Hey there, sweet friends! I’m Abby, and I’m so thrilled that you’ve stumbled over to my blog! I started Just a Girl and Her Blog on a whim in January 2013. I wasn’t even quite sure what a blog was at the time, but I knew I needed some sort of creative outlet and decided to give blogging a try. It wasn’t long before I caught the blogging bug, and I am still totally in awe that this little blog of mine (that I didn’t think anyone would ever read!) has become a family business, with both my husband Donnie and I working on the blog full time! Our journey to becoming full time bloggers is a story all its own, and you can read all about it in this post.
I am truly passionate about creating a beautiful, thriving home, life, and business and helping others to do the same! On the blog, those passions manifest themselves in posts about organization and productivity and in practical, easy-to-follow decorating tips. And since blogging has been a total game changer for us, allowing us to work from home and spend tons of time with our sons while supporting our family at the same time, we also try to “pay it forward” by sharing what we’re learning about blogging and online business in hopes that other bloggers can learn from our successes and failures and grow their sites as well.
To try to help people even more in the areas of organization, productivity, and blogging, we have created eBooks and courses that extend beyond the information we can share in blog format and really dive deep into each of the different areas:
BookBoss: Write + Launch a Profitable eBook in 90 Days or Less
Building a Framework: The Ultimate Blogging Handbook
Simplify: 35+ Printables to Help You Organize Your Life + The Intentional Life Planner
About Abby
If you hang around this blog for any amount of time, you will discover that I really, really love lists! I thought it was only fitting, then, for me to introduce myself in list format and tell you 10 things that you probably didn’t know about me:
1. My blog name is a lie.
It’s true. When I started my blog, I had no idea what to call it, and Just a Girl and Her Blog was the first name that came to mind. The name might suggest that I do this whole thing alone, but I certainly don’t make this blog happen all by myself! As I’ve mentioned, Donnie is my business partner and does a lot of the behind-the-scenes work and will pop in to write a post from time to time. We’ve also brought on my sister Brittany to help us out as an assistant/social media manager, so if you ever shoot us an email, you might hear from her as well. It really is a team effort!
2. Donnie and I are college sweethearts. <3
We met through a mutual friend during our freshman year at Grove City College, a small Christian liberal arts school in western Pennsylvania, and the rest, as they say, is history. Our college has always had a “ring by spring” reputation– the students tend to pair up and get engaged by the spring of their senior year, and even though a bunch of my friends and I swore up and down that we weren’t going to marry Grove City boys, most of us ended up doing exactly that. Go figure. 😉
(Donnie and I during our freshman year of college…we were babies!)
3. I never in a million years thought that I would be a boy mom, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I am a total girly girl. I only have a sister. I mostly babysat girls. So of course I thought that when it was my turn to have kids, I would have a bunch of little girls. Then God blessed us with our two darling boys, Connor and Caleb (who I call “the Cs” for short), and I have never been so smitten in my entire life. They are the sweetest, cutest, most ornery and darling things that I’ve ever seen and I can’t imagine life without them!
(This is typical with our 2 boys!)
4. My degree is in secondary ed, English & communication… but I’ve barely used it, in the classroom, anyway.
I’ve always loved to write, so studying English was a natural choice for me. I only did a brief stint as a high school English teacher though, before Donnie and I moved across the country to Arizona, decided we missed home after about a year, and moved back home to Pittsburgh, PA to be closer to our families. Then we had the Cs and started a blog, so I never did make it back into the classroom!
5. I, along with my mom and sister, am a carrier of the BRCA1 genetic mutation.
I told my full story in this post, but basically, having this mutation means that we are at high risk for breast and ovarian cancers. I had one surgery to reduce my risk in July 2014, and I will have another one soon. (If you are a BRCA carrier and have questions about surgeries or prevention, please feel free to email me! I am always willing to chat about my experience!)
(with my sister Brittany and my parents)
6. I’m quirky.
I have a whole list of quirks that I’m sure drive Donnie nuts. I’m a picky eater (and drinker—I don’t like coffee, tea, or alcohol). I hate loud noises, especially “pops” (keep those balloons and cans of crescent rolls away from me!). I use way too many exclamation points and smiley faces any time I write!!! 🙂 I am almost always cold. Except when I’m way too hot. I talk and/or sing to myself all the time. I watch my 3 favorite movies over and over rather than trying a new movie. I sometimes get laser focused on one thing and it’s hard for me to do anything else until I finish it. And I may be just a teensy bit bossy. Oops!
7. I’ve been a blonde and a brunette.
I had a hard time deciding between the two for a while, but I’ve been solidly brunette for the last 5-ish years or so, so maybe I’ve finally settled into a color?
8. I’ve finished a marathon.
Kind of. It was a relay and I was the last leg, so technically I am the one who finished it, right?! 😉
9. We recently moved from a little three bedroom townhouse and built a house that we hope will be our forever home.
The first three and a half years of this blog chronicled the renovations we were making to our little townhouse in the suburbs. Just when we got it exactly the way we wanted it, we outgrew it– of course!
(our renovated kitchen in the townhouse– probably my favorite transformation in the whole house)
In September of 2016 we moved into a house we had built by a community builder (a Palermo by Ryan Homes) and have been working hard at making it our own ever since. I think it’s safe to say that we have years and years of projects ahead of us in this house! 🙂
(Our current house)
10. Speaking of houses, ours sometimes looks like this:
A lot of times, actually. I have two wild and crazy boys running around who haven’t quite gotten the hang of cleaning up yet. And they have a scatterbrained mama who, though fairly organized, tends to leave a trail of projects behind her anywhere she goes. (I blame my creative side!) We’re a work in progress for sure. But just because you see a lot of pretty pictures on the blog doesn’t mean that we don’t have our days (or sometimes our weeks) when things are just total and utter chaos. And I’m learning to be okay with that in this season of our lives. 🙂
What now?
So now that you know more about me than you ever wanted to know, where do we go from here? Well, that depends on what you’re looking for!
Get Organized
Looking for some ways to get organized? I recommend these posts:
Decorate Your Home
Maybe you’re looking for some easy ways to spruce up your home? These posts may be able to help:
Grow Your Blog
Or maybe you found me because you were looking for ways to start or grow your blog. These posts can get you there:
Thank you so much for popping over to my little corner of the internet! I would love to connect with you on social media, so be sure to say “hi!” on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, or Twitter. Talk to you soon!
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Hi! I just found your blog via Money Saving Mom. I am also an Abby, also recently became a SAHM, and I love what you’re doing here. Great blog!
Thanks so much, Abby! {Best name ever! ;)} Thank you for stopping by the blog! I’m hopping over to yours now!
~Abby =)
I just came across your blog now! I’m not a mom yet but I think this is great! I also love your name;)
Thank you so much, Abby! And I agree– great name! 😉 Hope you’re having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
Abby! I stumbled across your blog from pinterest and I love it! You are so beautiful and so is your little family. You may have already created a blog about this but I would LOVE to hear about your journey of building your family home. Like I said I’m new to this so you may have already talked about it and I just haven’t seen it. Take care 🙂
Totally agree with you just became mum to my beautiful boy and of course its much more difficult to be selfish and think about yourself only so I think about the whole family before buying a gift…. thats why I love buying investment gifts
Hi Abby! I found your blog through your comment on my blog from The Remodeled Life. What a sweet family you have! I love your flower projects, I’m adding them to my to-craft list 🙂
Thanks so much, Andrea! I’m so glad you popped over! Hope you had a wonderful weekend!
~Abby =)
Abby, I was looking for paper flower project for our church dinner next Wednesday and found your tissue paper flower tutorial which also led me to your other sharing. I’m older and moving in with a friend to share expenses. Loved your organizational tips. They will be well used! Pamela
Thank you, Pamela! I’m so glad you found some helpful tips and tutorials! Have fun with your church dinner project–I bet it will be lovely! Thank you so much for reading!
~Abby =)
Hi Abby! I think your site is so cute! I’d like you to know that I nominated you for a Liebster Award! To find out more, please check out my latest post here: https://www.mysubconsciousramblings.com/2013/06/yay-i-was-nominated-for-liebster-award.html Take care!
Loren @ My {Sub}Conscious Ramblings
Stopping by from Social Sunday… now following you on G+, Pinterest, FB (as Kim Vealey), & B-Lovin’. Have a great week!
Thank you so much, Kim! Returning all of the follow love! Have a wonderful Sunday!
~Abby =)
Hey, Abby! Hope you are having a wonderful 4th of July weekend! I finally get to tag you back with an award nomination! I have nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award. Have a great long weekend! Hugs!
Bethany! You just made my night! Thank you so very much! I loved reading all of your fun facts. I also just realized that I had your blog linked wrong in my feedly, so I apologize if I’ve been missing posts! It’s all corrected now! Thank you again for such an honor!
~Abby =)
Hi Abby! I’m not sure how I found your blog but I’m glad that I did! I also live near Pittsburgh. It’s nice to see mom’s out there who aren’t afraid to share their faith. God bless.
Thanks so much, Holly! I love meeting other Pittsburgh bloggers! Heading over to check out your site now!!
~Abby =)
Hello Abby! It’s very nice meeting you. You have a beautiful family! I came across your blog on the “Let’s Get Social Sunday” Linky Party. I am now following you via Bloglovin’. Please follow me back.
All the best,
Vashti
Nice to meet you, Vashti! Thanks for the follow! Heading over to check out your blog now!
~Abby =)
Thank you very much!
Hey I am in LOVE with your monogram wood cut out tutorial! It wa great!! I am having one problem though. I’m trying to group my 3 letters together so I don’t have to move them individually and its not wanting to work. I tried the 2 different ways you listed. Is there something else you can tell me? I may be doing it wrong I don’t know. Thanks!!
Thanks, Nikki! Since I’ve been doing Word tutorials, I’ve had lots of people with different versions share tips on how to “group” things together. Here are two more ideas:
adobs said, “I use Microsoft Word for Mac and instead of using the ctrl button and clicking each individual object, you can push and hold ctrl then push and hold a, and it will select all objects on the page. You can then ‘group’ all the objects together without having to worry about missing one!”
And Dawn added, “Click on selection pane (located on the drawing tools ribbon), and a box will open up that lists all the text boxes, shapes, etc on the page. Select the ones you want and then right click and hit group.”
Hope this helps!
~Abby =)
Wow, I’m so impressed with how far you’ve come since January! I’m a new blogger too – and am also a boy mom and a list-lover. 🙂 I look forward to spending some time here and getting to know you!
Thanks so much, Kate! I always love meeting other boy mamas! I look forward to getting to know you better too! Hope you’re having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
Hi,am so pleased with your page.You have got a great family. I am also new to blogging and i will do my best to learn from your style.I will follow you on any of the social medias.Take care and all the best
Thank you so much! Good luck with your blog! It is a blast!
~Abby =)
Oh My Gosh Abby!!! You probably don’t remember me, but I was your first babysitter when your mom and Dad were at Ashland! You are so beautiful outside and in and I LOVE your web site!! Tell your parents Buffy said Hi! I will be following regularly!!
Buffy (McIntyre) Keck
Buffy! Of course I remember you! I broke your fish tank, right? (Sorry about that! 😉 ) Thank you so much for visiting my blog! It’s so great to “see” you again. Have a great day!
~Abby =)
I really enjoy your blog. I just made a blog (a few hours ago…) and haven’t even posted anything yet, just looking around at other peoples’ to get a good idea of even what I wanna post about. This showed me you don’t have to be that “perfect blogger” that I do feel like I see a lot! Gives me hope… Thank you and I look forward to reading more!!
Randell
Congrats on your new blog, Randell! Looks like you’re off to a great start! Yes– no blogger is perfect, no matter how pretty their pictures are, so just be yourself and people will love it! Thanks for checking out my blog! Have a great week!
~Abby =)
Hi – I just found your blog through DIYmama – and I love it. I am going to buy your book tomorrow – it sounds great. I have been blogging for little over 6 months and have reached the point where I need to find a way to get people coming back for more… so I look forward to reading your social media tips. Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge.
So glad you found me, Tove! Thanks so much for stopping by and checking out my book!
~Abby =)
Hi Abby, I enjoyed reading your profile. God to know you love Jesus. Best feeling to nurture in our hearts! Your blog looks interesting.
Hi! Just found your blog through Pinterest!
Randomly searching through one income family pins and found you …. The crazy part my husband and I along with our two sons live in the Pittsburgh PA suburbs as we’ll and we both went to slippery rick university for college about as close as another college campus comes to Grove City college! What a small world:)
No way!! Such a small world! So fun to find another ‘Burgh-er in blogland! Thanks so much for saying “hi”! So nice to meet you!
~Abby =)
OHHHHH, I love your blog, and I loved reading this and getting to know you more! I am a PK too and an A type and married a handy, good willed, know it all. 😉 I wont judge you on you English, because I know all too well about that, seeing as my mama is an English major too.
To top it off, we also have a son named Caleb and love the fact that the Biblical Caleb was strong and truthful and a man of God,
xoxox I love getting to meet girls like you, cant wait to subscribe!
Bethany
I know you’re probably sick of hearing stuff like this, but you seriously look a lot like the actress Emily Browning. It doesn’t mean you have a generic face; to me, it just means you’re lucky to look as beautiful as an actress like Browning! 🙂 I’m an English major (and English lover) too. Also I love your blog posts! My favorites are ‘How I Organized My Whole Life’ and ‘How to Go Paperless.’ Thanks for being a great blogger 🙂 — Allison
Hi, I was in the middle of writing you a long message about a free printable idea, and then my reply vanished from my screen. Did it accidentally send to you (incomplete)? If not, I can re-write. ARRRRrrrggggh.
Thanks,
Donna
I don’t see it. 🙁 I’m sorry! Can’t wait to hear your printable idea, though! Have a great evening!
~Abby =)
looks like you’re close – I’m about an hour outside of Pittsburgh.
at any rate, love your blog!
just had my first baby not too long ago – a little baby boy. back to work already, so haven’t had time to blog, but it’s nice to read other blogs.
Yay! I love “meeting” others in the area! Congrats on your new little guy– so sweet! Hope you’re having a wonderful week, Cristi!
~Abby =)
Hi Abby, I am a new follower of your blog. Just stumbled on your blog when searching ‘how I made my life better’ (A severe case of Mondayitis had hit me !). Hey, you look like Felicity Jones to me…:):) I know you get that all the time. Haha. You have a very happy face and a cute family. God bless !
Haha! Thanks so much, Divya! So glad you found me– nice to “meet” you! 🙂 Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend!
~Abby =)
Well, I just purchased your book. Let’s see how this goes! I was reading your about page, and saw that you are a PK. Love it! I can’t wait to learn all about you through your posts, and interested to see what all we have in common!
Thanks so much for checking out my book, Carina! I hope it’s helpful for you! And hooray for PKs! 🙂 Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend!
~Abby =)
Hi Abby! I just stumbled across your blog while doing a quick Google search, I’m new to blogging, also a SAHM and have five sons and two daughters 🙂 I’m inspired by your story of success and love the clean look of your blog and the great photos. Thanks for sharing your story and creativity.
Hi Abby! I have just read about your blog and your e-book on Andrea’s blog Cooking with a Wallflower and hopped over to have a look. I’m new to blogging and like organizing things, so I’m sure I’ll find a lot of interesting stuff here. Oh, and I love the way your blog looks.
Hey Abby
I love reading your blog, it’s an inspiration. Hoping to find a lot of creative ideas around here for my home. You are doing a wonderful job . God bless your lovely family.
Hi, Abby! So neat to find a new blog “sister,” in the Lord, too! Love your profile and your “type A” tendencies; I tend to be a scattered mama and it’s always nice to connect with mamas bearing the gifts of organization and orderliness. Sweet connection – my oldest is preparing to fly the nest, and Grove City College is on his list! Be blessed – nice to connect!
Hi! I just found your blog and can’t believe you are 22!
Like you, I am a teacher (full time) and a (new) blogger after deciding to share recipes after chatting to people through my (part time) my cake business- life is busy!
Love your style of writing- I am going to go find you on FB etc.
Have an awesome day,
Kirsten
I stumbled upon you and found that you are from Pittsburgh and went to Grove City College. I lived outside of Pittsburgh my whole life and then moved to Grove City since I work there. My house is a short ways away from the college.
I thank you for your tips and for sharing your family with people. I will begin to follow you and drop you a line or two along the way.
Marilyn
What a small world! I love Grove City– such a sweet little town! So nice to “meet” you, Marilyn!
~Abby =)
I found your blog on pinterest this morning. Thank you so much for the wonderful information you are sharing! You have a beautiful family! 🙂 BTW I am a PK as well!
Hey Abby, I found your blog on Pinterest today too! I love your charm and genuineness. Also, love that you enjoy helping fellow bloggers like myself. Oh and you’re family is adorable!
Hey! Found you via Brilliant Business Moms and I LOVE your blog! I also want to jump through the internet and give you a bear hug for your first ‘about me’! I’m also an English major and people constantly ask me grammar questions. I tell them, “I’m an English major, not a grammar major!”
Lol! So glad I’m not the only one! So nice to “meet” you, Victoria!
~Abby =)
I just nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award
Post:
Just A Girl and her blog. Abby will be my go-to girl if I need any organization ideas.
https://thisisreallife.co/lovely-blog-award/
Thank you so much, Christine! I’m honored! Have a wonderful weekend!
~Abby =)
a couple of things:
* great blog. no! f-a-n-t-a-s-t-i-c blog!
* point #4 above is so weirdly true. i came to your blog from a search result about wunderlist. in fact, the only reason i continued reading your blog is because you have an uncanny resemblance to someone i knew long time ago. and the resemblance is so striking that i couldn’t leave the page i was on. this is weird.
* i read your hubby’s note on going paperless. and it is a good note with a few good tips. he’s obviously in love with evernote. in fact, if you guys don’t mind my saying this out loud: that note looks like a big ad for evernote. a huge ad! but, some of the non-evernote points he mentions in that post are interesting. so, thanks for putting together that note. (to give context to this point: I h-a-t-e evernote.)
* I read your note on time-blocking and that was mind-blowing … at least for me. that was truly an eye-opener. i haven’t been time-blocking. i am going to start doing it hence forth. lets see if i can declutter my life.
hope, wish and pray for me.
I found your blog this morning via Operation: Organization 2015 and I have been useless ever since. Thank you! I needed some down time today and have thoroughly enjoyed digging in to your blog and getting all kinds of wonderful ideas. I can’t wait to spend some more time here. I especially loved the Paperless post and you sharing your personal journey about BRCA 1. I also hope to get my own blog back up and running so am looking forward to delving into your e-book that of course I purchased this morning too!
Thank you so much for your sweet comment, Kristy! So nice to “meet” you! 🙂 Thanks for checking out my book!!
~Abby =)
Hi, Abby! I L O V E your blog! It’s my favorite! Caleb and Connor look so cute! I’m currently reading all your posts. They are such fun to read!
xoxo,
Julie
Hi Abby!
Found your blog by chance last week whilst surfing the net in my lunch break – and i must say I’m hooked! I absolutely LOVE your posts and cant wait to implement some of the tools you use into my daily life.
I’m from Australia, and its amazing how many bloggers we DON’T have here. All of them seem to be from overseas. I’m 26 weeks pregnant and looking for something to do so i can be a SAHM full time whilst bringing in an income too, and your blog is definitely helping me achieve those goals! I’m hoping to build a highly successful blog here, whilst incorporating tools like you have, for Australians!
I look forward to reading more of your learnings x Jacqui
So nice to “meet” you, Jacqui! Congratulations on your little one– how exciting! Definitely let me know when you get your blog set up. I’d love to check it out!
~Abby =)
Hi Abby! I am new to blogging but a long time Pinner and recently realized I pin a LOT of your posts! I love your writing style and share similar interests and look forward to following your blog. (I’m not going to lie, I love grammar but write casually and seriously almost re-wrote these run-on sentences because you were an English Teacher…)
Hi Abby! I began my blogging journey in January and recently fell in love with your blog. We have very similar interests in organization and decor! I absolutely love your style! You are a former English teacher; I am a former journalist/corporate PR person, so being able to write what I’m passionate about has been fun! I love your willingness to share your blogging knowledge as well, and just the other day I invested in your e-book, Building a Framework. While I was able to put together the framework for my blog on my own and have been blogging for a few months, I realized I had no knowledge about the ins and outs unique to the blogging world. Link parties? What’s that? 🙂 Keep up the great work and thank you for sharing all that you have learned with us newbies!
Hi I just found your blog through Jeff Goins’ Facebook page! Great stuff here, I just subscribed.
My wife and I live in Pittsburgh too! In the little neighborhood of Morningside.
Happy to connect!
Declan
So nice to “meet” you, Declan! And what a small world– yay Pittsburgh! We are in the South Hills! Thanks so much for checking out my blog!
~Abby =)
Hi Abby & Donnie,
Thank you for writing such inspiring and encouraging posts! I too have been inspired to start blogging. I purchased your ebook and all has gone well so far. I launched my first post last night. Its a little rough, but I was so excited to get started! My question is where do I find the Genesis theme?sorry I might have the lingo wrong.my blog using 1 of the scenes in word press. I’m not sure if I’m ready to pay the extra,
You have an amazing blog! It’s gorgeous and filled with incredible content. Looking forward to delving into your older posts!
I am not entirely sure how I stumbled across your blog, that’s probably because since I go here I have been so interested in all of your content. And I thought I was the only adult who liked Shirley Temples. Thank you for posting so much about what you are doing and how you are doing it. I started reading your blogging tips since I am a new blogger, but I also love your content about home organization! I will definitely be checking out your ebook about going paperless because paper is everywhere in my house. Anyway thanks for all this great info!
Found your blog through Thrifty Decor Chick. I’m loving your posts and can’t wait to read more. I just started my blog 6 months ago and I’d love you to check it out!
https://www.theauburnfox.blogspot.com
I heard you on Entrepreneur on Fire you were great! Even though I have been listening to the show regularly, this is the first time I am actually taking time to write a compliment. I was glad to hear that your first priority is God. May God bless your family.
Sadeer! Thank you so much! Your sweet comment just made my day! I really appreciate you popping over from EoF. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
~Abby =)
Abby, do you happen to have an affiliate program for your blog package?
We do! Everyone who purchases Framework is invited to be a part of it! There are details on how to sign up in the welcome email to Framework purchasers!
~Abby =)
hi abby can you help me please, I am vision impared and saw your large Tupperware labels for the modular mates in a photo. they are exactly what I need as I cant read the usual labels but the website said you made them yourself. My vision went bad last year and they found it was a brain tumour in may so I had it removed recently. im hoping some eyesight might return, God willing. But I do feel blessed that they found the tumour and removed it in time. Anyhow is there any way I could get a set of pantry labels like yours as I’ve looked everywhere. I don’t mind a reasonable cost if you know someone who could make them for me. ps we both were teachers though I had to retire in my 50’s with the eyesight problem. I am so hoping you will be able to help me. Have a wonderful day filled with special moments to savour Warmest wishes joyce
Hi, Joyce! I just did a quick search on Etsy, and it looks like this shop does custom pantry labels for a really good price: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Impressivecreation . I hope this helps! Have a great week!
~Abby =)
Dear Abby,
I am probably old enough to be your grandma. I really enjoyed reading about you and your family, but it was the mentioning of Pittsburgh and Grove City College made me want to keep an eye on you all.
Dear Abby,
I thoroughly enjoyed your ‘About Me’! I sure do look forward to following your blog AND thank you for the FREE PRINTABLE at https://www.aprudentlife.com/2015/free-time-blocking-printable/ – I have definitely print out a couple of copies to try it out because I suck at Planner/Diary/Calener and all them above.
Have a lovely day,
Pesi (Australia) 🙂
THANK YOU for the great tutorial! I have spent so much time and money at the printer’s shop, but your tutorial video made it SO EASY to keep stopping the video while I tried each step on my own and I DID IT! A thousand thanks!
Ooh! I am so inspired what you did in 2 years with your blog! I signed up for your newsletter and a free chapter of your Building a Framework eBook. I can’t wait to read your helpful tips. I might want to talk one on one with you about the BRCA 1 genetic mutation. I haven’t done the test yet. But, my doc wants me to since my mom past away this year from breast cancer.
I love your blog! I have just started blogging and am sooo glad I found your site!
Just subscribed — following you on FB and Pinterest!
Hi Abby,
Simply love your blog and the way you write your posts. I wanted to start a blog myself but didn’t had a clue from where and how to start. Then I found your email subscription about how to start a blog in 7 days and it helped me a lot in starting bhaili.com. Thank You so much.
Regards,
Megha
That is awesome, Megha! Congrats on getting started! I’m so glad the email course was helpful! Have a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
I just found this blog! I was looking for monthly expense sheets to print off for the rest of 2015 and officially start on my 2016 binder! I googled and found you! Trust me, I have been searching for the PERFECT printables and I have to say, I found them! Thank you! I have signed up with my email, saved you as a bookmark in my phone and you have helped me start my secret obsession with binders. You’re relate-able, brilliant and I adore your creativity.
So happy I found this blog!
Hi Abby! I just wanted to tell you that it’s the first time I’m seeing your blog and I already want to read every single one of your posts!
Thank you for sharing sooo much valuable information! I hope someday I’ll be able to help people as much as you do <3
B.
Thank you so much, B! So nice to “meet” you! 🙂 Hope you have a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
Hi Abby! I just purchased your e-book to start my own blog and realized you’re in Pittsburgh! I live in Lawrenceville! We’re trendy, or try to be 😉 can’t wait to read everything and get started!
Yay Pittsburgh-ers! I hope you enjoy Building a Framework! Have a great day! ~Abby =)
I found your blog while searching for IKEA kitchen install advice. Your kitchen install blogs are very helpful!
Hi Abby! I’ve had so much medical and legal things going on lately, I’m hoping you could send me the “Start Your Blog” course again! I’ll save the emails this time! Thanks!
You should be all set!
Hello! I was just cruising around Pinterest. I am always interested in new ways to organize and handle lots of ‘stuff’ while having little space. I have tried the KonMari method and read the book but I wasn’t able to get rid of my books. My collection of magazines and catalogs, yes, but my books I just can’t let go of…they all bring me joy! But I saw your post on PInterest and that led to your blog describing your experience with the KonMari method. I was impressed with your ability to let go of a good amount of books. The KonMari method really helped me with my clothes hoarding. I loved the way she folded everything and I only wish I had more closet space. ha. But then….I realized we had much more in common than just reading the same book! I too live in Pittsburgh and am a mother to a little boy. I live with my Dad and boyfriend and son in the city and was also an English major! I felt so connected to you after reading your bio and some of your posts. You are doing a great job and I really appreciate you sharing so much with us. So, thank you. Nice to meet you.
So nice to “meet” you too Lucy! It really is hard to let go of things sometimes. The KonMari method was so helpful for us! Hope you’re having a great week! ~Abby =)
Hi Abby..I just loveeeee your posts..am trying to read each and every one of them..I’m building a blog now and you are my inspiration. Thanks a million!
Loving the new look and About Me page Abby! Looks fabulous!
I have wanted to start a blog for awhile, but I have so many interests, it’s a little overwhelming. It would only be therapeutic (for now), but I’m curious about how you make money by blogging. I don’t feel like I have anything to offer in that department.
Hi Tisha! I covered that topic in this post: https://justagirlandherblog.com/how-to-make-money-blogging/. Hope this helps! Have a great evening! ~Abby =)
I LOVE reading this blog! It has inspired me to purchase your book on starting a blog & now I have a blog myself…just started it yesterday, but I’m working on it lol
Yay! SO excited that you’re getting started, Jess! Best of luck with your blog, and thank you so much for checking out Framework! Have a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
Hi Abby! Your blogging story is so inspiring! I’m a mom to an energetic toddler boy, and most days I feel like a tornado blew through my house. But I love your organization tips, especially in regards to toys. I’ve been blogging for a little over a year on the side (I still call it my “little blog thing” when I talk to my friends about it!), but I would love to make a career the way you have. Thank you for detailing your path to success!
Thank you so much for your sweet words, Bernice! They really mean so much! Best of luck with your blog! Have a great week!
~Abby =)
Hey, there. I live in a suburb of Pittsburgh, too. I went a rival Christian College, Geneva. Where in the burbs do u live? I live near Wexford.
Oh fun! So nice to “meet” you, Natalie! We are in the south hills! Thanks so much for stopping by and saying hi! Have a wonderful weekend!
~Abby =)
I was referred here from my sister; apparently she knows your sister… Anyway, you have a very nice blog and I wanted to say hello. We seem to have similar niches so it’s great to see someone with a similar passion as mine.
Abby – Adore your blog.. follow you and now your new blog with your hubby. I have a question for your printables: I signed up to have access and was able to get the 2016 budget binder, but alas my computer has issues and lost the file. It keeps wanting me to sign up again to grab the printable, but when I do it doesn’t send it again.. can you tell me what I’m dong wrong? Thanks 🙂
I found you while looking for link ups to share my free crochet patterns and I already added you to my bookmarks. I can’t wait to read about your organizing tips. I too live in a three bedroom house and there are 5 of us so space is limited. We have no plans to move as this is a good area to live in, so we started to redecorate and do a bit of remodeling also. I started with the kids’ rooms first and there is a huge difference already. Less is always more. 😉
As for your name, I love it too. My baby boy is Abner but we call him Abi. 😀
Do you have a blog about paying off debt, such as a car loan??
Abby-I just bought your Build a Framework Master Package after drooling over it for months! I’m so excited to go through everything!!!! I can’t officially put my blog out there until after we move (my hubby is working and prepping for med school while I’m getting the house ready to sell) but I’m busy writing posts and am excited to utilize your experience to start off on the right foot. =) Thanks for sharing!
Wow! This girl is fast! Thanks again Abby for taking the time out of your day to help me. So excited to read your book!
Hey Abby! I just downloaded your book about blogging and I have found that it has been so helpful already! I was just checking out your blog and I saw you were from Western PA. We are across the border in Eastern Ohio!!! Small world 🙂
Aw, yay! How fun! So glad you have found the book to be so helpful… Love to hear that! Have a wonderful weekend!
~Abby =)
I’ve been subscribed to your blog for quite some time..about a year now and I’m just now getting to throughly read your posts including your About Me. I loved learning more about you. It gave me more of a personal insight on your life and that was really interesting to read. I admired that you kept yourself human-meaning you reminded us readers that you have a messy house too sometimes…because I totally think of you as perfection! 🙂 and you are. You’re ending was a perfect way to link the rest of your blog into your about me. I’ll be publishing my blog May 21st and you’ve already helped me quite a bit. I look forward to reading more of your posts!
Hello! I was just wondering, when i purchase the planner will it download automatically or will it be emailed to me. The reason i ask is because Im on a computer at work and id rather print them off at home because my printer at home is a colored printer. Or is there anyway you can email it to me after i purchase the planner.
Hi Katherine! It should have been sent to your email. Please let us know if you didn’t receive it. Have a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
Hey Abby! I just finished reading your book about how to start blogging. It has been such a help to me. I have always wanted to have a blog, and I’ve tried several times to start one on Blogger. But these tips truly helped me to get this journey started! I found my niche and am currently working to publish my blog using WordPress! It should be up and running by the end of the month! Thank you so much for the wisdom you’ve shared!!
Yay! That is so exciting, Katrina! I’m so glad the book was helpful to you… LOVE to hear that! Hope you have a wonderful weekend and happy blogging!
~Abby =)
Hi Abby! I’ve been following you now for about two weeks! You have beautiful family! I am so amazed at the things I am learning from you and “hubs”! I feel as if I know you personally lol. I am working on getting my blog off the ground and if it weren’t for you, I’d be so lost?. I love all of the printables! I am utilizing your How To Start A Blog steps so I’m not stressed anymore. I purchased your Building A Framework today but once I started reading I realized I MUST have the master upgrade. I could write forever but I just wanted to say thanks so much for just allowing God to guide you and helping others. I could not be more appreciative.
India
You are the sweetest! Thank you, India! I’m so glad they have been helpful for you! I hope you have a wonderful week and happy blogging!
~Abby =)
Hi abbey! I just found your blog through money-saving mom and I’m already obsessed! I feel like we have so much in common. I too got my degree in secondary Ed- English but never got around to using it except through substitute teaching a little in college and teaching English overseas. I recently quit my full-time job to be a SAHM and just started a blog. I have no idea what I’m going to write about but I love the topics you wrote on (organization, productivity, home decide, etc.). Thank you for the inspiration and I look forward to reading more of your blog as I get started on mine!
Aw, thanks so much, Shannon!
~Abby =)
Its nice to read such a long details about the blog owner. It inspires me to create an about page like this. Thank you sharing about you.
So glad it was helpful!
~Abby =)
Looove your 2016 planner. When is 2017 coming out??
Hi, Kelly! The Intentional Life Planner will be updated in August!
~Abby =)
Hi abby, I found you just 10 minutes back while I was searching for how to blog and Its good to know about you :). I haven’t yet read your blogging tips. I will read it. Just wanna say hello and its nice to meet you. I am trying to encourage myself to write more often to my blog. I don’t what is the reason and random thoughts like why would anyone read my posts and why anybody be interested in me and my stuff etc. feelings.
So glad to meet you! Everyone has a unique perspective and their own story to share with the world. People will read your blog because they connect with you! I hope the tips that we share will be helpful for you and will help to give you the confidence to keep hitting “publish”! 🙂
~Abby =)
Hi abby! Thanks for your advice and it worked for me 🙂 Thanks a lot
What size are the recipe pages. I need 4 x 6 pages
Hi, Gloria! There are 4″ x 6″ recipe cards and a standard 8.5″ x 11″ recipe page included with the free printables. Have a great day!
~Abby =)
Hii Abby !! I got great inspiration from your life .. wanted to be the next Abby 🙂
You have an amazing family and your introduction is super cool.
Wow, what a nice profile page, thank you very much abby, wish you all the best. XoXo Sab
Hi Abby! Do you and your husband offer technical services for blogs? Or, do you have someone you recommend for that? Like you, I feel confident in my writing strategies but know nothing about code or setting up my child theme. I would love to find help with this so I can start implementing all that I’ve learned from you two!
Hi, Taylor! Donnie and I don’t offer technical services due to time constraints, but I would recommend Lesley from Chaotically Creative. You can find her here: https://chaoticallycreative.com/. She has so many amazing resources on her site to help with the techie side of blogging. Hope this helps! Have a great weekend!
~Abby =)
Hi Abby,
Thank you so much for the 7 Day Start a Blog Challenge. I am learning so much from you! I appreciate your willingness to share and encourage new bloggers! 🙂 I am looking forward to continued learning and growth. Best wishes for a wonderful weekend!
Hi Abby! Thanks in large part to your Building a Framework e-book I am two weeks away from the “official” launch of my new blog and am thrilled to be attending the Haven conference in a few weeks! I hope I get the chance to thank you in person. 🙂
Woohoo! Congrats on starting a blog and look forward to meeting you at Haven! Have a great week, Katie!
~Abby =)
Is there a way to get emails of your posts?
I’m in a funk right now. I’m trying to find the best way to utilize the space we have. I hate messes. I understand toys will be around but there has got to be a better way for it to look clean when it’s picked up. Even picked up I think it looks like a mess.
I’m a SAHM/author and am hoping your blog can give me some tips I’ll actually implement. I’m great at daydreaming and imagining things. It’s making it happen that’s the problem.
Hi, Tracy! If you subscribe to our site (right under the 3 big boxes at the top that say organizing, decorating, blogging) you will receive every post by email and have access to our library of organizational printables! So glad you’ll be joining us!
~Abby =)
I just bought the 2 planners and thought I’d get a confirmation or something but the screen froze and I thought it didn’t go through until I got an alert from my bank that it did. Is there any other way for me to contact someone about getting access?
Hi, Cass! Can you email us at [email protected] to give us more info about your order? We can resend the order email if needed. Thanks!
~Abby =)
Hey Abby! My name is Amanda. I am a stay home mom of 2 beautiful boys 10 years old and 11 months. I am not working, wanted to be able to stay home with my baby boy and always be able to be home for my kids as long as possible.. I did not get that luxury when my eldest was little. I was reading your about me post and I love how honest and down to earth you are! I really admire that. Seems like you have a wonderful family as well, and your boys are handsome! Watch out for the girls! Lol. I am from PA as well, I’m sure you heard of the waynesboro/ Chambersburg area? Anyways, I’m living in Martinsburg WV area now. I have lately been becoming borderline obsessed with the whole organizing my life/ home idea and your blogs have given me alot of inspiration, thank you for that. So while my fiance is working a full time job I am very interested in blogging from home but don’t know where to start and how to go about it:/ I think It will be perfect for my situation because God knows we need the financial help too. Any advice you can give me? Would greatly appreciate it!! Hope you have a wonderful day!!
Thanks! You can email me anytime if you wanted. I know you are busy.. [email protected]
Hi, Amanda! You’re too sweet! So glad it’s been helpful for you! We actually have a free 7-day start a blog course that I think could be very helpful for you. You can find it here: https://justagirlandherblog.com/blog-challenge/. You will receive an email each day with steps to take to set up all parts of your blog. We also have a ton of blogging resources on our site that you can dig into when you have time: https://justagirlandherblog.com/blogging-tips/. Lastly, because I got these questions so often but unfortunately don’t have the time to do personal coaching, I actually wrote an eBook on this topic which you can find here if you’re interested: https://justagirlandherblog.com/framework/. The free resources should be great to get you started, though! Hope this helps and good luck on your blogging journey! Take it one day at a time, getting a little better each day! You can do it! <3
~Abby =)
Hello Abby! I just LOVE your blog. I’ve followed you (guys) through pinterest since 2014 and your blog is an inspiration to me! As a recent SAHM I refer to this blog many many times and I always leave with knowledge and inspiration. Thank you for sharing your journey with all of us. You have a beautiful family and seems like you have helped many people in their endeavors so thank you for spreading your awesomeness!
You are the sweetest, Brianna! Thank you for making my day and following along on our journey! Hope you’re having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
no matter how many times I try, I cannot get the free printables to download.! Thank you for any help.
Hello Abby! I’m also a sweet girl like you are!
Hello Abby,
My name is Rachael and I am in the process of starting a new blog and just wanted to say thank you for all of your wonderful ideas and your work is so fun. It looks like you have done very well and are very talented and committed and I admire that! Building a Framework has been an amazing resource for me while I start this new journey. I am so very excited about it and I hope we can connect and become blogging buddies!
Best of wishes to you and your blogging adventures! I look forward to following you’re stories!
Xoxo
In Rachael’s Shoes
Aw, thanks so much, Rachael! So glad they’ve been helpful for you! Have a wonderful week and happy blogging! 🙂
~Abby =)
I just LOVE your blog! this is such a great step by step post and i am really interested in kitchen and bathroom renovation. we are buying a house soon, so thank you for sharing amazing tips.
https://www.mintkitchengroup.com.au
So glad it was helpful for you, Kiyara!
~Abby =)
DO YOU HAVE THE PEEK AT THE WEEK PRINTABLES IN A5 SIZES? SO WOULD PRINT ONTO TWO A5 PAGES TO BE VIEWED WHEN PLANNER IS OPEN? THANKS!! LOVE YOUR STUFF!
Hi, Kathy! We don’t have A5 sizes, but our Simplify printables are available in half sheets. You can find them here: https://justagirlandherblog.com/organize. Thanks and have a great week!
~Abby =)
Nice explanation 🙂
Hello Abby,
I just read this page for the first time (I think), even though I’ve been subscribed to your stuff for awhile now. I’ve also learned lots and been inspired by several of you webinars, and am thrilled to finally have access to Framework through my purchase of the Genius Bloggers’ Bundle! It’s the first thing I’m going through in that pack. 🙂
I just thought your comment about your boys was so cute and similar to my situation. I also grew up with one sister, and aside from playing with boys when I was little, didn’t even talk much to them (due to shyness), through my teen years. I also thought I’d be so uncomfortable with a boy baby, but by the time I had my second (they are 17 & 19 now), I couldn’t imagine taking care of a girl baby! Boys are awesome! (And it gives new meaning to some of my child hood experiences, including growing up in the country as somewhat of a tom-boy (although a girl through and through at other times).
I really enjoy your blog and appreciate all you do to help others to learn and grow. Oh….and I also tend to excessively use too many exclamation points and smiley faces. 🙂
Boys are SO fun, aren’t they? Can’t imagine life any other way! 🙂 Thanks so much for your sweet comment. I hope you enjoy Building a Framework! Have a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
You are inspiring me. I thank you because I became sick, and it’s so hard to find the motivation. <3
Really loved reading all about you and your wonderful family. God Bless you all.
Just wanted to say I think brunette suits you better than blonde. The blonde you reminds me of Caroline from “2 Broke girls” :))
Lol! Thank you so much, Kimberly! I think I’m firmly planted in the brunette camp… at least for now. 🙂 Hope you’re having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
Hi Abby,
Just discovered your site and the wonderful resources you offer. I’ve spent a lifetime, thinking I should write (a book, blog, etc), but I never get focused enough to decide on what the topic will be.
I’m a 71 year old, with many life experiences. I’d hope I have something to offer with a blog or book.
Anyway, thanks for your material – I’ll be ordering.
Ron
So great to “meet” you, Ron! Best of luck with your site and/or book!
~Abby =)
Hello! I’m just starting my blog and you make me very inspiring!
Thank you so much for all of your posts on blogging! They’ve made beginning a blog much easier. I’m still taking small steps and coming back to your blog often to learn more about what’s next. Thanks!
So glad they’ve been helpful for you, Susana!
~Abby =)
Abby,
I want to say thank you for the amazing generosity you provide on this blog! I am just starting the blogging journey, and because of your 10-day email tutorial I feel like I have a friend guiding me through this exciting, yet somewhat daunting process. Your blog is beautiful, fun to read and refreshing to see. I love your about page. Keep up the wonderful work!
You are too sweet! Thanks for your kind words, Kayla! So glad it has been helpful for you! <3
~Abby =)
Oh my gosh Abby! I feel like I’ve been stalking you for the past month! I’m obsessed with your work and I am truly inspired by you! I recently started a blog (two actually, but one is in Spanish) thanks to your awesome guide. I have so many questions though. I think I should probably shot you an email for that but maybe if I ask here, some other people with the same question can have their answer. If I wanted to write a post on organization tips and stuff, do I have to have original ideas or can I make like a compilation of ideas from other blogs like yours? Or how does that work? Anyways, I wish you a wonderful day! I will be emailing you soon 😉
Hi, Kenia! Many people do round-up posts where they included their favorite posts from other bloggers. They, of course, link back to the original site to give them credit for the work. You also need to check the blog’s policy on using their photos to be sure it’s ok. Most people are fine with it as long as you link back but it’s always best to check. Thanks!
~Abby =)
love that vase, adorable! I want to send one for my mother from Flowersnext
Hi, I just found your blog. I think its awesome. Do you find it easier t blog, being that your husband helps?
Thank you so much, Niajah! It’s definitely easier with more people to share the work! And he happens to like doing all of the things I don’t like to do, so it all works out! 🙂 Hope you’re having a great week!
~Abby =)
Really loved reading all about you and your wonderful family. God Bless you all. Love you
Aw, thanks Karen! Hope you’re having a great week! <3
~Abby =)
Hi Abby! I couldn’t help but leave a comment and say I love you About Page! It’s fun, it’s personable, and it makes me feel like I know you now. (Sorry, as a copy writer and author, I get so excited about good writing!) Anyways, I am now left wishing I could know you in person and am excited to start following your blog! (Even after my English degree, I use way too many exclamation points too… 😉 )
Thanks so much for stopping by, Hannah! Hope I’ll be “seeing” you around! 🙂 Hope you’re having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
Thank you! It’s a crazy week, filled with abbot too much work and way too many house projects before inlaws visit. But c’est la vie! I hope you’re having a great (and slightly less busy) week!
~Hannah
Hi Abby,
Earlier this year, I found your post of building a framework by chance and that totally changed my life! I was able to create my website following your guidelines 🙂 and I just wanted to thank you. Even though, my website is not a blog, I was still able to create it with your guide :))
Thank you Abby
Sophie
Aw, yay! Love to hear that, Sophie! So glad it was helpful for you! Hope you’re having a great week! <3
~Abby =)
I am SO, SO, SO happy I fell upon your blog! I have started a blog, well, kinda, and am totally lost! I am reading everything you have on here, it’s giving me some direction, finally!!!:) Thank you for sharing!!!!
Yay! So glad it has been helpful for you, Kristina! Love to hear that! Have a great weekend and happy blogging! 🙂
~Abby =)
Hey Abby, i used to follow your blog regularly. Me and my wife are fan of yours, we like to compliment you on this. Keep up the good work. Thanks!
Thanks so much, John!
~Abby =)
I was able to create my website following your guidelines 🙂 and I just wanted to thank you. Even though, my website is not a blog, I was still able to create it with your guide :))
So glad it was helpful for you!
~Abby =)
Great blog and Wonderful family indeed.
God bless you.
Keep rising. 🙂
Thank you!
~Abby =)
Sometimes it seems like all I do is organize! I love to organize, but I keep changing my mind about how to do it!
Hi, Abby
I am SO glad I found your blog through Pinterest!!!!
I love reading your posts 🙂 There are many awesome ideas and great tips!
Very inspiring 🙂
Thank you!
Yuki
Aw, thanks so much, Yuki! I appreciate you stopping by! Hope you’re having a wonderful week! <3
~Abby =)
Good Day Abby,
My name is Etoria Hallums.
I will be moving to China, this Fall, to be an english teacher. Since many social media platforms are banned in this country (mainly Facebook), would it be possible to still be a successful freelance writer/blogger, in a country with these types of restrictions?
(Additionally, I want the blog to be about my travel/teaching/weight loss journey. :))
Take care,
Tori
Hi, Tori! Social media is such an important piece to blogging these days that you could find it to be a bit trickier than if you were in the US. If it’s just Facebook and you are still able to use platforms like Pinterest and Instagram, you should be ok. It’s not necessary to be on every platform and Facebook can be tricky these days for bloggers when it comes to reach and engagement anyway. It will be very important for you to funnel people to your email list so you can stay in touch with them that way if you’re not able to have a social media presence. Best of luck on your blogging journey and enjoy your time in China! So fun!
~Abby =)
Hi Abby I’m so glad I found your blog. I am a new blogger and really hoping it will take off. I will certainly be following you as your blogging help posts are great. There’s more for me to read too which I’m looking forward to. I also love the fact that you publish your income/expenses etc as this will help if I ever do make any money from my blog. I certainly don’t have the traffic to be able to make money yet but I can only hope 🙂
I live in England and also have 2 gorgeous boys who are all grown up, (or they think they are…) myself and my partner are selling up and will be moving onto our boat soon so hopefully will have lots to blog about. Hope you will take a quick peek at my blog and please be honest with any tips you may want to throw my way 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing your blog with us, Samantha! It is looking fantastic so far… sound like you lead a very exciting life that will be so fun for readers to follow! Enjoy the journey! <3
~Abby =)