Cookie Jar Bakery 🧁🍪🍩😍 on Monmouth Str Cookie Jar Bakery 🧁🍪🍩😍 on Monmouth Street in Newport, KY. 
We’ve driven past this place so many times and finally decided to stop and pop in yesterday and I am SO GLAD we did. They have the classic bakery vibes that just makes me think of my hometown and the quality is 💯. Plus we got this entire box for $10 🙌🏻. 
I highly recommend checking them out. You can get some treats here, coffee at Trailhead and then wander down to the Levee.
Low-quality selfie for a high quality day. A woman Low-quality selfie for a high quality day. A woman... a Black and Indian American woman as VP! Thank you Madam Vice President Kamala Harris for breaking this glass ceiling and for all the women who made it possible. #stillwithher
Açaí you! This açaí smoothie bowl from @cincya Açaí you! This açaí smoothie bowl from @cincyacaibol was so fresh and the pick-me-up I needed during these gloomy winter days. Is anyone else craving all the fresh fruits & veggies rn? 
——
@cincyacaibol operates over in the west end and is run through delivery or carry out that is brought to your car. But they have plans to open a storefront later this year 😍🙌🏻 #cincyeats #cincinnatiblogger
I AM A MAN. When Black sanitation workers in Mem I AM A MAN.  When Black sanitation workers in Memphis took to the streets in March 1968, they carried signs stating: I AM A MAN.  The purpose of the strike and march was to take a stand in favor of fair wages and better working conditions after the death of two sanitation employees, Echol Cole and Robert Walker.  This strike was a focal point of the Civil Rights Movement and Dr. King joined to show his support. This is where he gave his last speech, “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop.” He was killed the next day.  The "I am a Man" Plaza is located next to Clayborn Temple in Memphis. The area includes a sculpture along with a wall listing the names of those who participated in the strikes.  We’ve come far, but there is still more to be done. #MLKDay
GIVEAWAY 😍🥳🤩 Sometimes self-care means ga GIVEAWAY 😍🥳🤩 Sometimes self-care means game night & takeout. 🙌🏻 Ryan and I love Gold Star & decided to mix things up and try some items other than chili. The double decker sandwich was so good 😋 plus the garlic parm fries are 💯. / ad 
You can win a $25 gift card to @goldstarchili to make dinner time easy peasy.  To enter:
Follow @goldstarchili & me.
Comment the food emoji that relates to what you’ll be ordering 🍔 🍟 🥪 & Tag a pal you’ll be sharing with.  Not associated with IG. Winner will be picked randomly on Monday 1/18. #goldstarchili #cincinnatibloggers
Sunday self-care 😌 I have seen so many jokes th Sunday self-care 😌 I have seen so many jokes the last week that everyone has given up their #dryjanuary resolutions because of recent events. And yes, the jokes are funny, but I also believe that alcohol just makes stress even more stressful. 🙃 so if you’re participating in dry January or just trying to cut back alcohol in 2021 then the post at my #linkinbio has some tips to keep going.
Happy 2021 ☺️ / If you haven’t yet, let me r Happy 2021 ☺️ / If you haven’t yet, let me remind you to refresh your professional accounts/brand. By this I mean:
• updating your resume (even if you’re not looking!)
• update your professional site (if you have one - I use @squarespace)
• update LinkedIn (update your experience & any projects you’ve led in the last year, use their featured section to highlight the work you’re most proud of, etc.)
• create a folder where you can save “wins” for the upcoming year like emails from your boss when you’ve done great work, media coverage, recap decks, etc. 
• update your headshot 😌 I shared this on stories a while back but if anyone is interested I’ll make a Reels showing how I used my iPhone & Canva to create a refreshed headshot for LinkedIn & my social accounts 
• what else have I missed? Anything you do at the start of the year to get your professional spaces/work in order?
I’ve likely shared this one before but I always I’ve likely shared this one before but I always find this message to be inspiring. I personally find the coming months to be so bleh and dreary and it really makes me feel gloomy, so I’m reminding myself how much inner strength we all have. Everything that has happened in your life this far, you’ve made it through. 😌🙌🏻 #lovethecov #happynewyear
Merry Christmas! 🎄🎁 Photo taken at @kinleyh Merry Christmas! 🎄🎁 
Photo taken at @kinleyhotelcincinnati because we do not have a tree this big and pretty with our two cats. 😂 swipe for more pics of their beautiful space! I hope you all have a peaceful, relaxing and joyful holiday!
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Casey La Vie

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Blogging · January 2, 2018

How to Start a Blog: The Ultimate & Easy Guide for Newbies

If you want to learn how to start a blog then this tutorial is for you. I’ve made back every dollar I’ve invested into my blog and then some, so why shouldn’t you?! From sharing my advice to connecting with readers all over the earth, to working with great brands and being invited to awesome events, blogging has been so much more fun than any day job I’ve had.

Here’s how to set up your new WordPress blog with Bluehost for cheap so you can start blogging ASAP.

Step 1. Pick Your Domain

The first step to start your WordPress blog on Bluehost is to pick out your domain name. I went with Casey La Vie for several reasons. 1. I like puns, 2. I wanted my name in the title, 3. I didn’t want the title to be too specific to one genre. Even though I like writing about travel and health and beauty, I didn’t want to choose something like CaseyTravelsTheGlobe.com, because I wanted my domain to be something that could always work for me.

Want to see if your domain name is available? Just use the Name Checker below:

If your planned name is already taken you can always try to add “blog” to the end of your title. Plus, you can always change your domain at a later time. It just takes some work making sure you have redirect links set up and you’ll have to change your social media accounts, etc. So, while you do want to put some time and thought into this decision I also don’t want you to get so hung up on choosing a name for your blog that you keep putting off getting started in the first place. Sometimes you have to put the planning aside and go with action, like getting that domain and hosting all set up.

Step 2. Hosting

For ease of use, cost, convenience, and support I will recommend Bluehost for your hosting needs. This is the hosting I use for my site and I’ve never had any issues. There was one time in the first year when my site was down. I emailed support at Bluehost and they were already working on it. Within 30 minutes my site was back up and running. Any other time I’ve had a question or request, I’ve always received a very prompt response. This service alone makes me confident in recommending Bluehost. And the price is just they cherry on top.

I know that it’s intimidating to set up your blog, especially when it requires a financial investment. However, Bluehost is so affordable. Head to Bluehost.com and click the green “Get Started” button.

From here you can select the plan that will work best for you. I currently use the “plus” plan, however, “basic” is just as good to start with.

After selecting your plan you’ll see a screen asking for your domain or if you’d like to set one up. To keep everything under Bluehost, I’d set up your domain here using the domain you decided on from above. Plus, it’s free to choose one with Bluehost!

After this you’ll go through a regular checkout process. You’ll confirm your selections and be able to choose from additional add-ons. You can always pass on these now and add them later.

Then finally you add in your credit card information and make the purchase.

Now, set up your password on Bluehost and log into your hosting account. We’re almost all finished! Now’s time to link your hosting to a content management system.

Step 3: WordPress.org vs. WordPress.com

How to Start a Blog: The Ultimate Guide for Newbies This tutorial walks you step-by-step through the process of setting up your own blog from choosing a domain, web hosting and getting WordPress themes. In this post you’ll find the 4 easy steps to set up your blog so you can start blogging in minutes. No coding is needed and this is the only guide you’ll need to get your blog live in minutes so you can make money. I’ll also share my tips for affiliate marketing, hashtags, social media and getting page views.In addition to hosting and a domain, you’ll also need a Content Management System. This is where you’ll actually write your blog posts and edit things like your header and sidebar. It’s really the bones of your website. There are many different CMS’s out there (like Squarespace and Blogger), but I’m only going to recommend one for your purpose: WordPress.org.

WordPress.org allows you to have a custom domain. With WordPress.com you’ll have a title like, “caseylavie.wordpress.com.” Plus with WordPress.org you’ll be able to customize the website to your exact liking and have full ownership of it. If you are going to take your blog serious, I strongly recommend you go with WordPress.org and forget all the others.

Plus, it’s SUPER easy to set up WordPress with Bluehost. Here’s how:
When you’re logged into your Bluehost account, just head to the dashboard. You’ll see a button with “Install WordPress” on it. Click through the start button again. You’ll be asked to select your domain, which is the one you just signed up with. Then you’ll be asked for your blog name and to setup your login information. Your blog name should be similar if not exactly what your domain is. For example, my domain is caseylavie.com and my blog name is “Casey La Vie.”

Now you’re all signed up!!
Check your email so you can log into your WordPress admin account. This will be www.yoursitename.com/wp-admin.

Step 4. Themes & Design

You can absolutely start poking around your WordPress dashboard now and even start drafting blog post content. However, I’d quickly move to setting up the theme and design for your blog.

There are some themes available with Bluehost, but I prefer purchasing them elsewhere. A great female-friendly WordPress theme provider, that I love is Brittany Dawn Designs, but don’t forget Etsy.

Your theme purchase will include instructions on how to install the theme on WordPress. From there you’re all set up and ready to start blogging!

To recap: use Bluehost and WordPress.org to set up an inexpensive but totally awesome blog in just minutes!

For more blogging advice, check out these articles and resources:

  • A Free Blog Traffic Guide from Lena Gott who also created the e-book “Traffic Transformation: 21 Strategies I Used to Increase My Monthly Page Views from 17k to 400k+ in 10 Months.”
  • How to Make Your First Affiliate Sale in 24 Hours E-book (only a $25 investment!)
  • 6 Productivity and Motivation Tips – This article will help you stay on track to follow your goals!
  • And here are some blog post ideas to get you started, plus a list of great hashtags for Instagram.
  • An entire Work at Home Super Bundle of awesome ebooks, ecourses, videos and more. It’s worth $1,500+, but you can get all 37 resources for 95% off – just $47!

Let me know below if this tutorial helped you get started and what you’d like to do with your blog!

How to Start a Blog: The Ultimate Guide for Newbies This tutorial walks you step-by-step through the process of setting up your own blog from choosing a domain, web hosting and getting WordPress themes. In this post you’ll find the 4 easy steps to set up your blog so you can start blogging in minutes. No coding is needed and this is the only guide you’ll need to get your blog live in minutes so you can make money. I’ll also share my tips for affiliate marketing, hashtags, social media and getting page views.

In: Blogging · Tagged: blogging, how to start a blog

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Cookie Jar Bakery 🧁🍪🍩😍 on Monmouth Str Cookie Jar Bakery 🧁🍪🍩😍 on Monmouth Street in Newport, KY. 
We’ve driven past this place so many times and finally decided to stop and pop in yesterday and I am SO GLAD we did. They have the classic bakery vibes that just makes me think of my hometown and the quality is 💯. Plus we got this entire box for $10 🙌🏻. 
I highly recommend checking them out. You can get some treats here, coffee at Trailhead and then wander down to the Levee.
Low-quality selfie for a high quality day. A woman Low-quality selfie for a high quality day. A woman... a Black and Indian American woman as VP! Thank you Madam Vice President Kamala Harris for breaking this glass ceiling and for all the women who made it possible. #stillwithher
Açaí you! This açaí smoothie bowl from @cincya Açaí you! This açaí smoothie bowl from @cincyacaibol was so fresh and the pick-me-up I needed during these gloomy winter days. Is anyone else craving all the fresh fruits & veggies rn? 
——
@cincyacaibol operates over in the west end and is run through delivery or carry out that is brought to your car. But they have plans to open a storefront later this year 😍🙌🏻 #cincyeats #cincinnatiblogger
I AM A MAN. When Black sanitation workers in Mem I AM A MAN.  When Black sanitation workers in Memphis took to the streets in March 1968, they carried signs stating: I AM A MAN.  The purpose of the strike and march was to take a stand in favor of fair wages and better working conditions after the death of two sanitation employees, Echol Cole and Robert Walker.  This strike was a focal point of the Civil Rights Movement and Dr. King joined to show his support. This is where he gave his last speech, “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop.” He was killed the next day.  The "I am a Man" Plaza is located next to Clayborn Temple in Memphis. The area includes a sculpture along with a wall listing the names of those who participated in the strikes.  We’ve come far, but there is still more to be done. #MLKDay
GIVEAWAY 😍🥳🤩 Sometimes self-care means ga GIVEAWAY 😍🥳🤩 Sometimes self-care means game night & takeout. 🙌🏻 Ryan and I love Gold Star & decided to mix things up and try some items other than chili. The double decker sandwich was so good 😋 plus the garlic parm fries are 💯. / ad 
You can win a $25 gift card to @goldstarchili to make dinner time easy peasy.  To enter:
Follow @goldstarchili & me.
Comment the food emoji that relates to what you’ll be ordering 🍔 🍟 🥪 & Tag a pal you’ll be sharing with.  Not associated with IG. Winner will be picked randomly on Monday 1/18. #goldstarchili #cincinnatibloggers
Sunday self-care 😌 I have seen so many jokes th Sunday self-care 😌 I have seen so many jokes the last week that everyone has given up their #dryjanuary resolutions because of recent events. And yes, the jokes are funny, but I also believe that alcohol just makes stress even more stressful. 🙃 so if you’re participating in dry January or just trying to cut back alcohol in 2021 then the post at my #linkinbio has some tips to keep going.
Happy 2021 ☺️ / If you haven’t yet, let me r Happy 2021 ☺️ / If you haven’t yet, let me remind you to refresh your professional accounts/brand. By this I mean:
• updating your resume (even if you’re not looking!)
• update your professional site (if you have one - I use @squarespace)
• update LinkedIn (update your experience & any projects you’ve led in the last year, use their featured section to highlight the work you’re most proud of, etc.)
• create a folder where you can save “wins” for the upcoming year like emails from your boss when you’ve done great work, media coverage, recap decks, etc. 
• update your headshot 😌 I shared this on stories a while back but if anyone is interested I’ll make a Reels showing how I used my iPhone & Canva to create a refreshed headshot for LinkedIn & my social accounts 
• what else have I missed? Anything you do at the start of the year to get your professional spaces/work in order?
I’ve likely shared this one before but I always I’ve likely shared this one before but I always find this message to be inspiring. I personally find the coming months to be so bleh and dreary and it really makes me feel gloomy, so I’m reminding myself how much inner strength we all have. Everything that has happened in your life this far, you’ve made it through. 😌🙌🏻 #lovethecov #happynewyear
Merry Christmas! 🎄🎁 Photo taken at @kinleyh Merry Christmas! 🎄🎁 
Photo taken at @kinleyhotelcincinnati because we do not have a tree this big and pretty with our two cats. 😂 swipe for more pics of their beautiful space! I hope you all have a peaceful, relaxing and joyful holiday!
Forget the milk, Santa wants a Fairy Ring cocktail Forget the milk, Santa wants a Fairy Ring cocktail to go with his cookie. 🍪🍹 ⠀
Taken at @kinleyhotelcincinnati downtown on Race Street.⠀
If you haven’t been I highly recommend for the vibes alone! But also the cocktails, desserts and customer service were 💯.⠀
The bar lounge area is decorated beautifully and was spacious so there was plenty of room for groups to safely distance from one another. ⠀

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