Featured by B. Gatsby Blogs

I was recently interviewed by Lori over at B. Gatsby Blogs to talk a little bit about Birch Landing Home and being a mamapreneur.  Check out her post here to see the full interview and while you're visiting her blog make sure to check out other interviews from fellow mom bosses!    

Instagram Feed Changes and How to Preserve Your Following

Instagram just announced that they'll be showing most popular posts first in their feed (read more about it here) - which means everyone will be more likely to miss posts from little guys, like us.  I understand that for the user this may be nice so they don't miss popular posts, but for small businesses this really hurts.  Instagram is how I get most of my traffic and to know that I'll be lost under Kim Kardashian and big retailer posts really stinks.  

How to Preserve Your Following with Instagram's New Feed Changes

For us small businesses that rely on Instagram exposure, this hurts.  But one way to help preserve your following is to ask your followers to "Turn on Post Notifications".  This way they will get a little notification whenever you create a new post and they won't miss seeing your content with this new algorithm.  You can also encourage them to follow you on other social platforms as well (Facebook, Pinterest, Bloglovin', Twitter, etc) so you have more chances to reach your audience. 

I'm sure paying for promoted posts will be the next change coming to Instagram, just like Facebook and Pinterest have done.  I understand it's lucrative for them to make these changes, but as a small business owner it really stinks because I can't afford to pay for consistent advertising.  

I'm hoping that Instagram will eventually give you the option to at least change the filter of your feed like Facebook does (you can toggle between "Top Stories" and "Most Recent" - but it always defaults to "Top Stories"), but who knows.  Like all other small businesses, I'm really hoping that we don't get completely lost in this change.  

Please don't forget to Turn on Post Notifications for me at @birchlandinghome and follow me on the other social platforms linked below.  Thank you so much!

Daytrip Society's Holiday Gift Guide

So honored to have been included in Daytrip Society's Holiday Gift Guide!

They have great ideas for everyone on your list.  Check out their unique selections in person at their shop in Kennebunkport Maine or online. 

Photo Credit: Daytrip Society

Featured on Seacoast Lately + Giveaway

Super-excited to have been featured on Seacoast Lately's beautiful blog today!  Maggie does a wonderful job highlighting the beauty, businesses, and events on the NH Seacoast and beyond and I'm honored to have made her carefully curated selection. 

If you want the inside skinny on the best of the area, be sure to give her a follow - you won't regret it! 

 GIVEAWAY

If you'd like a chance to win a set of my hand-etched ornaments, visit @seacoast.lately's Instagram for details and to enter - good luck! 

Featured on Life on the Shady Grove

Wendy from Life on the Shady Grove will be sharing her Christmas home tour and hosting a HUGE series of giveaways in December featuring 32 crafters, including Birch Landing Home!  She's just posted a little introduction to some of the participants on her blog so you can get a preview of some of the makers and items involved.  

I can't wait to see how she styles our hand-etched ornaments in her home and I'm looking forward to sending the lucky winner their own set of ornaments to use this Christmas!  

Don't worry, I'll let you know when Wendy's gorgeous home tour is up on her blog and when her 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways begin!  But in the meantime, don't forget to follow her on Instagram (@lifeontheshadygrove) so you don't miss another inspiring home decor post.  

Now on Bloglovin'

I've just joined Bloglovin' - if you're on there, please give my blog a follow.  It's a great way to manage all the blogs you love and keep up-to-date on them all.  

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Mamas Only Loop Giveaway!

I've teamed up with a bunch of other great bloggers and shops to bring you an amazing giveaway! See my post on Instagram for details and how to enter, it's not to be missed. 

Best of luck, Mamas!  

Giveaway ends 9/18/15 at midnight EST. 

Featured on the DIY Network Blog!

Honored to say our brick-lined walkway update was recently featured on the DIY Network Blog, Made + Remade!  Please check us out at #7 on "9 Driveway and Pathway Updates on a Budget."  

As seen on the DIY Network Blog!

You can read our full how-to on this project here:  Easy Brick Upgrade for Concrete Walkway.