Boost your Blog // What to Post on Instagram When You have Nothing Insta-Worthy

My favorite social media platform is Instagram.  I love how visual the platform is and how interactive it can be.  I also love how curated it can be...if you want it to be.  Because it's such an interactive platform, everyone knows Instagram is the place to be to attract readers, followers, and sales.  We're drawn to a consistent posting style & consistent schedule, especially from our favorite influencers.  I also find myself wanting to curate my own grid while also being organic & authentic...so sometimes I don't have something prepared to post.

this post may contain affiliate links, please read my full disclosure here.

Keeping a consistent schedule doesn't have to be all planner apps and editorial calendars - we can be a little organic in our posting to give our followers an authentic experience while still being on brand.  First there are a few tips I want to give you on deciding what to post when you have nothing to post:

1. Does it give value?  If you just want to post something because you haven't posted anything, reevaluate what you're doing.  What you post should give value to your audience and not just be filler.  We're dedicating time to curating a sub par post and taking our time away from another, perhaps more productive task just to follow the rules of engagement.  If it doesn't add value, don't post it.
2. Does it fit the aesthetic? While we can be as organic as we like or as gird-centric as we like, the best thing we can do to keep our followers interested is to make sure our posts fit our aesthetic.  Aesthetic is a broad term and I may not be the best person to give you advice on this but........make sure what your posting fits with your page.  Edit it the same, use the same fonts as your brand, etc.  Make sure it fits on your feed.

So, with all that being said, what can we post that is authentic & on brand when we don't really have anything to share?

Current View/Stock Photo + Motivational/Real Talk

This is my favorite one (and that's why I put it first!) because often times I have something I want to say but I don't have a picture to say it with.  Usually I snap a quick shot of something I've got styled in my home, my actual current view, or an on brand stock photo then use the caption to offer something of value.  I use A Color Story to create consistent edits so that my photos all have the same feel.  A Color Story also has a feature to help you plan your feed and I use this to make sure an edited stock photo will fit in the aesthetic I've already got going.  I've listed a few stock photo resources  & tips here.

Turn a Poor Photo Black & White

Sometimes we get so caught up in the perfect Instagram life we forget that real life things do happen.  Like last minute road trips, quick runs to Target, or just front porch sits with our family.  We like to capture photos of these moments but they don't always turn out insta worthy because we're enjoying the moment and not thinking about our feed.  If you do want to share a candid shot that may not be perfectly styled - turn it black & white!  The contrast is going to help your photo look alright and fit into your grid.  Instagram has a few black & white filters, but I have a whole post on creating the perfect black & white photo right here.

Share a Quote

If you want to give something of value but you don't have a photo, share an image of a quote.  Every ninth photo on my grid is a quote on a white background in my branded text.  Use a text overlay app like Phonto, A Design Kit, or PhotoMarks to create your quotes to stick with your over all aesthetic.  I like Phonto because you can import branded text right to the app.  For example, the script text I use for my blog header is not in the Phonto app but I was able to import it so I can use it consistently.  You can also use the stories feature on Instagram to type out quotes and then save to your camera roll & upload.  PicMonkey and Canva work great for this too, and they both have a smartphone app.

Styled Product Photo

Grab a product photo from your shop and share it on your feed.  Talk about the product, why you love it, what it can do for someone, or why someone needs it.  Share something of value in the caption so that your followers feel a connection.  They may not even know you have a shop or that you sell anything!  They may just want to get in on that action!  You can also share how you're currently using something that you sell to create that authentic connection.

Video 

Since videos automatically play on our feeds and there's some action going on, videos often get more interaction from our followers.  They are longer than just the second it takes to view a photo so videos can help us capture our follower's attention.  Through video, followers are able to hear your voice and see a snapshot into your real life.  With the app A Color Story you can even edit short videos to match the edits on your feed.  That app is seriously the best app ever for bloggers.  Plus the ideas are endless when it comes to what you can showcase in a video.  You can even use a fun app like PVC Pro to create video collages.  (review coming soon!)

So when you think you've got nothing to post, you've now got five ideas to get you back on track!  You can even build these ideas into your current posting schedule if you've got space to fill.  The point of this is to show you that you can be authentic while still being on brand.

It is important that we're keeping social media a stress free place for us as infulencers and as consumers.  Personally, I don't like stressing over the perfect photo especially when I could be spending that time on quality content on another platform.  In order to be more authentic online recently I've not been stressing myself out if I'm not posting on every single platform.  I want to create content of value not just a quick post & run.  Lets create a community rather than just a conglomeration of overwhelm.

What is your Instagram strategy?  What do you post when you don't know what to post?

xoxo, Moe

three ways to meal plan in your planner

Meal planning is something I've been doing recently to make sure that I'm not only on budget but that I am eating well.  I can't tell you how many times I've just poured myself a bowl of cereal because it was convenient and I was lazy.  So meal planning (and my instant pot) have helped me to be accountable in two areas of my goals this year - budgeting better & eating better!

I don't like to make my planning process overly complicated with extra planners and the like just for meal planning.  I also don't write out breakfast or lunch in my planner because I usually eat the same thing everyday.  Breakfast is spinach, eggs, and a little bit of cheese and lunch is usually leftovers or a chicken sandwich with snap peas.....see, easy peasy.  Meal planning is also a task that is done every two weeks to coincide with each pay period.  I also make sure to buy ingredients that will last the two weeks and plan meals according to freshness.  That way I don't  have a head of cauliflower rotting in the crisper drawer that I forgot about!

Housing everything in one planner is the way I go and there are a couple of ways I've used stickers & inserts to track them.  I just added these ombre weekly stickers to the Five Sixteenths Etsy shop so I thought I'd highlight three awesome ways to meal plan simply in your planner:

Weekly Ombre Sticker

This is one of my favorite stickers.  I used to use it to track my daily tarot pulls (I need to get back into that!) but they make the perfect meal planning stickers.  These stickers are compact enough not to take up too much room on your weekly spread and totally functional.  I also use the frixion pens in my planner just in case something changes.....because usually it does!

Week on One Page Insert

My Mini Happy Planner is the perfect size for all the things!  It also fits personal size inserts rather nicely.  So most weeks I will put a week on one page personal size insert right into the weekly spread.  These in the shop have a week on one side and then a weekly habit list and to do list on the back so you're getting double duty on the productivity!  Since I get my groceries delivered through Shipt, I don't really need a grocery list in my planner.  I add everything to my Shipt cart as I'm meal planning then check out.  The groceries show up at my door and everyone is happy!

Stamp (or Write) it Out

Planner stamps are another great option to add meals into your planner.  If you get in the mood one day just stamp all your pages with a 'dinner' or other menu planning stamp and you won't have to worry about matching stickers!  These two stamps are from The Happy Planner stamp set called Meal Planning.  I found them on Blitsy so be sure to sign up here to save some money on planning supplies!!  I love that stamps create simplicity in your planner and can make it look like the page was pre-printed with your own custom sections.

So there you have it!  Three easy ways to meal plan right in your planner.  I am actually waiting on groceries to be delivered as I type this.  Shipt is so dang convenient.  I really do not like going to the grocery store....it just is not fun and I've got a ton of things that I'd rather be doing.

How do you keep it simple in your planner?  Any meal planning tips?

xoxo, Moe

5 Daily Habits to Increase Productivity

When it comes to productivity, we often think it involves stuffing so much into each hour to squeeze out every last second.  For the most part, however, we should approach the idea of productivity in a work smarter not harder approach.  Productivity isn't about squeezing every last second out of each minute it's about intentionally using each minute, one day at a time, to move towards our goals. 

this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure here.

Making the most out of your day includes taking care of yourself. so let's talk about how we can be more productive while also being mindful of our own physical and emotional needs.

Plan & prioritize

I talk a lot about the importance of morning routines here on the blog!  Starting your day off on the right foot means knowing which foot needs to hit the ground first.  Plan and prioritize what needs to happen in your day by making a list and editing it.  You may find that prep the night before helps you prioritize the next day.  You may find that making time in the morning to create your to-do list is best.  Just take 5-10 minutes to make your plan.  Your head will be on straight and you'll have guidance through the day.  You may also find diffusing something like Rosemary, Lemon, and Peppermint gives you focus & pep in the morning.  (Read more about essential oils here.)

Make Time to Move

Exercise gets you energized.  Moving and stretching wakes up your mind & body, plus all that mumbo jumbo about exercise and endorphins can help you stay on track during the day.  I find that when I get moving in the morning I'm more ready for the day - tasks are tackled easier, I'm more even tempered, and I'm more alert.  I also find when I get moving after work I've released any tension built up for the day and found a bit of a second wind.  Making time to move not only crosses exercise off your list (a win for productivity) but it also gets you energized to do more.  Just don't over extend yourself!  A light work out - most often I prefer yoga - can help you connect into yourself.  You can also use this time as a meditative space to connect in with your mind & body.

Clean Everyday

Again, we'll be marking something off the checklist but we'll also be creating a less cluttered work space.  After all, a cluttered desk is a cluttered mind...right?  If you've ever been distracted by the mess on your desk or thought you've got to do the dishes before you can get anything done, coming up with a simple cleaning routine can help ease your mind.  I clean for 30 minutes each evening and find that this gives me the peace of mind to get things done.  I'm not stressed over what I haven't done because I know I've done something and I'll get to something else tomorrow. PS. If you need any inspiration to get in a quick clean, look up clutter quotes on Pinterest....then reexamine your life, they are super deep.

Practice Gratitude

When we're happy & when we feel successful, we're more likely to get stuff done!  One thing I've been doing recently is saying thank you....out loud....to the universe (and to others as well) when something happens that I've been working towards.  I've mentioned before about creating a vision board and taking action toward bringing the things you want into your life, but what do you do when they actually happen?  You say THANK YOU and you appreciate the opportunity.  This reflection shows you your capabilities and helps you realize when saying no serves you.  You don't have to get elaborate with your gratitude practice just be mindful of when to express your thanks and say it openly & freely!

Go to Bed Earlier

You may think that cutting yourself short on time in the day means you're not getting as much done, but it is just as important to shut it down as it is to rev it up.  If you've started your day on the right foot, you want to end it there too.  Unplugging and unwinding will free up your mind of clutter so get off the computer (I'm typing this in bed right now, so do what I say...not as I do!) and do something low tech - bedtime yoga, night time stroll, read a book, sip tea on the front porch.  Self care is important and so is a good night's sleep.  Diffuse something like Lavender and DoTERRA's Breathe for a restful sleep.  If you've gone to bed earlier you can totally plan and prioritize your morning.

And with that, we've come full circle.

Productivity is one of those quality over quantity things - you get out of it what you give into it.  Create a space for you to be your best self and that will allow you to be productive.  Learn what serves you and what isn't in your best interest.  This is a constant flow of self editing as well.  Try out new routines, adjust to new surroundings, incorporate new practices....just don't give up on yourself!

If you want more productivity tips, check out all the productivity posts on the blog here.

What daily practices have you noticed impacting your productivity?  Are there any systems you recommend for productivity?

xoxo, Moe