::The Myrabev Life::

::The Myrabev Life::: January 2015

Friday, January 30, 2015

Lovely Letters ~ January 2015

Hi there and welcome, can you believe that tomorrow is the last day of January 2015? I sure can't but I am happy regardless. January has been far and today I am co-hosting the lovely letters hosted by Esther of Local Adventurer I have been participating since last year summer though missed a month or two here and there last year but I am happy to be co-hosting. For January the theme was 'Goals', what I love about this snail mail is that every month you're paired with a new blogger and every month it's a new theme. You are welcome to link up your posts showing what your partner for that month sent you. I am not able to share what my partner got me as I exchanged with someone in the states and I am in the UK so it does take sometime. I will however give you a glimpse of what I sent to aid my partner with goals.


Come link-up and don't forget to grab the link-up button.


Lovely Letters Snail Mail Pen Pal Program Button.
<div align="center"><a href="http://www.estherandjacob.com/lovely-letters/" title="Lovely Letters Snail Mail Exchange"><img src="http://www.estherandjacob.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/LovelyLetters.png" alt="Lovely Letters Snail Mail Exchange" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Since everyone is getting their packages at different times, the link up will be open until Feb 27th. Dates to remember for FEBRUARY's Snail Mail Swap:
  • Sign ups are open until Feb 6th midnight EST. You can sign up HERE (FOR BLOGGERS ONLY. If you don't have a blog, you can always start one!)
  • You will get your snail mail pen pal by the 9th and begin getting to know your partner.
  • Send out your packages by February 20th. Stay under $7 Limit. {Theme: Valentines}
  • Write about your experience and link up on Feb 27th (the last Friday of the month).

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Wednesday, January 28, 2015

{Blogging DIY Series} How to insert widgets into a post ~ Facebook and Pinterest


Hi there and welcome to the last DIY post for January, I have enjoyed doing these DIY posts and even more so enjoyed the feedback from you my readers. I will continue the DIY posts when I have the need to change something on my blogs but for the mean time I think I have covered what I wanted to achieve in January of 2015. Which brings me to the shock of this week being the last week of January 2015, I have no idea where time is rushing off to but I can not complain as so far into 2015 the lord has blessed me tremendously.
As I mentioned 2 weeks ago when I shared how to insert widgets into a post for Twitter and Instagram I would share with you how to insert Facebook and Pinterest widgets into a post and that day has come. Ever since I started inserting widgets into my posts I have noticed an increased interaction on my social media as well as an odd (1 or 2) new followers via insert these widgets. This has firmed my belief that adding widgets into posts does help with social engagement and allows your readers to follow you much more easily than having to click your social media icon.
Adding Facebook and Pinterest widgets into your blog is as simple as drinking water and I will show you how.

Facebook



1. Log into your facebook account and choose what post/picture on your personal page or fan page that you want to include into your post.
2. Once chosen, hover your mouse over the right hand corner of that post/picture and a down arrow will appear.



3. Click the down arrow and options which be shown, choose & click the last option 'Embed Post'
4. This will open up the widget and how it will look, what I love about Facebook embed is that you have the option to adjust the widget of that widget. You can make it larger or small to fit your post area.


5. Copy the html once you have edited your width (optional) and insert that into the post. For blogger in the post click the HTML tab and for Wordpress click the text tab. And that's it done, now lets move to the next widget.

Pinterest

Follow Myrabev Lifestyle's board Christmas on Pinterest.

1. Log into your Pinterest account, choose the board you want to share.
2. In the right corner you have three options, click on the dots (...) and three options will appear. Choose make a widget and widget html code will appear with preview of what your widget will look like.


3. Copy the html into your blog post area (see #5 for Facebook above).


That's you done for Pinterest, easy peasy.
Would love to hear your thoughts on how you found this tutorial. 
Ciao


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Tuesday, January 27, 2015

{Blogging DIY Series} How to add clickable links and pictures to side bar


Having clickable images on your side bar has become one of the must do things for bloggers, this is more so now if you have a series (DIY, Personal Confessions, Book Reviews & Goals Link Party) going on your blog and you want your reads to able able to find all the posts under that heading in one place. Searching the blog does help but it's just that extra hussle that most readers don't want and some readers are usually not sure of what they want to search for.
At the end of last year I had an opportunity to work with a company that wanted to place clickable links on my blogs and since I was not against the sites the links led to I was happy to work with them. But! I had no clue how to add clickable links to my blog luckily the company did and sent me the instructions and ever since I feel like a pro when adding clickable links to my blog. The idea is so simple that even a new blogger can do it because honestly I didn't even break a sweat.

Links

1. log into your blogger dashboard and go to layout, dependant on the layout of your blog and widget areas click add widget to the area you want to add the clickable link.


2. Once the widget opens, scroll down to find 'Link List'. Click on the name or the plus (+) sign and it opens up the widget.
3. You can add as many links as you want, choose how many to show, sort out the order of display and click save.


**This is usually used when you want to share with your readers links to other websites, links to your favourite bloggers**

Pictures

1. log into your blogger dashboard and go to layout, dependant on the layout of your blog and widget areas click add widget to the area you want to add the clickable picture.


2. Once the widget opens, scroll down to find 'image'. Click on the name or the plus (+) sign and it opens up the widget.
3. Add the title of the image, choose from your files the image you want to add, click on shrink (unless image is small already) and click save.


The links you add could be anything you want but if you want to have certain posts appear under a certain image like I have for my book reviews you could go into the post and click on the label for that post then use that link or if you have a labels widget already on the blog you could also click on the required link and this gives you a link you can use.
As you can see adding clickable links and pictures to your sidebar is as easy as pie.
Ciao


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Saturday, January 24, 2015

{Review} Microbiome Plus & Giveaway


For those of us who have/had made a conscience decision to ensure 2015 is the year we look after our bodies be it losing weight, maintaining weight or even just toning up I want to bring to your attention another part of our bodies that we should be taking care of too. How well do you look after your gut? I know for a fact that last year even the years before that I did not really put much thought into caring for my gut but this year I have made a decision to ensure that I look after my gut properly. For the last 12+ days I have been taking Microbiome Plus+ from iShopNutrition, these are more complete and natural dietary supplements. I have never taken microbiome supplements before and I am usually sceptical with supplements because most don’t really do what they claim. The supplements I have been taking are gastrointestinal supplements and so far so good. Microbiome are organisms that we share our bodies with, generally they are non-pathogenic (don't cause disease) and they exist in harmony & symbiotically with the host (us) but they can cause diseases if they grow or mix abnormally and have been linked to the common obesity. Packed with this knowledge I decided to care for my gut by taking these microbiome supplements.




About the Product

MOST ADVANCED PRE & PROBIOTIC COMBINATION - 600mg of PREBIOTIC scFOS (Short-chain fructo oligosaccharides) combined with 3.5 Billion CFU of New Advanced ProBiotic L. reuteri NCIMB 30242 combine to provide a Synbiotic formulation that has been shown in clinical trials to help support normal inflammatory response in addition to supporting digestive health.
•SUPPORT MOOD & BOOST ENERGY - Poor nutrient absorption can leave you short on essential vitamins and minerals. Fatigue, irritability, and a lack of motivation are signs of nutrient deficiency. Probiotics develop a healthy microenvironment in the digestive system and gastrointestinal tract that optimizes nutrient absorption, giving you the positive energy and happy feelings to be your vibrant self.
•LOSE WEIGHT - Weight-loss research suggests that healthy microflora in the gut can speed your metabolism and support fat loss. Fat burning is more than just an exercise routine. For healthy weight loss, give your body the probiotic support it needs.
•Maintains balance of healthy bacteria
•IMPROVE & MAINTAIN HEALTH - Your gut is home to 80% of your immune system, where good bacteria (probiotics) battle with bad bacteria to prevent disease and relieve allergies, bloating, gas, and constipation. Probiotics replenish disease-fighting bacteria and help maintain digestive functions and immune health by controlling candida and yeast overgrowth.



Review

The tablets are huge in size compared to your normal vitamin supplements, in each pack there is two strips; one for a.m and one for p.m. What I know is there is no bitter taste with these supplements and though I am not a big fan on big tablets I have noticed that I am swallowing these in one go without a problem which is a big shock to me as taking tablets or supplements has never been fan for me. Please note these tablets are not for losing weight but to aid in weight loss if that is what you're working towards. So if you are always exercising or taking steps to lose weight these supplements will aid that. But if you're unsure I always recommend you check with your GP especially if you’re on other medications. I have noticed an improvement in my metabolism and a boost in energy, I cannot testify to mood as I am a happy person anyway so unless people have noticed something else I cannot say. I am happy to know that these microbiomes are supporting my inflammatory response and my immune system overall as this time of colds the last thing I want is to catch a cold.
Having checked out the iShopNutrition website I am convinced they know what they're doing, they sell vitamins, nutrients, supplements even body creams and body lotion. There website is easy on the eye and to navigate, they have a search functionality making it easier to search for products. Check them out and see if they can cater for your needs and if unsure about the supplements (which they supply different kinds) check with your GP (doctor).


Giveaway
The lovely people of ishopNutrition wants to give 5 of you a box containing 4 GI supplements and 1 bone supplement to try out for yourselves. The rules are simple, UK & Ireland entrants only.

Microbiome Plus Giveaway

Disclosure: I was sent the supplements via bloggers required in order to facilitate this review, the opinions are my own and no other form of compensation was offered/received. Regardless I only recommend products which I see fit, can use myself or my family and does not interfere with my integrity.

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Wednesday, January 21, 2015

{Blogging DIY Series} How to adjust your blog width.


Have you noticed how some blogs use the entire screen whilst others have open edges? Well I learnt a while back how to adjust my template but most of the time never felt the need. But since I had a make over on this blogger my designer left huge gaps on either side of the blog and I wanted to re-adjust that plus increase the size of my widget area. As I have mentioned I know how to do this without code but I recently learnt howto do it with code and I will show you both today.

**Note this is for blogger, if you need for Wordpress please let me know**

Adjust widths without code.

Step 1: open blogger dashboard, choose template and click on customise.

Step 2: on top left click on adjust widths and you can play around with the widths and watch the changes at the bottom before you apply to your template.


Step 3: Once happy with size then save and you're done.

Adjust widths with code. 

**I recommend always saving template before your begin anything code related**

Step 1. Open blogger dashboard, choose template and click on HTML 

Step 2: search width (ctrl f) and locate *header-wrapper, outer-wrapper, main-wrapper, sidebar-wrapper and footer* The main-wrapper is your post section and the rest I think is explanatory. Adjust each of these sections to your wishes and save template. That's its done.


This is how I adjust my templates, let me know if you need help I am happy to assist.

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Tuesday, January 20, 2015

{Book Review} Waves of love



Waves of love is a book based on a young man and an older woman, I say young as in 22 and older as in 32. Sage is a bookstore owner who gave up everything to look after her family store when her dad died then her mum followed shortly after. Derek is a young self-taught surfer who left home a long time before his father had a chance to kick him out, his mum died when he was young and his dad was not the ‘lonely type’ so had plenty of women who had kids that always moved in with them but never treated him nice and his dad never gave a toots. Sage has lived in her town almost all her life but never managed to learn how to surfer, Derek after self-teaching himself to surf he pitched an idea to an editor to let him document his surfer travels and write a book.

I love how the author introduced Derek and Sage, you can feel the chemistry right there and then. Though sage is reluctant due to the sage gap (cradle robber) she doesn't want to even consider it, Derek on the other hand things she’s hot and is into her. The author gives you a glimpse of what each character is feeling and experiencing, though I wouldn't normally say this as for me I do not know why I feel weird even more awkward to consider dating someone younger than me but I have nothing against those who do since I only date men older than me (personal choice and no daddy issues – they are usually 5-7 years older than me). I love the chemistry, the behaviour and the maturity displayed by both these characters; the author has made this book very engaging and not one to put down light heartedly. 
I read the book in 2 hours(with occasional breaks –was travelling) but I think it could be read in less than 2 hours. The English language was used nicely and no grammatical errors that I could see; this is a romance book so I was very happy with the level of romance in the book as well as intimacy. Unless fifty shades of doom (yes I have read all 3) it was not repetitive and was only described in 2 sections (not saying where it is go read yourself). This is a well written book which I am very happy to recommend to 16+, I always put 16+ even if the author put 13+ (with this book I am not sure).

Product Description

Can love overcome an age difference of more than 10 years?

A contemporary romance unlike any other!
At thirty-two, Sage Drake has the world by the tail. She owns her own bookstore, in sunny Florida, and loves her work so much she lives in the apartment above the store. Then one day a young surfer strolls in, cadging free coffee and donuts from her little caf?.
His name is Derek Chambers, and he’s no regular surfer: he’s an author of a series of surfing travelogues, eager to do a book-signing or two at Sage’s store. She goes him one better by offering to host a series of writing workshops, with Derek as the star.
In return, Derek offers to teach Sage ”" who’s never learned ”" how to surf.
Will the two find love in the waves?
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

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{Blogging DIY Series} How to add Google fonts ~ Wordpress


A couple of weeks ago I shared how to add Google fonts to blogger, most of us know how unflattering the default fonts that blogger has and for the entire time I had been blogging I always wondered how some bloggers managed to get really cute fonts. I always thought I had to pay to have anything on my blogs changed and to begin with I did but this year I thought I take the plunge and learn how to do it myself. It's been a really fun process learning all these cool tips and tricks and I have been enjoying sharing them with you and I am sure most of you know already but I hope one or two will find these useful or maybe a new blogger might stumble upon this post in the future and find it useful.

As I mentioned in the blogger version of how to add fonts I am happy to help if you can't understand or something is not working as shown, tweet me and I will help.

The process is easy and for someone like me who is not HTML code savvy if I can do it trust me it's a doodle (you can do it). 

Step 1: Go to Google fonts page and choose the font you want, since with blogger I showed you how to add one font and briefly mentioned how to add multiple fonts I will share how to add multiple fonts to wordpress.


step 2: Once you have chosen the fonts by clicking add to collection, click on review at the bottom of the page (in collection) and it will move you to the next page where all the codes are.

Note: The fonts you have chosen will be embedded in one code line which is what you need for the next step.

Step 3: Copy the code and navigate to your Wordpress template (dashboard - appearance- editor) on the right hand side click on header. Once header code is up find the fonts code to replace with your new code. **Remember to save once you add new code**



Step 4: To add the different font styles you picked out, head to CSS styles (bottom right). In the css styles search for "font-family" and this will display the different areas e.g 'body post, sidebar, header font' etc. All you need to do is head back to Google fonts and choose which font you want for each section and replace what's there with the new font style. **only replace what you adding i.e. Font-family; sanif;curve. Nothing more **

REMEMBER TO CLICK SAVE AND REFRESH YOUR BLOG FOR CHANGES TO APPEAR


If you want to change the size of the font for your posts either add a line below the font style (if not there like mine) or just increase/decrease the font size number.  

I hope you found this DIY post useful, please let me know in comments section also if you need help let me know.

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Monday, January 19, 2015

Co-Hosting: Chain Climb Linky

Hi there and welcome, can you believe are in the 3rd week of January 2015! I mean where on earth did the last 2 weeks disappear to? Christmas is still on my mind and so is NYE, I am yet to share what I got and I have so many things that I need to share but time seems to be flying so fast I can not catch a moment. Anyway enough of that, today I am co-hosting the lovely chain climb linky and would love you to join us.

God’s Growing Garden
 photo 2toclimb_zps515fa21c.jpg
 
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
WELCOME!
It's the month long Networking Blog Hop 
With our CLIMB GIVEAWAY!
Networking means helping each other grow!! 
If you want to promote a CLIMB link, then use #ChainLinkyCLIMB on Twitter or Google+ so that we can all help each other grow!
Here's how the Giveaway & Co-hosting works - the co-hosts from the previous month's CLIMB will have the opportunity to participate in a Giveaway during the next CLIMB - that gives co-hosts 2 months in a row of blog growing fun!!  (If you would like to co-host please sign up at the end of this post using the last "Linky") 
Please enter below -one person will win:
- $20 Amazon e-gift card from Sew Crafty Angel & from Cuddlebug Cuties 
- $10 Paypal Cash from God's Growing Garden
- 1 Ad Space on A Peek Into My Paradise for 30 days - $30 value
- One 30 day Ad Space on Heartbeats~Soul Stains - $10 value
- a beautiful 11x14 print from Helen's Etsy Shop called "Flower Wagon" - HFernsOriginals $25 value (with shipping)
- 1 Sidebar Ad Space on God's Growing Garden - $10 value
- A lovely Kitten Paw Sea Shell Necklace with Peach Freshwater Pearl by ShorelineDesigned - $20 value


COPPER TONE FAN NECKLACE
 photo Cindyseasshell4_zpsa5edc198.jpg
by ShorelineDesigned

Copper Tone Fan - Natural Color Kitten Paw Sea Shell with Peach Freshwater Pearl, Sparkly Pure Copper Delicate Chain Necklace

"I personally had the awe inspiring pleasure of plucking this naturally brightly colored Kitten Paw seashell (I like to call them "fans" or "pretty paws") full of bright peach and white from the sugar white sands of the Cape San Blas Beach in the Florida Gulf of Mexico. I have carefully drilled a 2.1 mm hole into the seashell to utilize it as a pretty pendant. All its metal findings are pure copper.  The fine and dainty super sparkly high quality copper chain is 17 inches with a strong lobster clasp. The beautiful peach freshwater pearl connector is a 7 mm pearl with pure copper 24 gauge wire. I make sure my jewelry findings are of fine quality."


by ShorelineDesigned



 photo HelenFlower_zps30e1fe0e.jpg
by Helen Fern
"Flower Wagon" 11x14 print by "H Fern Originals": (shop description) "My goal is to provide you with quality greeting cards and photographs at an affordable price. I have experienced each image you see and tried to capture the feeling in the photograph.   Please look around, send me comments - both praise and suggestions - and feel free to ask me any questions. ."


Total prize value is $125!!

CLIMB Giveaway Rules & Conditions:
- this is open worldwide (void where prohibited)
- You must be 18 years or older to enter 
- You MUST have a blog to win the Ad spaces (otherwise these will become a second place prizes)
- You must live in the lower 48 of the United States to win the Necklace & the print (otherwise these will become  second place prizes)
- You MUST have a valid PayPal account to win the Paypal Cash (otherwise these will become a second place prizes)
- This Giveaway is open from January 2nd, 2015 until January 30th, 2015
- Winner must respond to email within 48 hours or a different winner will be chosen
- Giveaway Hosts & Co-hosts can NOT enter this Giveaway!, however - JANUARY 2015 CLIMB blog hop co-hosts ARE allowed to enter this Giveaway (provided they are not also part of the Giveaway)
- correspondence is done through email and the winner's email addresses will only be used to deliver or set-up e-prizes.  Email addresses will NEVER be sold or shared.
- All prizes will be delivered by the contributing Bloggers/Shop Owners.
- if you have any questions or concerns about this Giveaway please email one of the hosts:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now onto the CLIMB (blog hop):
We have changed it up a bit - instead of linking your homepage you may now link up to 4 of your family friendly blog posts per month!!

 
CLIMB by Angie Ouellette-Tower for godsgrowinggarden.com photo ClimbIntro_zps6919dad8.jpg


CLIMB by Angie Ouellette-Tower for godsgrowinggarden.com photo ClimbRules_zps77e9b7a4.jpg
By participating in this blog hop your understand that your link might be promoted on social media.  Also, by participating in this blog hop your email address will be added to our CLIMB list & you will be sent an email reminder next month. 

CLIMB by Angie Ouellette-Tower for godsgrowinggarden.com photo ClimbLink_zpsf527c076.jpg

Remember - If you co-host you will receive a free Weekly Sidebar Ad and your blog button will appear on both Angie's blog & Angel's blog!!

(The Ad will run live a few weeks after you have co-hosted)

CLIMB by Angie Ouellette-Tower for godsgrowinggarden.com photo ClimbCo-host_zpseca2ac09.jpg







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Saturday, January 17, 2015

Three things I love about Cambridge (UK)






When my parents moved us from Zambia to United Kingdom they moved us to the best city in the world, granted we lived more in the borough of Cambridge than the city itself but that never stopped us going into the heart of Cambridge and exploring. I have experienced so many wonderful times in cambridge, the city is very very diverse and a home to many different races. Cambridge is known for it's amazing architecture, the historical buildings like the oldest church in Cambridge St Benet's church and as the home of the University of Cambridge one of the top universities in the world. There are so many beautiful gardens to explore in Cambridge, we pride ourselves with the rowing team, the advancement in technology - Silicon Fen. Our technological advances has moved to the types of buses (biofuel) we have running around cambridgeshire, cambridge like london is a home of cyclists there are some many areas in cambridge to cycle and just take in the town. For me Cambridge is even more personal, not only is it my new adopted home but also a town where my church 'New Apostolic Church cambridge congregation' is based. I have been going to this church since 2004 and I love it and makes me proud every day. I have had many dates in cambridge, I have had many times taken my family for meals out on the town and many times spent with friends just exploring the beauty that is cambridge. 
I hope one day you get the opportunity to visit this amazing town and experience 3 of my favourite things
1. Rowing 
2. Dinning.
3. Shopping

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