Once upon a time, not so long ago…..Ahem.  Sorry – still working on some of my opening lines but let me tell you, when it comes to crafting a great blog post, the session on Storytelling that I attended at SoFabCon was certainly a big help.  The speakers were my awesome roomie Rebecca Parsons and Brad Lawless and they provided us with some amazing tips on taking your writing up to that next level.  Here are my notes from the session:

• ~Stories aren’t fluff.  They are central to who we are as human beings and so a great story will draw people in.  Storytelling is the art of letting go, finding your voice, and sharing it with others.
• The number one commandment of storytelling is: MAKE THEM CARE!  You may have something really interesting to say but you have to make the reader care.  They have to care enough to read on! The competition for your reader’s attention is stiff so you need to build a relationship.  Most blogs are started because the blogger has something they want to say and share with the world.  These suggestions are ways to say it better.
• Storytelling is an invitation into a relationship.
• Tom Durel: “Everybody thinks it’s the return on investment that you’re selling to a potential investor, but it’s really the story about ROI that an investor takes away. What matters is whether that story generates comfort, certainty, enthusiasm, and meaning.”
• Through storytelling your trauma can become your testimony, your pain can become your strength, and your hardship can become your voice.
• “Frankly, there isn’t anyone you couldn’t learn to love, once you’ve heard their story.” Mister Rogers
• A great blog is a story that’s never completely told.
• By sitting with yourself and journaling each day, you can build your voice.
• Anything can be a good story if told well.
• Brad recommended: Raymond Carver for his concise writing style, Hemingway’s short stories, The Elements of Style by Strunk and White for helping you learn to write in a more concise manner
• Ways to be more engaging:  Get rid of passive language and use more active words.  Find positive ways to express something instead of using words like not, nor, etc.  Use fewer words where possible – trim the fat!
• Great writing is good editing.  Let it sit for a while and then go back to it,
• There are three parts to every good story: a beginning, a middle and an end but they don’t necessarily have to be told in that order.
• You have 3 seconds to hook them and 3 seconds to reel them in and land them!
• We live in a headline and sound bite kind of world so you need to keep your posts to about 250-500 words and have a great opening line.
• What about starting in the middle of the action?  How about presenting something unusual, quirky, or emotionally gripping?  Introduce an adventure, dilemma, a mystery.  Set a compelling mood or tone and build tension. 
• Practise writing what you’re passionate about.  Be authentic, real, someone who can be trusted and you’ll be writing in your own voice.
• Study existing blogs that you love.  Pay attention to their opening lines. How do their stories make you feel?  What makes you want to come back to their blog again?
• Use higher level verbs to get across the same general idea but with more meaning.  For example, instead of cut say cleave or slice; instead of walk, say meander or stroll.  Check out thesaurus.com if you need ideas for alternate words to use.
• If someone makes it to the end of your post, reward them with a well crafted ending.  Talk about what was learned, bring the story full circle, clarify the metaphor, lead them somewhere else.
• Stop doing what everyone else is doing!
• Show your fails. 
• Tell them: who are you?  What’s your focus?  Do what you know how to do.
• No matter what you do, “make sure they remember you” (Hunger Games)

Some great ideas aren’t they?  I’m hoping at the next conference (or sooner!), they’ll have Part Two of this because I feel like we were only just getting started and that I could learn so much more from these two! 

The post Storytelling with Rebecca Parsons and Brad Lawless: SoFabCon appeared first on Creative Cynchronicity.

One of my favorite little towns to visit – where are your favorite places to go? 

The post Wordless Wednesday: Paducah, Kentucky appeared first on Creative Cynchronicity.

Be sure to enter your Woof Wednesday posts in the linky below – we want to see your adorable dogs too!

The post Woof Wednesday (with Linky): Window Gazing appeared first on Creative Cynchronicity.

What is SEO and why does it matter to bloggers?  How can we use it to improve our blog’s visibility? These are questions that I think many of us who are in the blogging game struggle with understanding.  It seems that there is so much information (often contradictory information) out there about SEO and it can be so hard to wade through it all.  So when I had the chance to attend a session on SEO with Dan Morris at the recent SoFabCon, I jumped at the chance!

According to Dan, the most important thing to know is what is SEO and he defined it as: the process of proving relevance.  When looking at the different aspects of SEO, I found that if I just kept coming back to this statement, it was a lot easier to understand.  SEO (search engine optimization) is what tells Google how relevant your blog post is.  The more you prove relevance to Google about a certain topic, the higher you move up (the closer to the top you get in a search list) This, of course, is important to us if we want our blog posts to be found and read.

So, the question then becomes, how do we prove relevance to Google?  If we are writing a blog post about the best way to groom a dog, we want to show Google that our post contains good, valuable information that is truly relevant to that topic.  Since our post will be indexed by Google and not by an actual pair of human eyes reading the post and saying, hey yeah that’s some good stuff about grooming dogs, we have to use indicators that Google can recognize.  Dan pointed out that when someone searches for a topic using Google, it doesn’t come back with websites; it comes back with pages.  Each page is looked at on its own- Google analyzes each one for 5 things (Dan refers to these as the 5 pillars of SEO) and whichever one proves the most relevance with those 5 things gets to be at the top of the results for that particular search.

These 5 pillars are: Titles, Links, Content, Time, and Social Interaction.

So, Dan suggests starting with the title of our blog post.  Now sure, you might be able to come up with some clever, catchy title like your grade school teacher may have told you to do in order to add interest to your story but I’m pretty sure your creative writing assignments weren’t having to pass the Google test.  I wrote one once about Peeps – you know, the marshmallowy Easter candy – that I titled Peep Show.  I thought I was being really cute.  Ultimately, I probably made it more difficult for the search engines to see what my post was truly about and index it accordingly.  So, back to creating a title for my blog post on dog grooming.  Something that simply states what it’s about in clear terms that reflect the topic make it easiest for Google.  How to Groom Your Dog.  Dog Grooming 101.  Dog Grooming.  Thinking in terms of what words YOU would use if you were searching on Google to find an article on grooming your dog can be helpful.

Next, Dan talked about the meta description – which, in a sense, is a way of elaborating on the title.  Not only does Google like relevance, but it likes the personal touch too.  By adding a description that goes a bit further into detail about the subject of your blog post, you are letting potential readers (and Google) know more of what it’s about.  This adds to what Dan referred to as the cocoon of relevance Google likes to see around your blog post.  I think of it as building layers of relevance in every possible way I can.

For a post to have relevance, it needs to have information we can trust.  How do we show that our information can be trusted to Google?  Links can help us with this.  So let’s suppose that the PetSmart or American Kennel Society website links up to my blog post.  They obviously are going to demonstrate relevance and authority on topics related to dogs to Google, so this, in turn, adds to the authority and relevance of my post.  Dan also suggested linking to other posts internally – perhaps you have other posts on your blog about dogs that you could link to, thus creating more authority and expertise on the topic.   When linking to them, my anchor text is really important.  Anchor text = the clickable text in your post.  Anchor text describes where you’re going on the web.  Google loves indicators of human activity – so anchor text like “click here” is good.  It’s good to think of the value of anchor text when you are guest posting for someone and linking back to your own blog from that post (perhaps in the “about me” or bio section).  If you have friends who are linking to your article, you can also ask them to write their anchor text in such a way as to include some of your keywords.  Obviously, we can’t always choose the way a site is linking back to us, but if given the option, this is ideal.

Dan said that Google will also look for supporting keywords within your post.  If your post is about grooming dogs, finding supporting words that are related to dogs and to grooming, like puppies, German Shepherds, brush may add to the relevance of your post.   Dan doesn’t suggest using the Google Adwords tool for finding keywords because this is designed for advertisers to use in finding optimum places to advertise.  It basically tells you if a certain keyword is commercial or not.  He did suggest some keyword tools but said that there is no way to get a free keyword tool – it is something you’ll need to invest in.  His suggestions: For Brainstormtools.com click here, and for Marketsamurai (which has a free trial version) click here.  He also recommended using Google Webmaster Tools.  According to Google: “Webmaster Tools provides information and data about the sites you have added to your account. You can use this data to improve how search engines crawl and index your site’s content.”

Label your images in such a way as to show relevance to Google, thereby adding to that cocoon of relevance Dan referred to.  Don’t leave them labelled as “image 079” or something similar.  Give them a label that contains keywords relevant to your topic.  He also suggested that you link your pictures to something relevant or make them “unlinkable”, rather than have them linked to themselves.

Another way of proving relevance to Google is through time – in other words, by keeping your site updated on a regular basis.  Google likes to see timely information – after all, we know how often in our fast paced world, information can become out of date and lose its relevance as new events occur and our thinking and body of knowledge advances.  It only stands to reason that the most valuable source is going to be one that’s current and up to date.

Finally, there is the 5th pillar: social interaction.  Google values human interaction – it wants to know that human activity is involved and that the post is not just the work of spammers.  Comments on your blog post can not only add to your body of content but they also show Google that humans are participating on your page and interacting with it.  Social media icons that show Facebook likes and shares, Twitter tweets, Pinterest pins and so on also add to this.  Google sees this as affirmation from real live humans that your article is important, valued, and of course, relevant.

Whew – that was a lot of information and to be honest, I’m still digesting it all.  AND, this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to understanding SEO but it gave me (and I hope you) a starting point that I can build on.  If you are a member of the Social Fabric community, you can find much more detailed information (an entire series of courses on SEO presented by Dan) in SoFabU on the Social Fabric website.  Not a member?  You can still connect with Dan over on his website.

The post SEO Simplified with Dan Morris @danrmorris #SoFabCon appeared first on Creative Cynchronicity.

It’s time for backyard barbecues and picnics in the park!  I just love this time of year.  Summertime just screams cold dishes and salads to me.  I like to have some that are hearty, like pasta salads and the like but I’m pretty fussy about those.  Here’s one that after some experimentation over the years, I’ve come up with and really enjoy.  Not only that, but I recently served it to my mom and daughter, both of whom aren’t big on macaroni salad, and they both really loved this one.

Ingredients:

1 lb. elbow macaroni, cooked according to package directions

1 cup mayonnaise – you can try getting creative with some of those mayo blends like avocado mayo or roasted garlic mayo but for this recipe, just plain old Hellmann’s is my preference

1/2 onion, diced – I prefer either red or Vidalia

6 slices bacon, cut into small pieces and fried until crispy

1 pkg. Ranch dressing mix

8 oz. cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes

Salt and pepper to taste (I personally find it salty enough between the Ranch mix, cheese, and bacon)

Other additions that can be yummy in this too: chopped celery, chopped hard boiled eggs, leftover cooked peas, chopped radishes

Instructions: This is so quick and easy.  Once the macaroni and bacon have cooled, simply mix all the ingredients together.  I like to cover the bowl with plastic wrap and put it in the fridge for a few hours to chill before serving.  Yum!

I’m joining the party and linking this recipe post up here – be sure to check out the other great recipes, crafts, and DIY posts in this linky party:

The post Tasty Tuesday: Our Favorite Macaroni Salad With Bacon and Cheddar appeared first on Creative Cynchronicity.

Why yes, I am hanging out in a cabinet! It’s a great place to hide from the dog!

Be sure to link up below and share a pic of your cat(s)!  I’d love to see them!

The post Meow Monday (with linky): Hanging out in the Cabinets appeared first on Creative Cynchronicity.

Join us all next week as we see what 19 bloggers all do with a wreath form.  Yep we sent wreath forms to 19 ladies just to see how many different ideas we would have.  Sound like fun?  Then follow along all week right here on Craftyhangouts.com.  Check out the complete schedule below so you can see all the fun we are going to have.  Watch live or tune into Craftyhangouts.com anytime to see the recordings.  Get inspired to make a wreath of your own!  This week is sponsored by FloraCraft. Want inspiration with Styrofoam all the time?  Be sure to follow along with the Crafts n Coffee blog!

Monday May 20

11 am PST/1 pm CST/2 pm EST  Easy Scarf Wreath with +Niki Knows  from Homemadeville

3 pm PST/5 pm CST/6 pm EST  No Sew Summer Wreath with +Rhonda Greene  from Mrs. Greene

4 pm PST/6 pm CST/7 pm EST  Quick Wreaths with +Angie Holden from The Country Chic Cottage and +Carolina Moore  from 30 Minute Crafts

5 pm PST/7 pm CST/8 pm EST  Living Succulent Wreath with +Randi Dukes from Dukes and Duchesses

Tuesday May 21

9 am PST/10 am CST/11 am EST  Patriotic Wreath with +Ashley Phipps from Simply Designing

11 am PST/1 pm CST/2 pm EST  Summer Wreath with +Leslie Stewart from House on the Way

4 pm PST/6 pm CST/7 pm EST  Summer Wreath with +Colleen Jorgensen from Just Paint It

Wednesday May 22

9 am PST/10 am CST/11 am EST  Picnic Wreath with +Amy Buchanan from Atta Girl Says

11 am PST/1 pm CST/2 pm EST  Cake Stand with +Morena Hockley from Morena’s Corner

1 pm PST/3 pm CST/4 pm EST  Succulent Wreath with +Gina Luker from The Shabby Creek Cottage

3 pm PST/5 pm CST/6 pm EST  Summer Wreath with +Jessica Kielman from Mom 4 Real

5 pm PST/7 pm CST/8 pm EST  Year Round Wreath with +Jessica Hill from Mad in Crafts

Thursday May 23

9 am PST/10 am CST/11 am EST  Patriotic Wreath with +Mandy Beyeler from Sugar Bee Crafts and +Kilee Nickels from One Little Momma

1 pm PST/3 pm CST/4 pm EST  Wreath HOA with +Barb Garrett from The Everyday Home

3 pm PST/5 pm CST/6 pm EST  Patriotic Wreath with +Kathy Penney from Sparkles and a Stove

Friday May 24

9 am PST/10 am CST/11 am EST  Beach Themed Wreath with +Erin Sipes from My Very Educated Mother

11 am PST/1 pm CST/2 pm EST  How to make an Engaging Wreath with +Cyn Gagen from Creative Cynchronicity

1 pm PST/3 pm CST/4 pm EST  Topiary Wreath with +Sharon Hines from Mrs. Hines’ Class

4 pm PST/6 pm CST/7 pm EST  MORE Quick Wreaths with +Carolina Moore from 30 Minute Crafts and +Angie Holden from The Country Chic Cottage

Don’t miss any of the fun!

The post Crafty Hangouts: Wreath Week Coming Up appeared first on Creative Cynchronicity.

 Keurig K75 Platinum Single-Cup Coffeemaker  + Bonus 12 K-cup variety pack

Value $179

The post Blogger Signup: Keurig Giveaway appeared first on Creative Cynchronicity.

Welcome to another week of Craft Lightning: Crafts You Can Make in 15 Minutes or Less, hosted by The Country Chic Cottage and 30 Minute Crafts!  I’m so happy to be sharing this fun idea for a gift holder made from an envelope with you today.  It’s quick, it’s easy, and it can be just perfect for last minute gifts.  Let’s get started.

The basic supplies you will need are: an envelope (this one is about 5 by 8 inches which is a good size to hold things like packets of seeds or teabags – a little bit smaller and it would be great for holding a gift card or wallet sized photos), a pair of scissors, a hole punch, some ribbon, and something to decorate the envelope with.  I’m using Washi type tape so I don’t need any adhesive but you might want to use scrapbook paper (or leftover scraps of wrapping paper) or something like that.  I also add an embellishment of a charm to one of my gift holders and a decorative brad to the other.  Buttons, stickers, rubber stamping, and paper flowers are all good options too – or you don’t have to add any further embellishments at all!

We need to begin by folding the envelope to form the little gift holder.  On many envelopes, you’ll see the middle of the envelope clearly marked for you – on picture 1, you can see where the parts of the envelope all meet in the middle and you can use this as your guide for folding.  If the envelope you’re using doesn’t have that, you can either eyeball it or use a ruler and measure.  Fold one side into the middle as in picture 2.  Fold the second side into the middle – it should look like picture 4 (yeah, I know…I got them out of order. Sigh)  Now, you’re going to make some cuts and cut away the sections I’ve marked with the red Xs in picture 3.

Once you’ve cut those sections away, this is what you should be left with.  Now it’s time to start decorating and embellishing.

As you can see, with this one I simply added Washi type tape vertically to the center section to add some interest and color.

On this one, I went horizontally across the entire interior of the gift holder.  I also like to cover the outside of the flap as often this is where the envelope’s watermark is and again, it makes it prettier and more interesting.

Next, you need to punch holes for the ribbon which will hold your little envelope gift holder closed.  I close the whole thing up and then punch through near the right and left edges of the gift holder, ensuring that it goes through the side flaps and the top flap.

You can choose to fold the top flap to the inside and have it hidden from the initial view as I did here or you can fold the top flap to the outside as I did with the orange one.  It’s just personal preference and in either case, it helps to hold whatever little gift you’re putting into the envelope inside and keeps it from falling out.

Now be sure to click on the Craft Lightning button below and head on over to see the rest of the fantastic crafts that you can make in 15 minutes or less!

The post Craft Lightning: 15 Minute Crafts: Envelope Gift Holder appeared first on Creative Cynchronicity.

Dress Impression with Wrinkled Cowl – Karen LaMonte

Do you have a #SoFabCon Wordless Wednesday post to share? Enter it below:

The post Wordless Wednesday: Crystal Bridges Museum #SoFabCon (Linky) appeared first on Creative Cynchronicity.