions of others enjoy it as well. Being in third place isn't too bad, but it could be better. And it will be better. Given the amount of time that Pinterest has been in commission, I'd say they've done a pretty good job increasing awareness, the amount of users, how user friendly the site is,  as well as the over all experience of pinning on Pinterest. 

There is no stopping Pinterest now. It is on the mighty trek to be #1. 

                                                                  

Here's a helpful infographic that breaks down Pinterest and some of its statistics. 

#WeddingWednesday

In honor of a new trend, well new to me, #WeddingWednesday, this blog is all about... well you guessed it, weddings. Of course as a young, twenty two year old college student I do not have my sights set on a wedding anytime soon, but I am interested in the slight obsession, well, full blown obsession that people have with planning their perfect wedding via social media.  I am reluctant to admit it, but I have a wedding board on Pinterest. Does that mean I'm part of the obsessive wedding trend? I'd like to think not, but we all know we're guilty.

Screenshot via Pinterest

We'll start with the mother load of all mother loads, Pinterest. Where else can you go to plan the ultimate, chic, country, outdoorsy, traditional, trendy, monochromatic, two-toned, floral infested, candle lit, perfect day of your life?

No where.

Screenshot via Pinterest

Of course there is a board for that. Hundreds of thousands, if not millions of boards. Spend an hour on Pinterest and your wedding will be planned to the T. But be warned your pretty little head just might explode with pre-wedded bliss from all of the options. Colors, flowers, the ring, the dress, ring bearer, flower girls, center pieces, shoes, cakes....does it ever end? No. 

Pinterest is the definition of a perfectly planned wedding. According to Angela Elias these are a few of the top wedding pinners you should follow, if in fact it is your dream to create a stunning wedding. Along with these pinners there a ton to pick from. Hell, don't even follow wedding boards, just search the word 'wedding' and you'll be scrolling for days, months, even years. It's an endless plethora of all things wedding.

I took the time to do some fun, I mean grueling, research on the #WeddingWednesday trend. I wanted to see what was trending with my new trend.



Twitter
Twitter is the hub bub of all social media sites right now. Along with a million (give or take a few) other trends, #WeddingWednesday is clearly a favorite. With Twitter handles like @theknot, @WeddingWire, and @MarthaWeddings (That's Martha Stewart, in case you were wondering. The forewoman of the crafting generation and a wedding savvy lady.) you can do no wrong searching twitter for the best of the best when it comes to wedding planning. Searching the tag #WeddingWednesday you will find a ton of tweets that will be beneficial to planning your big day. 

Screenshot via Twitter

Facebook
Don't stop at Pinterest or Twitter for your #WeddingWednesday trend. Head right on over to Facebook.  Wedding Wednesday on Facebook fits perfectly for this #WeddingWednesday trend. Which came first? The Wedding Wednesday on Facebook or #WeddingWednesday? Regardless of which came first, this site is on board with the trend.  

Screenshot via facebook

Hash tagging (#) isn't just for your average tweeter. Wait, yes it is. Everyone is #hashtagging right now. It's a trend. 

Get trendy. Be trendy. Set trends. (Woah, trendy overload.)

Use #'s to your advantage, especially when planning one of the most important days of your life. By using the hashtag (#WeddingWednesday) everyones ideas will be collectively brought together. They are linked in a special # type of way. 

 Tomorrow is Wednesday, which means... #WeddingWednesday will be in full swing! 

Friday Five: Top 5 Pins of the Week

Friday has come again. Yay! We're all jumping for joy as the weekend is just a few hours away. As I'm sitting at my desk counting down the minutes until 5:00 I thought what better way to end the week then with a pin recap. Yes, I had homework this week. No, none of it got done.

On Thursday my classes were cancelled and I didn't have to work. Freedom! What better way to spend the day then with a pinning and Netfilx marathon? I cozied up with my laptop, my too expensive, over-rated Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks, and my oh-so comfy bed pinning the day away.

Now that society has forced me to leave the comforts of my dojo, I am at work trying to sneak in a few pins here and there. Failing at focusing on my actual work work, I have gravitated to writing this blog. Clearly, I'm avoiding working at all costs. It's Friday. My attention span is long gone, any motivation I had was gone by 9:00am on Monday morning, and my excitement for the weekend is making it hard to sit still.

So here I am, writing my Friday Five: Top 5 Pins of the Week. 

Via Hair Hair Hair...and Makeup.

Number One Pin of the Week:

I am in love with this hair cut. So cute, casual, and the perfect length for me! In the midst of my pin-a-thon I was so in love this cut that I went to Mod Hair Salon & Beauty Store and got my hair cut. I'm in love with the cut and style of it! I'd say that was a pin win (a winning pin!).

 Via Chalk White Arrow

Number Two Pin of the Week:

This adorably cozy room melts my heart. It's simplicity and colors make me want to paint my room and throw away half of my stuff. Well, maybe not throw away my stuff, but I love the clean, uncluttered look it has. This is my bedroom inspiration from now on. The quirky-ness of this humble abode make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

 

Via  Fashion Freax

Number Three Pin of the Week:

This precious little angel is too cute not to pin. Nope, no maternal instincts kicking in here. I'm just adoring someone else's little tot. Don't lie, you'd wear this outfit. Actually, I have boots, a dress, and a jean jacket... I'm pretty sure I've worn this outfit before, but it doesn't look nearly as cute on me. This little girl is my fashion pinspiration of the week!

 Via Just A Taste

Number Four Pin of the Week:

What would Pinterest be with out food? Of course there is a food pin. If I didn't pin food I'd be failing everyone, including myself, my family, my friends, and the human race as a whole (a tad dramatic?). I love food as much as the next person, so eat your hearts out foodies: Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies. Just let that soak in for a minute.  ....  This picture makes my mouth water, my stomach growl, and my heart skip a beat. Yes, they are homemade Samoas Girl Scout cookies. I just died a little.

Number Five Pin of the Week:

I've broken out my boots, sweaters, put up Fall decorations, bought pumpkins, invested in Glade's Fall scents  (Pumpkin Spice and Fall Hayride, YUM!), and have begun the search for a Halloween costume. This groups me with the tons of other people who are gung ho about Fall and what it brings. What fall is missing is the weather. What's up Mother Nature? Didn't get enough summer during SUMMER? It's Fall and we need chilly weather so we can wear our boots, sweaters, and scarves without sweating into our Pumpkin Spice Lattes. So in honor of the weather not cooperating I delicate this pin to all of my fellow Fall lovers. It really hits home.

So there you have it folks. My top five pins of the week. Now that it's almost five o'clock I can call this week a success and celebrate!