Marvelous Moms Club - The Business of Blogging

Over the past year I have become obsessed with listening to podcasts and audio books! It is the best for long drives, cleaning up around the house, or for when I take Ella on a walk. I was pretty flattered when Kirsten from Marvelous Mom's Club asked me to be apart of her podcast, especially since I had been listening to it for months! She has some really great interviews with woman from all walks of life with all different experiences. 

My episode aired yesterday, and I am talking all about how I got into the world of blogging and turned social media into a business. It was a lot of fun just chatting away about so many different things; motherhood, business, entrepreneurship, personal progress, you name it we probably talked about it. She even somehow called that I was pregnant which is pretty funny because I had NO CLUE that I was already expecting when we taped this. 

If you head on over to her site you can access my blogging e-book FOR FREE and a 15% OFF discount code to my shop Lunaby Baby!

Thanks again for having me Kirsten, it is always fun to chat with you! XO

HOPE FOR MARTIN

I met sweet Emily (The Freckled Fox) years ago at a blogging event. I was instantly drawn to her because of her sweet demeanor and that gorgeous red hair. I was sad to hear she lived in Idaho and not Utah, but I had the pleasure of running into her as she came down for different blogging events. Last year we had been talking back and forth about both being pregnant with little girls. Only a short month later she posted about her husband, being only 34, had been diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma cancer. It was devastating, but their hope and positivity has been contagious. They have been in the trenches for over a year now, and are currently facing some extremely difficult things, as they prepare to say goodbye to Martin. They are in need of prayers more than ever at this time! I am passing along their fundraiser in hopes that others can help in any possible way. More prayers, and a community to lift this family up right now.

 

Emily really is an amazing woman. I thought this before, as I watched her juggle everything so gracefully with five children under the age of five. She was wonder woman to me! She was the example of a devoted wife, mother, and saint. So of course it was no surprise that she has dealt with these challenges with such grace and poise and I know that the Lord is going to work miracles through her. Martin and Emily have been  an example to so many.

“I could feel my heart getting heavier with every word of her explanation. Then she took a deep breath and said those words so apologetically, “I mean we’re talking a few weeks here, maybe.”  I can’t even explain what that felt like. All I know is that I was holding his warm hand, and I saw our five little babies in my mind, and I knew that no matter what happened to Marty that we would all be together. That our family was forever, and that everything would be OK, no matter what.”

Please keep the Meyers in your prayers. You can read their story on her blog at The Freckled Fox or on instagram @thefreckledfox.  If you have the means, please consider donating to her fundraiser to help with medical expenses. You can find that here, every penny counts. As my beautiful friend Abby put it, "I think most of all, just be inspired by her story. Let it motivate you to cherish your relationships, to hug those you love just a little tighter and to be grateful for all your beautiful blessings. Their story has the ability to change lives, to bring people closer to Christ and to heal broken spirits. This life is not the end, and there is a beautiful plan in place for each of us. The Lord is mindful of you and he’s mindful of me, and He is certainly mindful of sweet Emily, Martin and her five babies."

If you can, please spread their story of faith and courage on your blog, instagram, personal facebook page or share it with your family and friends. #HopeForMartin WE LOVE YOU EMILY!

Arden Deals & Discount Code

 ROXANA B. PHOTOGRAPHY

Today I am highlighting a piece sent to me by Arden Deals, a new deal site! Amethyst is my birth stone so I always tend to gravitate towards it. This necklace had my name all over it and I love how it adds a fun element and some dimension to this pretty flowy top. Today Arden has been gracious enough to offer my readers 20% OFF anything on their site using the Code: CROWLEY20

 

Everything is such a steal, I mean, $13 baby moccasins? You just can't beat that! Plus add the discount code and you are practically walking away with them. They also have adorable capes and masks for kids, and I am loving the color options for this scarf. Check them out and see everything they have and are updating to the site.

Again, Arden has been gracious enough to offer my readers 20% OFF anything on their site using the Code: CROWLEY20 Sooooooo basically you should get on that.

Oh and if that wasn't good enough, if you check out their instagram they have a code for a free scarf with any purchase! Hello?!

Mommy Mailbox Review

One of the co-founders of Mommy Mailbox sent me an e-mail about receiving on of their boxes. My first thought was, but I am not a mom? They quickly made me smile with, "These boxes are fun for future-mommies-to-be too, Women Over 18 Mailbox just didn't have the same ring to it as Mommy Mailbox ;)" Cute no? I was excited to see what they sent.

So a little bit about the box, Mommy Mailbox is a monthly subscription box designed and curated by popular mommy bloggers! Subscribers get $55-$75 (retail value) of trending products at their doorstep for as low as $27.95 a month. (It's kinda a steal.)  Our boxes are fabulous and designed to make every mom feel special.  Each month we include 4-6 gifts that vary with month, season and curator.

I was pretty excited when I saw that two girls I love online were apart of the collaboration on the December Box! I happen to know Haley Kjar, and love that girl to pieces. They did not disappoint! I wont lie, I was a tad nervous. I used to sign up for Birch Box but wasn't a fan of what I was getting. Every sample was tiny and there were always a handful I didn't care for. But this box really hit the nail on the head, every item in this box got me excited, and I felt that you were definitely getting a ton of value for what the subscription cost.

I do think that this box fits a certain woman's esthetic, and it is totally mine! If you love those special finds from farmer's markets, or handmade markets, you will love every single piece. It is fun to do something fun for yourself, and subscribing a box like this would be the perfect monthly treat. I love the idea of having a fun gift on hand to give a friend, or being introduced to a great new brand or company you had never heard of. To give you an idea of what you get, take a look at my box!

FEATURING: Salt of the Earth, Hello Maypole, Greenish, Plum Street Prints, Make Pie Not War + Rifle Paper Co

I loved everything in my box! The scarf is adorable, I am obviously a huge fan of polka dots, which also made me LOVE the print they sent that says "it's a wonderful life!" I happen to know the beautiful lady behind Hello Maypole and have a ton of her balls, which can be used in a variety of ways for decorations and crafts! Rifle Paper Co. is one of my favorite shops and I can't wait to use these beautiful tags for gifts. I love a dainty gold necklace, and that lotion is something I probably never would have picked out myself but I LOVE it and the packaging is awesome.

If you are looking for a unique subscription box, that  will contain items that surprise you every month, you should definitely check out the Mommy Mailbox!

FIVE YEARS BLOGGING.

Seeing that today is the last day in September, I figured I better get this post in. While I originally started this blog in 2008, I rarely updated it. Behold, my first blog post ever... riveting no? haha In fact I have taken several posts from 2008 and turned them into drafts, Pre-Trevor days, what can I say ;) I didn't really start "blogging" in the term that you know it now until September 2009, exactly five years ago this month. 

I started a blog because my Dad who was an avid blogger at the time and had been encouraging me to start one. My family has always been very close and involved in each other’s lives, and they wanted me to give them more than just a phone call update. I always enjoyed seeing my Dad’s blog posts with pictures and fun written details about what he and my family were up to. It was a great way to get a little glimpse into his life when I wasn't able to be apart of it in that way. I was never very good at keeping a journal, and figured since I was always online as it was, blogging would be a great way to document my life. So my original goal for blogging was to share what was going on in my life with my family as we all were living far apart from each other. It is pretty fun to go back and see the early day blog posts. I love that I have a handful of posts of Trevor and I dating documented on the blog. The first blog post where he shows up on my blog was about him being my date to a dance, how cute is that? From the end of 2008 through 2009 you can see a bunch of our dating posts, engagement, (I did a more detailed story about the proposal a year later) bachelorette party, wedding and honeymoon. Man we were babies! Back then my blog was called, Alycia's World! haha September 2009, just after we were married, I decided to change it to Crowley Party, to document our new lives together.

Before I knew it I was enjoying other people's blogs online. I loved reading about what other people were doing, reading their thoughts and see what they were sharing. Soon people other than my family and friends started reading and commenting on my blog. I really loved this new community of bloggers who were sharing and creating together. Along the way my blog turned into a creative outlet for me. While my blog has always been my space for sharing my thoughts and documenting my life, I started getting involved in collaborations with other bloggers and companies. My goals are still very much the same as when I started, with some additions. I still use my blog as a place to share my life with my family who lives all over, as well as share my thoughts and experiences. But along with that, I also use it as space to share the things I love with readers. I love being able to share everything from the daily happenings of my life, to my personal style or favorite beauty products. I love the conversation and community that can exist online. Have I expressed enough how much I love blogging? haha

While I have loved blogging, there have been some downs to my ups. Putting your life and thoughts out for the whole world to see means you are opening yourself up for whatever comes back. I have had so much good come back, but sometimes there is bad. I wouldn’t say I have ever had to compromise anything with blogging, but because I have been so open about who I am and my experiences I have opened myself up for public opinion. Doing that comes with unique challenges that a lot of people don’t experience. I have learned so much about myself and really feel I have grown in a way I never would have if it hadn’t been for blogging. It has made me a stronger more compassionate person, and someone who knows exactly who she is.

Since I started blogging, the blogging world has really changed. Social Media really blew up when I was blogging. A lot of people feel like Instagram killed blogging, and in a lot of ways I would have to agree. It is a faster way for people to get a taste of what is going on in your life, which is usually why they read your blog in the first place. While social media grew, there were less comments and lower engagement on the blog. While my readership stayed about the same, my comments went from 50+ to maybe 10. Readers have been given so many different ways to engage with bloggers that sometimes the blog isn't even one of them. I now not only feel a community and connection on my blog but on my Instagram as well.

When I first started blogging I just posted whenever I felt like it, but as it became more of a "business," I had to start creating some kind of schedule. Consistency is key when it comes to blogging. Because of this I have had to overcome the challenge of finding the time to fit it all in. Not having enough time and learning to organize my time has been one of my biggest obstacles. Time management and organization are two areas I continue to work on.  I work full time and when I come home my spare time is spent managing my blog and online obligations as well as errands, gym, cleanings... you get the idea? If I am not careful with how I manage my time it can feel like I am constantly working and don’t have any free time. I never want my blog to feel like it is becoming a chore. Blogging is a lot of fun, but it can also be a lot of work. While blogging is a priority for me, I want to make sure my family and friends are always number one. I mean, isn't that why I blog in the first place? I blog about my life, I don't live to blog.

I won't lie, there have been many times I just wanted to delete this blog. But then I remember all the amazing things that have come from it. I have documented my life in a way I never would have without it, I have gotten two of my full-time jobs from blogging, and have made some incredible friends. And one of my favorite parts of blogging is being able to share my opinions and thoughts in a public forum and starting a conversation with readers. The comment sections in some of my posts have been a place for real discussion with people and their opinions, and I love when that happens!

So I guess this is a reflection on the last five years, and my way of saying THANK YOU. Some of you are new readers, some of you have been reading from the beginning, but I want to thank you for being apart of my journey here in the blog world. I look forward to what the future brings with all of this blogging and social media craziness, and I hope you will continue on the journey with me!

I LOVE YOU ALL.

Advertise on Crowley Party!

Are you a photographer, crafter, artist, small business owner, blogger, or simply just an amazing human being? If so, and you are looking for a place to showcase your skills, then you have come to the right place. I would love to help you promote your work, site, blog, or whatever!

I am a big believer in spreading the love, and who doesn't like to find a new blog or shop they can't get enough of?! I hope to help spread the magic that is involved in this community of blogging and help us all get to know each other!

AS OF 2/5/2014

GFC Followers 5,464

Instagram Followers 20,181

Pinterest Followers 22,552

BlogLovin Followers 4,317

Twitter Followers 2,322

Facebook Fans 2,990
YouTube 2,594

Here is an example of an AD and the statistics they got from being on my Side Bar...

*I do my AD purchases through Passion Fruit, I have noticed on some computers that don't have an updated flash you can't see the pricing options and details. Please e-mail me if you have any questions.

Thanks again for thinking of Crowley Party when it comes to advertising your shop, blog, site, or whatever is you are wanting to promote :) I hope to work with you & can't wait to share you with my readers!

If you are interested in some type of giveaway/promotion/review, please e-mail me for more details at crowleyparty@yahoo.com

$60 GAP BACK TO SCHOOL GIVEAWAY

I have teamed up with some of my favorite ladies in blog land to provide you with a Back To School Giveaway! We all decided that GAP was the perfect fit, because it can cover the whole family! The Gap has been a favorite of mine for years because they provide those classic quality pieces that you keep in your closet for years. For example, my all time favorite denim jacket, or a swim suit that I got there over five years ago! Yes, you read that right. I have a swim suit from the Gap that I still wear ALL THE TIME from my freshman year in college. I love that thing and it has held up amazingly well over the years. So consider this a treat from us to you for being amazing readers and supportive friends! GOOD LUCK XO

                   Karina @ Mr. and Mrs. Powell                              Courtney @ From Here to Eternity

                    Kelsey @ Stories of Kel                                                Rachel @ Rachel Sayumi 

                     Alycia @ Crowley Party                                        Ashley @ Words About Waverly

a Rafflecopter giveaway

For the Love SLC

So the thing is, last week was a rough one for me. It was just a lot of different things that all culminated together to me having a mini melt down. Sometimes when life gets like that, the last thing you want to do is go out. But thank goodness I did! This event was EXACTLY what I needed.

Last weekend I went to one of THE coolest events I have ever been invited to. That really shouldn't be a surprise since the hosts are pretty cool themselves. Heather from No Reason Needed and Michelle and Laura of the MM & L Show hosted the amazing night. They brought together a great group of bloggers, youtubers, fashion professionals, and photographers to network and enjoy the night. It is such a fun industry to be apart of, and the night did not disappoint. This fabulous event was held at the Salt Lake's best kept secret (really, it is hidden) The Rest. I can't say enough about this venue. Gorgeous, sexy, just everything. Here is a glimpse into the night that lifted my spirits, captured by the ever so talented Shannon Elizabeth. I met some amazing people and connected even more with my friends. I walked away totally refreshed after a hard week, and my friends Tiffany and Jenna said it perfectly. "I love that you're the same people every time we meet and that I fall more and more in love with each of you!" - Tiffany "Good true girls are hard to come by!" - Jenna All I can add to that is AMEN. 

$500 facebook giveaway!

I'm so excited today to be offering you all a chance to enter the easiest giveaway of your life! The prize is $500 fat ones- via paypal, visa gift card, or target gift card.  The only requirement for you is to like a page (or many pages!) on facebook.  The rafflecopter below makes it ridiculously easy to enter- you can like the facebook page directly through the rafflecopter.  Each page liked is a an entry into the giveaway.  This will literally take 30 seconds out of your day.  30 seconds for $500- I'd say that's a pretty high paying job!

Giveaway ends March 11, 2014.  All entries will be verified.  Giveaway open to international readers with a paypal account- visa or target gift cards will not be sent internationally.  Giveaway winner will be announced March 12, 2014.  

Brought to you by: 

The Life of Bon, The Daily Tay, My Keep Calm and Carry On, 

Two Thirds Hazel, Living in Yellow, I Wore Yoga Pants, Sophistifunk, We Took the Road Less Traveled, Travel Babbles, Back East Blonde, Classic and Bubbly, Helene in Between, Love, the Skinnys, 

A Complete Waste of Makeup,  Bella the Blog,  For Lauren and Lauren, GBO Fashion, DC in Style,  

My Here and Now Life, Foley Fam Unedited, and Crowley Party

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY BELOW THE JUMP

A Disclaimer - Get Off My Internets

There are so many people in this world who are not going to like you, and they won't stop there, some will try and bring you down. You just have to accept that. It is an unfortunate truth. I have seen so many bloggers get extremely upset over what they have seen people saying about them online. Of course I have had my feelings hurt too, I am only human. However, when you put yourself so publicly on display on social media and online, you are opening yourself up to that criticism. You get a lot of good, and you have to accept that you will also get some bad. You are not going to be everyone's cup of tea. This is something you quickly learn when gaining more of an audience online. Before I started blogging, I honestly knew of no one who didn't like me. This doesn't mean there weren't people who didn't, they just didn't feel the need to tell me, talk about it with me, etc. You see, in real life, most adults with common sense keep hurtful, negative opinions to themselves. They just don't associate with the people they don't like. So you might be going around not aware of who actually doesn't like you or not. There is something nice about this, I mean, "ignorance is bliss" is a famous phrase for a reason.

Good Things Utah - Favorite Things

You may remember a few months back I would go on The Daily Dish and share some of my favorite products from that month. Well they ended up canceling the show to focus more on their Good Things Utah show. I was really excited when they told me they had missed my segment and asked if I wanted to come back to be apart of Good Things Utah.

Everyone at the ABC Studio is so nice, and funny. I loved seeing them again! Hope you like this month's segment of some of my favorite things!

PRODUCTS BEING FEATURED

The Beauty Blender

The ShowerRock

Target Ankle Boots

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Pencil

Valentine's Day Craft Party

Valentine’s Craft Night from Dear Lizzy on Vimeo. By Collin Kartchner

Earlier this month I attended a fun little Valentine's Day Crafting party with some pretty hilarious, and talented women. I knew it was going to be a smash with Elizabeth Kartchner of Dear Lizzy and Alix of A Ruffled Life hosting it. These two are

What life looks like these days...

Seriously, I love this bearded man. 

Whoa, that was a long Christmas Break recap. What can I say? (I may or may not have one more post from Christmas, ha!) This blog does still act as part of my journal keeping, so all of that needed to be recorded! Christmas Break was a total blast, but if I was being totally honest, I don't really consider family trips as a "break" or a "vacation." Too much going on to say I relaxed. In fact I got almost zero sleep and exhausted myself with a ton of activities. Time with my family is fun, yes, but always tiring. Coming home and getting back into the swing of things was an adjustment, as it usually is after long breaks from your typical schedule. That next day at work hurt, like physically. I know you know what I am talking about?

Once we got back into our routines I started to really get excited for 2014. It just feels like it is going to be a great one in all areas of my life. I feel like I am taking a big deep breath after feeling a little suffocated as of late. I have this problem where I put too much on my plate. Before I know it, my life gets unbalanced, and I zone out. I talked about it briefly here. I am trying to keep things more simple. Cue DEEP BREATH.

Life has just been coming together perfectly these days. Work is amazing, I enjoy going every day and the people I work with can't get much better either. I have a great group of friends here in Provo, and meeting up for a nail party, or dinner with those women in your life that just make you laugh your guts out is always good for the soul in my opinion. Girl's nights are just an essential part of being happy in my opinion and I have been having a lot lately.

Then there has been my consistent working out and eating better. It has dramatically changed my energy levels and mood. Every time I get out of the habit and start up again and again I always ask myself, "Alycia, WHY DID YOU EVER STOP?!" I need to tattoo something like that on my hand. DON'T STOP AGAIN, not worth it. Either way, I have been loving it and want to really make sure it sticks this time.

In regards to the blog, I am feeling rejuvenated! I have updated a few things, which always helps liven things up, and I feel like I have gained more of a focus. Working full time, spending time with friends and family, going to the gym every day, church callings and other side projects, can leave little time for me to pursue what I have going on in the online world. I often start things I can't seem to finish or give as much attention to. I have learned that I do gain quite a bit of happiness from my online projects and that I need to be better at making time for them. So here I am, recommitting myself to this space! This space that encourages me, helps us relate to others, learn, grow, and just enjoy ourselves! Who is with me?

Lumberjack glam - Dance your Ax off

Last weekend Susan from Freshly Picked put on the funnest dance party! It was open invite for anyone who wanted to come, and of course, people came! The theme was pretty genius, a Lumberjack Glam event, with the whole purpose being to Dance Your Ax Off. AND WE DANCED. I haven't danced like that since my single lady college days I tell ya. I was sweating up a storm! So many people, so much flannel!

It was such a great night from start to finish. Great people, food, and music. A fun night out with friends before we all head off for the holidays!

So lucky and happy to have such good friends in my life. We always have a blast! I lost my voice, my feet were killing me, and I had confetti in unmentionable places for days. SO FUN!

Coupons.com $200 Amazon e-gift card giveaway

My own gift guide of things I have been loving!

Christmas is next week - NEXT WEEK! And I can't wait to share this great giveaway from Coupons.com! Coupons.com Holiday Sweepstakes gives you the chance to win tailored gift baskets for the loved ones in your life; and in celebration of that they will be giving away a $200 Amazon e-gift card. Make sure you enter both the blogging giveaway, as well as the Holiday sweepstakes!

 Enter the Giveaway HERE!

Every year there is always that person you can't think of anything to get for, Coupons.com has put together great gift guides for everyone in your life! Each link will show you the list of the gift baskets that Coupons.com is giving away (separate from the $200 Amazon e-gift card giveaway) for each category. I love the GIFT IDEAS FOR DAD they put together!

Land of Nod Holiday Event

December is the best month of the whole year! There seems to be some kind of holiday get together or party every day around here. Probably because I live in the blogging capital of the world, and bloggers love nothing more then getting together, eating and photo-booths, HA! A few weeks ago I attended a Land of Nod party hosted at the Awful Waffle here in Provo by the Small Fry girls, Kirsten Krason, and the Land of Nod of course.

What happens when you have so many talented people putting together a party? It equals for one amazing night! I loved just unwinding with friends, enjoying great food, and some great giveaways! It started this month of right, putting me in the Christmas mood. Countdown for Christmas has begun.

Photography: Lindsey Orton
Flowers: Lizys Lilies

I could not get enough of this stuffed camp fire! And the rocking chair stuffed pig... I die. I don't know if I have ever said anything about this one the blog but I have collected pigs since I was a little girl. I have a ton of it, and I am pretty sure I need this in my life. Even if we don't have kids, haha.

&to all a GOOD NIGHT!