February 2021 / Mainly Marta :: A Motherhood + Lifestyle Blog

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Welcome

What started as a digital diary to document a newfound journey as a stay at home mom / wife has quickly evolved into my own little corner on the internet where I share all that life brings my way -- the good, the bad, and everything in between. Thanks for stopping by; I hope you stay awhile!

2.15.2021

The Blog Hotline: 3 Instagram Story Hacks


Hiiiiiii loves! A few months ago, I shared an Instagram story hack that helps spike up profile views --I've linked that post here if you're interested in giving that a read! It got amazing feedback and I was so happy to hear that a lot of you found it useful! That's exactly why I started this mini-series: to help you become the boss babe you were always meant to be! So, with that being said, I wanted to write a little more about Instagram Stories from a creative creator perspective and share some fun little hacks + tips.


Stories are the perfect way to engage your audience and keep them coming back for more! Now I have a confession to make -- as an influencer and an introverted personality, I find a hard time when it comes to stories. I want to share my life, but have a hard time consoling the idea that sharing isn't oversharing.

While I love influencing, I am just not the type of person to just blab to my phone for the views. There are several amazing influencers that I look up to that have this gift of getting on their stories and making ramen sound like gold. It's a gift that I wish I had, but I don't and I have to force myself to show my face.

This is where influencing gets "hard" for me, so I do what I love most and try and make the stories pretty because graphic design is where I geek out. I love making them pretty and neat, hoping it keeps y'all coming back to watch.

My Favorite Apps For Editing Instagram Stories

Here's a little list of some of my favorite apps to help me edit stories and make them look a little pretty. Some of these are now apps that you have to subscribe to because they've become so popular. They have a few free features to them, but the prettier you want to make it, it ends up costing a $20 a year fee to use all the features. In my opinion, it's worth it, but it's up to you if you want to invest in the subscription!

Story Templates

▸ Unfold
▸ MADE
▸ Over
▸ Canva
▸ Mojo
▸ Tezza
▸ Story Luxe
▸ Dazzle
▸ StoryArt
▸ StoryChic
▸ Instastories

Adding Text To Your Slides / Photos

▸ A Design Story
▸ Word Swag
▸ Story Swag
▸ Phonto
▸ Hype Type
▸ Type Art
▸ InFont
▸ Typorama

Cool Instagram Built-In Features

If you're not into having a bunch of apps on your phone and spending a ton of time going from app to app, here are small things you can do to make your stories in the app. I'm going to make these tips pinnable sheets, so you can save them to your phone and have a step by step guide at your fingertips.

Feel free to share these tips via pinning them on Pinterest or sharing them on your own IG stories to spread the word -- but please tag me if you do share! I'm @mainlymarta on all social media platforms.

Copying Photos From Photo Album and Pasting Them to Your Story 


This is a perfect way to make collages without using any other apps besides Instagram! Another feature I really love is that you can do so much with colors in stories!


See How Many People Reshared Your Post On Their Story 



Change Background Color of Stories


want a better color selection? I got you... 



so these are three little hacks that I use all the time. I have a few more tips up my sleeve that I will share with you all because it makes me so happy when you guys reach out and let me know you're using my tips or respond to a sticker asking me to cover a certain topic. I know that some people charge for this info and keep it secret, but I'm out here trying to be the change. I really believe that there is room at the table for everyone to succeed and am honored to be able to be a helping part of your story. I really appreciate the DMs, emails, and messages you send my way. thank you so much for being part of my little community. 



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2.09.2021

Last Minute Valentine's Day Basket

Y'all Valentine's day is on Sunday and if you're anything like me, you're scrambling. Maybe it's been the never-ending quarantine and all this social distancing, but my usual on top of everything self has been procrastinating to the point where it's less than a week and I'm here writing this at midnight. Trying to find things that will arrive in time and that everyone will love is the goal. 

My rushed brainstorming session is telling me to go simple this year -- the baskets will consist of books, pajamas, candy, toys for the boys. I'm getting them all the same things, but catered to the stage their in, if that makes sense. When it comes to my husband, he's getting some snacks, self-care items, a glass tumbler, and a love note because that will have to suffice. I'm not trying to be too fancy, just thoughtful with these baskets.

I'll be linking the items below, so ya'll know where to go to find them if you want to go shop and make your own basket -- hint, hint, it's Amazon Prime and Target.

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DEAL  ALERT 

target currently has a buy two get one free deal for board games, activity & craft kits, puzzles, video games, movies, music & books annnnnd you can mix and match, so there really is something for everyone. I grabbed several books for the boy's basket and for our homeschool studies.

deal expires on 02.13.2021

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shop the baskets


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2.01.2021

Bohemian Home | Inspo / Mood Board

y'all it's feburary and that means it's basically spring. if you're like me, you're looking for any reason to update, rearrange, or refresh any space in your home. nothing makes me happier than dreaming up spaces and then seeing them to life -- in my home or on the blog in my mini mood board / inspo series. I love browsing the web and looking at furniture and home decor elements, putting them together, and sharing them with you. so, to ring in the new month, I thought it'd be fun to dream up some room round-ups for a  bohemian styled home. 

The Living Room 


rattan diffuser

faux rubber plant

terra cotta speckled vase

rattan serving tray

natural himalayan pink salt candle holder

round jute rug

set of velvet pillow covers

leaf trinket dish

farmhouse bead garland

rattan basket

pouf

wooden candle holders

macrame wall hanging mirror

desk lamp

leaf stems in glass vase


The Bedroom 

palm vase

desert scene trio 

rattan tray

wicker wall clock

wood lamp

eucalyptus stem

small grid vase

rug

dark rose bedding

cactus

wood and gold hanging


The Kitchen



black and white canisters 

sun plate

stoneware black plate

seagrass coasters

woven grass vase

catus cookie jar

glass / pour over coffee maker

modern slate board set

stoneware baker

hobnail drinking glass

nesting bowls

round cutting board

matte flatware

bistro bowl

oversized latte mugs

wooden cooking utensils

gold smock

waffle weave kitchen towel


More Decor 

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