How To Create a Facebook Page for your Blog & Import Your Posts

Today I set out to create a Facebook Page for my blog and to import my blog posts onto my Page.  Unfortunately, this was slightly more complicated than initially anticipated.  But, after searching Facebook (and the internet) for a little while I was able to figure it out.

If you're interested in setting up a Facebook Page for your blog and/or having your posts imported never fear!

I'll walk you through it!

How to Set up a Facebook Page for Your Blog

1:  Log out of your personal Facebook Account.  This will take you to the home screen.  Toward the very bottom, right below the green "sign up" button, click Create a Page.

2:  Select Brand or Product.

3:  Select Website and enter your blog name (which will be the name of your page).  Select Get Started.

4:  Then you'll be asked to create a Facebook account.  If you have one already, simply enter your login information.  If not, take a minute to create an account.

You'll then be directed to your new Facebook Page (yay!) where you can upload a picture, enter your basic information, etc.  Your page is now officially set up.  

Importing Your Blog Posts to Your Facebook Page

But now, it's time to add your blog to your page so that when you publish a new blog post, it's automatically updated on your Facebook page.  (This was the part that made me want to pull my hair out.  But now that I know how to do it, it won't be difficult to explain.)

1:  Click Edit Info.  (It's difficult to see, but it's directly under the words "Get Started.")

2:  Now, on the left-hand side of the page, select Apps.  

3:  Under the Notes heading, select Go to App.

4:  Then, on the left-hand side select Edit Import Settings.

5:  Then enter your blog URL.

6:  And confirm, and you're good to go!  Your previous blog posts will begin importing.  And from now on, your posts should automatically be uploaded to your Facebook page!  YAY!!

{Edit on 12.01.11:  It seems that sometimes Facebook is super fast about importing my posts and other times it takes it a bit.  Nevertheless, looking back it does appear that they are all importing on their own.  So, for me at least, the process explained here has been successful and it should be for you as well!}

{Edit on 01.17.12:  For some reason my last few posts have not been automatically importing.  I'm sure this has something to do with the fact that Facebook is--yet again--making changes (rolling out Timeline).  I'll keep paying attention to see if this is a problem that's only temporary.  Hopefully it is.}

Okay, so now is the part where I ask very nicely for you to LIKE My Facebook Page!  Pretty pretty please, with sugar on top?  I'll be your best friend!!  :)

The Signs I'm Using to Determine Whether My Interview Goes Well

In less than twelve hours something crazy happens.

It's good crazy, but crazy nonetheless.

I interview for a job... as an attorney!  [Told you it was crazy!]

We all know that after an interview everyone always asks, "Well, how'd it go?"

I never know how to answer that.  So to help me out, I've devised a list of possible scenarios that may take place tomorrow to help me rate my experience tomorrow as "good" or "bad."

This man is present conduct my interview = bad sign

Picture Source

This man is present to conduct my interview = good sign

[P.S. I've been a very good girl this year.]

Picture Source

Entering room to find pot of gold at the end of a rainbow = good sign

Picture Source

Entering interview room to find an angry leprechaun = bad sign

Picture Source

Being asked my opinion about current laws = good sign

Picture Source

Being asked whether I'm Team Jacob or Team Edward = bad sign

Picture Source

Being handed large sums of cash before leaving = good sign

Picture Source

Being handed trash to take out before leaving = bad sign

Picture Source

Now you know how I'll be determining how my interview goes,

so all that's left to do is wish me luck!!

Update:  I didn't get this job.  In fact, my interview was on a Friday afternoon and Monday I received my "thanks for interviewing but we've chosen someone else" letter in the mail.  Now, I'm no expert on how the postal service works, but considering that I was told it'd be at least a week or two before a decision would be made, unless I accidently hibernated, I'm pretty sure that the interview was a waste of my time & that a previous applicant had been chosen during his/her interview prior to me interviewing.  Fun stuff.  :)  

Mind Your Own Damn Business

Ten things I wish I could say to strangers 

when given unsolicited advice about my parenting skills....

Picture Source

1)  Hmm.... I'd never even considered the fact that he may be sneezing because he's allergic to something.  Wanna know what I'm allergic to?  People who don't know how to mind their own damn business!

2)  Maybe I do need to learn how to be more time efficient.  Say, while you're at the store later multi-tasking, why don't you go ahead and pick me up a bag of mind your own damn business!

3)  Thanks for the great idea!  You know, I have a great idea too!  What if.... stay with me now.... just what if.... you learned how to mind your own damn business!

4)  You sure seem to know a lot about how to parent other people's children.  But, you know what you don't know an awful lot about?  Minding your own damn business.

5)  You're right, I probably should teach him that.  You know what someone should have taught you?  How to mind your own damn business!

6)  That's absolutely fantastic.  You know what else would be fantastic?  If you'd learn to mind your own damn business!

7)  I'll get started on that right away.  You just be sure to start right away on learning how to mind your own damn business!

8)  Since you put it that way, maybe we should give him a sibling after all even though I must admit, he's never complained about being an only child.  You know what he does complain about?  People who don't mind their own damn business.

9)  Well, why didn't I think of that?  Geez, you're so smart.  Maybe you can help me out with this other problem I'm having too... See, I'm having trouble getting you to mind your own damn business!

10)  Oh, really?  Well, I'll buy that book for him then since it taught your child how to read at age 2.  Speaking of books, you know what book I've really come to enjoy?  It's in the children's section and it's entitled Mind Your Own Damn Business!

Whew!  Now, I don't know about you but I feel much better!  ;)

This post idea came from Mama Kat's Writing Workshop.  Be sure to stop by there for creative inspiration!

What Am I Gonna DO With This Child?!

Here are a few memorable moments with Maddox, my silly five-year old, 

that have taken place within the past 24 hours.

Maddox:  [Talking to my husband.]  "Will you make me some cereal?"
Me:  "Oh, I'm sorry babe.  I told him I'd make him a bowl and I forgot."
Maddox:  "Yea, that's why I don't trust you."

Me:  [While singing and dancing like an idiot.] "Drop it like it's hot... drop it like it's hot..."
Maddox:  "If you don't move out of my way, I'm going to drop you like it's hot."

Maddox: "I don't want to eat dinner.  I just ate."
Me:  "If you're not hungry enough to finish everything that's fine, but you're sitting at the table.  The important thing is that we sit around the table together and enjoy . . . ."
Maddox:  "But, I'm on a diet!"

Kids!

The Available Parent [book review]

Our children grow.  They change.  Suddenly, they're teenagers.  The joyous conversations and similarities between the two of you that once appeared seemingly endless are now a distant memory.  You may feel confused.  After all, who is this kid?  And where did my baby go?

We all know, either because we've raised or are raising teenagers, or because we were all at one time teenagers ourselves, that the teenage years are inevitable and that they bring about unique challenges for both the teen and the parent.  

But what you may not know is that fostering a deep connection with your child during his or teenage years, one that will benefit him as he faces difficult decisions, is possible.  It is possible to guide your teen through these tough years, to be available, without controlling him.  

But how?  

Dr. John Duffy addresses this simple, yet complex, question in his book: The Available Parent.  

Dr. Duffy's book is broken up into three parts.  

Part One:  Your Teenager's Wild World  The first part is designed to help you understand the whirlwind that is the mind of your teen and the reality of your teen's daily life.  

Part Two:  What Never Works  After having a better understanding of the inner-workings of your teen, the second part discusses the many mistakes that (yes, even good-intentioned) parents make in a frantic attempt to help their changing child make the right decisions.  This part also helps the reader understand why these attempts often prove to be more fatal than helpful.

Part Three:  What Always Works  Now that the reader is armed with the knowledge obtained during the first two parts of the book, the author explains the methods that need to be put into place in order to be effective in parenting today's teens--in order to be an available parent.

Dr. Duffy's methods are simple.  His advice is practical.  And his techniques are effective.  

One of the beauties of this book is that its techniques can be applied at any stage.  I have already begun using certain advice of this book with my five-year old (such as not to lecture or smother him).  

Therefore, whether you (like myself) have a small child or have a tween or a teen, this book is one that will help prepare you for the road ahead and aide you in effectively parenting your child as he or she grows and changes while moving toward the teenage years.  

No matter what age your child is, it's never too early (or too late) to be a non-judgmental ear, to be the person that builds up your child through encouraging words, actions, and expectations--to be available.

I highly recommend this book and its teachings to all parents.  

Go ahead, "embrace fearless parenting."  Learn how to "[m]inimize conflict and maximize satisfaction in your relationship with your child."  And in doing so, learn how to "[r]emain available for your child through the teenage years and lay a foundation for a healthy, loving relationship."

To purchase this book (which is available in hardback and on Kindle) or to read more reviews, click here.  

Note:  The book featured in this post was provided to me at no cost by FSB Associates.  

I was not compensated in any other way by this post and the opinions displayed are strictly my own and not influenced in anyway by the author or publisher.  

I've Missed Couponing :)

Two years ago, during my summer break from school, I started couponing to see what all the fuss was about.

Let me tell you, I freaking loved it.  I thought it was so much fun!

But, because I stay so busy with school I haven't clipped a coupon since the summer of 2009.  However, since I'm not working this summer and am only taking evening classes I decided to pick it back up again.

For me, it's a really neat hobby.  I am always looking for deals and to try new products so if I can do that without breaking the bank, I'm thrilled.  Plus, it makes me feel like I'm somehow "contributing" to the income around here even though I'm still in school.

Just like the last time I couponed, I'm not sure how long I can keep it up considering that once the fall semester rolls around, by my calculation, I will be spending a minimum of 68 hours a week either clerking at the firm, sitting in class, or studying.  :(  But, I promise to enjoy it while it lasts!

Today we were out and about so I made my first coupon trips in two years and thought I'd share my deals.

Walgreens #1

The G-Fit Series is on sale this week at Walgreens so I picked them up for the hubs. :)

Items Purchased:  Prime 01: $1.50; Perform 02:  $1.00; Recover 03:  $2.25

No Coupons

 Total out of pocket:  $5.25

Received a $5 mail-in-rebate

Overall Total:  25¢

[Savings of $5]

Walgreens #2

Walgreens' deal this week:

Buy $10 worth of Suave Products and Receive a $3 Register Reward

Items Purchased:  4 Suave Body Washes @ $2/each + 1 Suave Deodorant @ $2

Total Before Coupons = $10.90

Used 3 Manufacturer Coupons:  2 x Buy 1 Get 1 Free Body Wash + 1 x 50¢ off Deodorant

Total Out of Pocket = $4.40

Received $3 Register Reward (good for next purchase)

Overall Total:  $1.40

[Savings of $9.50]

Target

Items Purchased:  2 @ $3.64 each

2 MC Used:  1 x Buy 1 Get 1 Free + 1 x 75¢ off

Overall Total:  $3.49

[Savings of $4.39]

Today's Totals

Purchase Price (before coupons):  $24.01

Out of Pocket:  $10.14

Rebates & RRs:  $8.00

Total Spent - Rebates & RR =  $5.87

Savings of:  $18.14 (or 75.56%)

Not too bad considering I'm very rusty!

Through Sat 6/18: Free 8x10 Collage Print From Walgreens!

Don't you just love free stuff?  I know I do!!

Now through Saturday, June 18th, you can receive a free 8x10 collage from Walgreens!

Picture Source

Here's how:  

Click here and follow the steps to create a free account (if you don't already have one), upload your photos, and order your collage.

Upon checkout enter the code 1FREEBIE.  Select in-store pickup & you've got yourself a free 8x10 collage.  [If you elect to have your collage shipped, postage charges may apply.]

What will you use your freebie on?

I haven't ordered my free collage yet because I'm trying to decide what photos I'd like to include.  

I'm considering using the ones I took of my son on his 5th birthday.  We'd rented a private plane to fly around the city in for a few hours.

Here are some of my favorite shots from that day of him being silly that just might end up in my collage:

[Note:  I wasn't compensated in anyway for this post.]