+This is not a sponsored post and all opinions are my own. Simple Bank does not know about this post, or who I am.

I have a new bank, and I am in love. I found Simple Bank via Facebook on a sponsored ad in my newsfeed. I saw the picture of the pretty white Simple card, and being that I am attracted to a simpler aesthetic I decided to click the ad.

I began reading about Simple and I got really excited. For one, I was a current Wells Fargo customer and was unhappy with the service, fees, etc. I don't have a branch nearby so I do all of my banking online anyway. Simple allows you to bank freely without being tied to a specific branch, or cluster of ATMs.

One of the first things that caught my eye was the ability to set aside money for specific purposes. Simple calls them "Goals" and they can be whatever you want. You can set aside money for your monthly rent, vacation, savings, credit card, loan, etc. Each day a little from your account gets transferred into the Goal account and you don't have to do a thing. It's all done for you. When you set up your Goal, you give it a name, an amount, and a time period you'd like to have your Goal amount saved. So, let's say you want to save up for a vacation. You want to set aside $700 in four months. Simple will calculate the daily amount to be set aside to save $700 in four months and it transfers the funds to that Goal account daily. In four months you have saved up $700 instantly. Isn't that awesome?!  The best part is, you can pause your Goal account, or archive it, and those funds will go right back into your "Safe to Spend" category.

The "Safe to Spend" category is like your available balance, but all of your pending or scheduled purchases are already calculated in. It's literally the amount of money you have that is safe to spend. No more having to calculate it in your head, it's done for you!

Another neat thing about Simple is their Customer Service. You can send a message (similar to an instant message) or you can call their Customer Service line and speak to someone in less than a minute. No need to search for their Customer Service number, it's right inside the app. You just click "Call Customer Service". I've literally not had to wait for longer than a minute to speak with a representative. They answer, I ask my question, and they answer it right then and there. They also talk to me like a person and not a client they are trying to impress. They tell me to have a "beautiful day", which I kind of love and I feel like they are really there for me. It's nice.

Need to send a check? No problem. You can send a check by mail for free straight from Simple. You put in the amount, the payee, and bam you can send a check instantly. It's pre-signed and authorized so the check is always accepted by vendors, bill collectors, friends, anyone at any bank!

Let's say you have a friend who is also a Simple customer. You can send money back and forth instantly with no fee. It's just like your transferring from your own account, that's how quick it is. You can also mobile deposit checks using your smart phone (which I love). If you need cash at any point you can go to one of the 55,000 fee free ATMs and withdrawal cash. On your smartphone you can find one of the fee free ATMs right in the Simple app. There are no overdraft, minimum, or monthly fees so you can rest easier knowing there are no surprises.

My favorite thing about Simple is the ability to budget my money right in the app. I need to see how much and where my money is going, and this has helped me spend much smarter. I also receive an alert to my smartphone every time I make a purchase. If something pops up I don't recognize, I can block my card right on the spot in the app and give Simple a call to resolve the issue. This comes in handy if you forget your card at a store or restaurant and unauthorized purchases are made. You can also block your card whenever you don't want to use it like on vacation or if you just need to restrict your spending. It's great!

If you have any questions about Simple, ask below!

If you're ready to sign up like I was, here's the link to get started!

POST INSPIRATION

Blogging can take some serious effort. Rather than being stumped for days and being unable to write, I find places to get inspired. Blogging isn't necessarily a thought to paper (or keyboard) kind of process. Real quality content takes searching, researching, and editing. When I feel stuck I peruse different outlets for inspiration. Any number of these may be useful to you as well.

01. Other blogs: I know this may be a no brainer, but I find a lot of inspiration for posts by reading blogs with similar content to mine. I see what their posts are about, what people comment the most on, and I put my own twist on it. Now, I don't use this method for every post I write. I certainly have things I want to talk about here, but when I am stuck I browse around and see if there's something that I haven't written about before. A good "go to" post is an "About Me" post. This helps your readers know you better and helps you get over the hump until your blogger's block is in check.
02. Pinterest: I honestly love Pinterest because there is inspiration everywhere. A lot of it is visual, but there are also posts dedicated to blog post ideas. Chances are you'll find something that sparks your interest and allows you to write something fresh.
03. What you've been reading: I find articles that are great conversation starters. Translate that into a post and you have a fresh new perspective on an issue you care about. I don't think blogging has to be "fluff" all of the time. You can certainly address an issue, perspective, or concern you have. I think it makes for great writing, and may even attract some comments.
04. What you've been watching: I love to read people's reactions to their favorite movies or TV shows. I used to read The Daily Tay's Bachelor recap every week and crack up. A lot of posts like that are entertaining and it's kind of like having a late night gab session with your girlfriends.
05. What you're buying: Sometimes it's fun just to share what you've purchased lately. The truth is, bloggers are very influential in the market. Trends are changing everyday, so share about your favorite new gadget, tool, app, or piece of clothing or decor. Chances are you'll get some hits for having something no one else has yet.
06. Tips & tricks: Do you have a tip or trick for the masses? Share it! Share your love for cleaning and homemade cleaning products. Maybe you have a recipe hack or a new way to dry your hair that takes 10 min. or less. People love learning new things! Don't be shy!
07. What you believe: I love when bloggers share what they believe and why. For me, I share about my walk with Christ, my hardships, and how I've come out stronger. If you have something meaningful to share, don't be afraid. Some of my most popular posts are from when I spill my guts. It makes you human, therefore it's beautiful.
08. Instagram: I love seeing people's bits and pieces of their life. I love to share mine, and I think it's a great place to look for blogging inspiration. If you have a funny or interesting picture share it and explain why you took the pic. Maybe you were on a trip with your family, your son/daughter did something endearing, or your husband surprise you with a home-cooked meal. Share it with your readers and gush all about it.
09. What you've learned: We've all had "ah-ha" moments. Share yours! I think great posts come from sharing about overcoming life challenges, or learning things the hard way. Who knows? You may really help someone.
10. Look around you: Inspiration can be found all around you. It can be find in a new restaurant, a conversation with a friend, Starbucks, church, Target...anywhere. Just embrace life around you and you will find plenty to blog about. Don't let your blogging life get in the way of your real life. That's the key to always having quality content.

What are your inspirations?

COLD

We are going to be getting what I call, "cold ass weather" these next few days. To prepare for the considerable arctic temps (in the south 9 degrees is arctic), I thought I'd put a little inspiration board together.

Did I mention my favorite season is Winter? I may be rethinking that now...

all photo sources can be found on my Pinterest boards

When weather like this comes to this neck of the woods, I try and stay inside as much as possible. They're even talking about freezing rain & sleet. Reading books with a hot cup of coffee is one of my favorite past times, along with nightly Netflix marathons. Of course, one of my goals this year is to cut back on the Netflix watching, but seriously, what's this girl without cable supposed to do? I also plan on making a big pot of chili to have for a few days. It warms the body & soul. What do you do when the weather gets brutally cold?

Stay warm.

NEW

Blogging has been one of my favorite past times since 2007. I had a very small blog, mainly a personal diary for a couple of years, then back in 2010 I decided to expand my blog into something more. I had a previous blog (before this one) that focused mainly on my personal life/married life/faith/recipes/etc. It was great, but since my life has changed so much I decided to go another direction.

This coming year I have decided to go another direction with my blog. I wouldn't say my blog will all of the sudden become more unique. I am not really pulling out all of the stops. I have decided to blog for the enjoyment and to blog about things that I care about. Blogging has become so much of what I thought it wouldn't. I honestly wasn't focused on making money on this blog (although that would be nice). I am not focused on getting that plaid scarf (although I do love it) and prancing around town taking photos of myself wearing it. I have decided to be who I am. I have tried those 'other blogger' things before and it just doesn't work.

I have a story and I have a voice and that is what matters. While I engage in social media, I am more concerned with creating authentic relationships with other bloggers/readers. I think that's important. Maybe someday I can sport an outfit that is worth taking several photos of. Maybe someday I will have a pinteresty wedding that I can post here and wow all of you single ladies (I really would too). For now, I just enjoy sharing bits and pieces of my life and what I think about this and that.

I love blogs that offer something visually as well as something original. I hope to offer that as well in some small way. While I would love to have content that is a bit more complex, this is just where I am right now. Feel free to follow along.

I may even have a new blog design in the next couple of months. It's all about simplifying in these parts.

2014

I know that 2013 is still here, but it's winding down and considering the past year, I am ready to focus my mind on things to come. 2013 did not turn out how I pictured. In fact, it's ending a lot differently than I anticipated when 2012 was winding down. The truth is, I am a single gal therefore my goals for next year will be surrounded around someone new, ME.

When you're married your goals tend to be collective between the two of you. Things that were once about you no longer are. Well, now I am experiencing the opposite. Below you will see a list of things I DO plan on accomplishing. Seriously. There really are some good reasons behind them as well. Now, these might be all over the place so don't think one takes precedence over another. All of these items are important.

1. Focus more of my attention on Christ & others versus myself.
2. Do more of the things that inspire me.
3. Take care of myself physically by eating healthful foods, exercising regularly, and getting more consistent sleep.
4. Set a TO DO list of three to four things that are manageable everyday. Be sure that it includes at least one household chore.
5. Watch only three TV shows per week and focus more on reading. (No more 6 hour Netflix marathons).
6. Design a space in my apartment that showcases my interests and inspirations.
7. Learn one new skill per month: web design, crafting, sewing, Excel, and/or recipe.
8. Create a schedule that emphasizes productivity and not time wasters.
9. Settle into a church home both in Alabama and in Georgia (parents live in Georgia).
10. Meet bloggers in real life.
11. Try a new restaurant.
12. Go on an actual date and/or meet new people.
13. Do one kindness gesture at least once a month.
14. Have a party at my place. I am thinking wine tasting or casual cocktail party.

I think 14 is a good number for 2014. I tried not to overwhelm myself and I want to choose things that are realistic, productive, and enjoyable. I plan on enjoying this next year, so in order to do so I really need to start taking care of myself. All of the items above combine all of the elements that make a person healthy. I have spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional items that are good for the soul, body, and mind. I certainly don't want to let go just because I experienced something painful this year. Life must go on as they say.

The main push behind my physical health is 1, I want to feel better and 2, I have my 10 year high school reunion coming up next fall. I want to feel and look my best so I can rub it in everyone's faces. Kidding... But seriously. I also noticed a lot of time in my life is wasteful and could be better spent doing things I enjoy and that challenge me. I love me some Netflix, but if I am watching 4,5, or 6 hours at a time on the weekends, it's a little excessive. I mean once a month or so is fine, but no more than that. Now, as far as dating goes. We shall see. I haven't exactly stepped with both feet in on that one. We will have to see how the year pans out in that area. Meeting bloggers is another goal of mine because I think its so important to surround myself with people of similar interests. If you are in AL or GA, please email me (melissafayeblog (at) gmail (dot) com). I would love to set something up! Trying new things such as a new skill or hobby is really good for being productive while being challenged. I don't really know if I am crafty per say, but I am willing to take a whack at it.

What about you? Have you already set out to achieve some things next year?

FAVORITE HANDMADE SHOPS

source | edited: Melissa Faye Blog

Rouge & Whimsy

JillianReneDecor

ArtByAndieB

The Double Dubs

Elisabeth Ashlie Jewelry

+ all items are pinned to my Handmade board

What are your favorite handmade shops?

FAVORITE POSTS

Happy weekend! Here are my favorite posts this week! I hope you check them out and give these bloggers some love. Thanks to Amy from The Charming Blog on giving me this idea. I love spreading the blog love around!

+Giveaways 
MHNWrites: $50 gift card to Target!
Rags to Stitches: August Giveaway!

source: Rags to Stitches

Lauren Elizabeth: $25 Etsy gift card!
The Girl in the Red Shoes: Rodan & Fields Muti Function Eye Cream

+Fashion Posts 
The Kinch Life Blog: The Little White Dress

source: Aubrey Kinch

Lauren Conrad: Currently Craving: Transitional White
Melissa Faye: Favorite Fall Outfits
Melissa Faye: Dressing a Toddler

+Photos

source: Hansel from Basel

+ DIY
IHeart Organizing: Bathroom Makeover

source: IHeart Organizing

Leave a link of your favorite posts from this week!

WELCOME BACK!

Hello, people!

It is my first post back since my little blog hiatus! You may remember me from Grin & Barrett, but things in my life have changed and I wanted to start fresh. I guess people don't think to get a blog makeover while they are experiencing some major life changes, but that's how I feel about blogging. I love it, it's important to me, and I want to see where this new journey takes me. I want to read back on these posts to see how I've grown and how things have changed in my life. I would love to say that time has made things easier, but that would be a lie. 

If you haven't read before I was divorced over the summer and it has been the biggest adjustment of my life. My everyday life has completely been turned upside down. Things that I once did with a partner are now done alone. I have faced some of my biggest fears and I have been thrown out of my comfort zone. Although one chapter of my life has ended, I am looking forward to new things. 

This new blog will be about my life, but also about new recipes, fashion ideas, make up, beauty products, faith, family, etc. I am excited for the new content and for this creative outlet that I love. 

Oh, and my new design? I owe this beautiful thing to Amy from Charming Life Studio. There are still some elements in the works, but I LOVE the work she has done thus far! You may also notice my Virtual Studio. I am embarking on a new venture of being a virtual assistant. More to come.

Thanks for your patience to all of my readers! I am so excited to be back!