2020 was a super confusing year for Pinterest users. With all the new updates and fuss around the pinning method; we were forced to try out different pinning strategies.
We cannot deny the fact that most of the bloggers get their traffic from Pinterest and hence it’s necessary to stay up to date with all the changes that Pinterest brings in.
According to the new algorithm, Pinterest made it clear that they will be favoring the fresh pins over the re-pins. However, there was also a buzz about manual pinning getting a higher reach than the scheduled pins. After seeing so much discussion about manual pinning in blogging groups, I thought of giving it a try.
Now, remember, manual pinning takes more time than scheduled pins but it indeed is worth all your time.
The Manual Pinning Strategy that Works
What exactly is manual pinning?
Manual pinning means you’re directly pinning blogger’s pins from their blogs using the social sharing options or pinning your own content through the Pinterest app either from your phone or computer.
Pinterest loves it when the users are active on the app and manual pinning enables users to be live on the app.
Now that we’re clear about manual pinning; let’s learn more about schedule pinning.
What is scheduled pinning?
Scheduled pinning is when you use a third-party service or another platform to schedule your Pinterest pins. The Pinterest scheduler allows you to pin content at a specific time without you being always online on the platform.
You can schedule your pins through various schedulers like Tailwind, Buffer, or Hootsuite. However, Tailwind is an approved Pinterest partner so it’s better to schedule your pins via Tailwind scheduler.
The theory behind manual pinning:
You might have heard many success stories about manual pinning and it indeed gives an algorithm boost. However, different people experience the effect of manual pinning in a different way.
The best thing about manual pinning is that it lets you spend more time on the app which Pinterest loves and thus it boosts your engagement.
However, you should also be very particular about your pinning times. Check your Google Analytics to know when your users are most active and pin accordingly. It’s literally a waste of time if you’re pinning at odd hours. Further, make sure that you’re pinning to the relevant board only.
Is manual pinning worth your time?
You would be shocked if I told you that manual pinning actually takes less time than using a third-party scheduler.
I highly suggest having a Google spreadsheet or use Airtable to have easy access to all the pinning data. Write your pin titles and description using keywords and you can just copy, paste them for later use. This actually saves so much of your time.
Some bloggers prefer doing both, they maintain a balance of manual pinning as well as of the scheduled one. However, this will not only cost you more but will also end up eating your time.
Will manual pinning strategy work for you?
To be brutally honest, you can never know which strategy works best for you without implementing it in the first place. Besides, you also need to be consistent with your pinning strategy for it takes time for Pinterest to rank your pins.
However, if you’re following all the mentioned tips and pinning at peak time; I’m sure you will get more traction using manual pinning.
In the end, Pinterest can totally skyrocket your blog traffic if used with the proper strategy. I hope that this piece helped you decide whether manual pinning is worth all the buzz. If you’re implementing this strategy, I would love to know the end results.
There’s no doubt about it that this year has been different from the rest. We are all stuck in lockdown and chaos amidst the Covid 19 situation. Our professional lives are suffering because of that and our romantic lives as well (at least to some extent). We cannot go out to discover the town or for fancy dinners, and enjoy our partner’s company. Even after the chaos settles, we may not be able to go out and do things like before.
As much as we hate this, we cannot help but accept it is necessary to stay low when there’s a pandemic outside. But who says you cannot have your dates right from the comfort of your homes?
You definitely can. Thank us later, because we are here with plenty of ideas for you to enjoy your dates like nothing has changed.
10 Romantic at-home Date Night Ideas
1. Have a movie night
What sounds like a perfect combo is a romantic movie and your beloved. If you cannot go out for movies, you can very well create a theatre right at your home with the help of a portable projector. You can also use a laptop if you cannot acquire a projector.
While you are at it, set up an ambiance, decorate the room with dim lights, cook delicious food, and cuddle up for a romantic movie marathon.
2. Have a game night
This is the best alternative if you want to make your dates both romantic and fun. Just get the table ready with your favorite games, be it poker or any other board games that you both like to play.
3. Wine and dine
Or perhaps you can just go simple and classy by having an at-home dinner with a glass of wine. To make it even more romantic, you can try and cook for each other.
Once again, you can set the ambiance accordingly, by adding in some dim lights, playing some romantic tracks, and lighting candles, all that you think can make your date perfect.
4. Karaoke nights
If you are a bad singer, don’t be afraid; just be assured that any relationship is incomplete without your partner listening to your bad, off-pitched singing voice. That is the fun right there.
You can set up a karaoke night for yourself, sing at the top of your voice, jam on your favorite songs, and laugh your ass off later.
5. Cook together
Using the three words to describe your feelings is just too mainstream. Ever thought of doing so the other way? Perhaps by cooking your partner’s favorite food or just cooking together? If you haven’t yet. Please do. Let your relationship be tasty as the food you will cook.
6. Have a dance-off
They were right when they said that we are the happiest when we dance. Well then imagine, dancing with the person who makes you happy? What will it look like – double happiness? Yes, why not!
So, both of you, get in your dancing shoes, be your craziest self, and dance like no one’s watching.
7. Simply watch the stars from your terrace or backyard
Imagine just laying and doing nothing but watching the stars holding each other’s hands. Feels so magical! No wonder why they do it in all the rom-coms. It’s just so romantic.
8. Paint together
Your special someone is the one with whom you can act like a kid, and they won’t judge you, but be all in. So, go get hold of your painting brushes, and paint canvases, or each other’s faces, have all the fun you can.
9. Read a book together
You might have watched a movie together, but have you ever read a book together? It’s just so uncommon that your partner will never anticipate it, and enjoy it at the same time if they are an avid reader.
If you find it hard to read through one book, you can consider switching to an audiobook instead.
10. Video games
Board games and video games are not the same. Video games deserve a different mention because they are addictive and fun at the same time. Just switch on the play-station, and be ready for a game battle.
Well, that’s it. I hope we helped you create a perfect date night right from the comfort of your homes. So just snuggle up, in the warm blankets (or not) and have one of the most beautiful nights of your life.
Have some ideas to share! Great, we are all ears. Feel free to drop them in the comments section.
Becoming a mother is life-altering in more ways than a woman can imagine. You find yourself swept up in the bustle and beauty of raising your kid(s), and it is a rewarding journey indeed. However, with motherhood comes so many difficult responsibilities, and somewhere between all the dirty diapers and the homework help, it’s easy for a busy mom to start losing parts of her identity slowly until the only identity she has is that of a mom.
And yes, it takes great perseverance and patience to be a mom. But, it’s not necessary that just because you are a mom, you cannot be anything else. Motherhood is a big part of your identity, but not the entirety of it. There is a life waiting for you outside motherhood. And you are only killing your own dreams and desires by depriving yourself of them.
You have to realize, you are a talented, hard-working woman who has dreams of her own, interests of her own, and you need to nurture that part of you as well. After all, you cannot be a good mother if you cannot set an example for your child on how important it is to love yourself.
Carving out a part of your world outside motherhood is something you owe to yourself. It’s time to stop neglecting the inner you and start showering her with love instead. Here are a few pointers on how you can find yourself beyond the identity of a mother.
How to have a Life of your own Beyond Motherhood
1) Spend some time with your friends instead of being cooped up in the house all day with the kids
It is so important to have some time when you can socialize with people of your own age and interests. You are allowed to have dinner with a friend or two once a week, to rejuvenate and recharge yourself. Not just an emotional vent, but being around people who share the same interests and life goals as you also helps you find your inspiration once more.
2) Be content with what you have while also striving for improvement
Life is a paradox of being satisfied with what you have while also working for more. And the key to mastering that balance is to stop comparing yourself with others, or your past self. Yes, there can be a genius mom who is also a business mogul, but if that’s not you, it’s still fine. You have your own talents, and you should focus on how you can nurture them while still being fair to your kids.
3) Learn the language of self-care
This is probably the most important and most neglected aspect. You need to take care of yourself while also taking care of your children, because if you don’t, there will come a time when you will burn out, and that’s neither good for you nor your kids.
So, consider having a day for pampering yourself while your hubby looks after the kids. Make sure that you are just as looked after as your children.
4) Alone time is important
Just like spending time with your friends is a way of recharging yourself, spending some time on your own is a way of realizing what you want from life in the long run. It can be just those fifteen extra minutes when you wake up in the morning, but it needs to be maintained regularly.
5) Remember what your lust for life was
Often, you get so swept up in family life that everything in your life becomes family-related. You forget where your passions lay as a youth, along with your hobbies, and your interests. It’s time you dust the cobwebs off and start engaging in an old hobby or find a new one to keep you motivated and happy beyond motherhood.
Being a mom is no piece of cake. But, it’s important not to lose your sense of self in the process of becoming a good mother. Your children learn from you, and the onus is on you to set an example for them on how to love yourself and work on your dreams while also being a successful mother and a wife. If you were lost, let this be your wake-up call. It’s time for you to carve your identity beyond motherhood.
At the end of the day, we desire a financial standing. But for those of us with limited income, it’s extremely difficult. So, what do we do? We begin saving a little. We skip buying a bit costly yet nutritious groceries, turn off the ACs and sweat, go walking or biking long distances, and buy cheaper bread. But the thing is, you are doing nothing but torturing yourself by making drastic changes, and on top of it you are not even saving significantly.
I say, change your approach. In fact, money-saving does not necessarily involve drastically changing lifestyles. However, you have to be slow and steady and make small changes to collectively make big changes in the end.
If you don’t know where to start, here are some tips.
How to live frugally in 2021
50 simple frugal living tips that work
Make shopping lists. Make sure you stick with them and do not go buying something that is not on the list.
Look for cheaper brands for every product you use. (Collectively it will make difference)
Is it cool outside? Great, open your windows, turn off your AC to save on electricity.
Use coupons and schemes that help you save more.
Pack your lunch, don’t eat out.
Opt for homemade meals even on weekends.
Draw yourself a budget and operate on that.
Buy in bulk if you find money-saving deals.
Look for second-hand products.
Walk short distances, or cycle your way there. But do not take cars for short distances.
Plant your own vegetable garden.
Create a zero-waste week (Save the environment while saving money)
Always check on Amazon before you go buy something at an offline store. In fact, you can get things at a very low price on Amazon.
Do not buy bottled water. Take your own water bottle and fill it wherever you can. My go to is my Hydro flask – durable and also keeps the liquid nice and cold!
Go for homemade cookies, jams, and bread.
Set no-shopping months to control your expenses and shopping instincts.
Do not do window shopping, even on shopping apps. If you have to pass your time, read some books instead.
Borrow and wear. Have a party to attend this Saturday? Cool, instead of buying a new dress. Consider borrowing it from a friend. Another way to get new outfits each month is to use a service like Fashion Pass. In fact, they are my favorite for borrowing outfits and returning unlimited each month! Use my code AJ4W to also save on your order!
Differentiate between what you want and what you need. Buying what you need, would help you save money.
Invest in energy-efficient appliances to save your bills.
Downsize and then shift to a smaller house that fits your family. (When you can save on rent, don’t think twice)
Be self-reliant. Have a tap to fix? A bulb to change? Don’t hire help, learn these basic skills.
Cut the cable, instead invest in subscriptions.
Go for handmade gifts. They save money and express your feelings best. In fact, our favorite way to do birthday cards is have the girls make them for people.
Look for free community classes. The local library usually has great resources!
Opt for automated saving.
Create an emergency reserve to practice risk management right at home.
Invest your extra money in equity. We’ve done well with stocks and real estate! But it does take a little time to learn and perfect. But once you get it, it’s so helpful!
Go side-hustling to make additional income.
Sell your clutter for cash.
Invite your friends for get-togethers instead of going out for lavish dinners.
Cut your gym membership and then invest your energy in equally effective home workouts.
Program your thermostats optimally. Our favorite ones to use and program are the Google Nest theromostats. We also use them in our own home as well as our short term rentals!
Stop using your credit cards.
Buy second-hand goods.
Opt for line drying your clothes, it saves electricity.
Make use of local libraries.
Lend books instead of buying new ones, this helps you also cut down on the clutter in your home.
Avoid wastage of resources to cut out on your electricity bills.
Use online wallet services to get cashback, discounts, and offers.
Family outings? Visit places that don’t cost a thing. For instance, a picnic near the lake, or even camping.
Embrace minimalism.
Consume leftovers if they are not stale.
Always bargain.
Get a free hobby.
Go for e-newspapers
Do thorough research before buying anything.
Go for DIY tricks.
Recycle and Reuse.
Go for homemade remedies.
That’s all from my side. So I hope these tips help you to live frugally. Start today, and then save for a better future.
Hey there! How do you save money? Have some tips that you want to share? Then feel free to drop them in the comments below.
The term ‘love language’ stems from Dr. Gary Chapman’s book The Five Love Languages. In the original book, Dr. Chapman wrote about the five different ways of expressing love to your spouse. Those five ‘love languages’ were quality time, physical touch, words of affirmation, acts of service, and receiving gifts.
While originally meant for romance and lovers, this concept has now broadened itself to self-care and self-love. Finding your self-love language is important for you to understand what kinds of self-care practices bring you the most emotional fulfillment. You can rely on this any time you need, but especially when you want to look outside yourself instead of to yourself.
How to find your self-love language
Find out which of these five self-love languages rank highest for you.
1)Receiving Gifts
How to find your self-love language
The most prominent way someone can show they love you is through gifts, then your love language is receiving gifts. But, come to think of it, how many times do we think of gifting ourselves?
The whole sentence might be laughable to many, and therein lies the issue. We are allowed to pamper our own selves with something nice from time to time. It doesn’t have to be expensive; it doesn’t have to be a big deal.
Just invest your money in something that makes you feel good about yourself. It can be as simple as treating yourself with an ice-cream twice a day.
2)Quality Time
Spending time with yourself is underrated. We should all have times in the day when we are alone with our thoughts.
Often, the pressure can be overwhelming, and the only way to deal with setbacks is through self-talk and introspection. Look inside and search for the solutions. Practice mindfulness or meditate. You will come out with a fresh perspective.
But that’s not all. Here are some other ideas that you can try to spend quality time with yourself–
Go on a solo date or trip.
Watch a movie that you absolutely adore.
Go on a hike.
Journal your thoughts.
Go out shopping.
Spring clean – organize everything and donate the items that you don’t want.
Have a spa day at home.
3)Physical Touch
You might be wondering how physical touch can relate to self-love. Well, it can, when you focus on your physical well-being as well as your emotional it can work wonders.
Get enrolled in some physical activities like Zumba or weight lifting or anything that you prefer. Find out which physical activity gives you the most joy. Start eating healthy and take care of your health. Do not slack when it comes to your physical fitness.
4)Words of affirmation
This is one of the easiest, most important, and yet often undone self-care practices. Self-talk and positive affirmations are the foundation of self-love. It’s so much easier for us to talk negatively to ourselves, then it is to say positive things.
We tell others what we admire about them, but how often do we care to pat our own backs on a big triumph? You deserve a compliment from yourself once in a while. Self-affirmations are often needed when you lack motivation. Celebrate your highs and lows with positive words of affirmation.
Here are some ideas for the same –
Figure out the positive affirmations that resonate with you and recite them daily.
Write a loving letter to yourself.
Compliment yourself.
Create a vision board to remind yourself of your dreams.
Forgive yourself for the mistakes you made in the past.
5)Acts of Service
How to find your self-love language
A lot of you might connect to this particular love language. Doing something kind for others or for yourself can lead to tremendous emotional satisfaction.
Be it donating to a charitable cause, indulging yourself in humanitarian activities, or giving yourself permission to relax, show kindness to others, and to yourself in whatever you do.
So, that’s all from my side. Now, it’s your turn. Find out which of these five self-love languages rank the highest for you. Implement them into your daily self-care routine. Later, come back and share your experience in the comments.
to schedule your Pinterest pins. The Pinterest scheduler allows you to pin content at a specific time without you being always online on the platform.
manual pinning as well as of the scheduled one. However, this will not only cost you more but will also end up eating your time.
because you are a mom, you cannot be anything else. Motherhood is a big part of your identity, but not the entirety of it. There is a life waiting for you outside motherhood. And you are only killing your own dreams and desires by depriving yourself of them.
and interests. You are allowed to have dinner with a friend or two once a week, to rejuvenate and recharge yourself. Not just an emotional vent, but being around people who share the same interests and life goals as you also helps you 
yourself while also taking care of your children, because if you don’t, there will come a time when you will burn out, and that’s neither good for you nor your kids.
You forget where your passions lay as a youth, along with your hobbies, and your interests. It’s time you dust the cobwebs off and start engaging in an old hobby or find a new one to keep you motivated and happy beyond motherhood.
have to be slow and steady and make small changes to collectively make big changes in the end. 
your physical well-being as well as your emotional it can work wonders.
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