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Blogging as an Accidental Influencer in the Age of Covid

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Once upon a time we could drive to spectacular locales and flash our uncovered smiles all over our blogs or social media.

That time is no longer.

We’re stuck in our houses- and if you’re a covid survivor, like I am- have extreme PTSD and anxiety about socializing, reaching out, the entirety of 2020- everything.

I’ve rediscovered this blog as a therapeutic way to reach out to people, especially those like me, who are shut in with their families and going stir crazy for life again… but unable to do so in this new circumstance we find ourselves in.

I am an accidental influencer… I have been since my daughter was born and I just started posting her photos on Instagram 6 years ago.

I accidentally fell pregnant with the child at age 45, long after most of my peers had stopped having their broods and looked forward to grandkids.

I didn’t know about hashtags and all that- honestly, I am still learning. I just saw that others were tagging the clothes and the things that their kids wore and thought that was ‘the new thing’. 23k plus Instagram followers later, I am still in a kind of confused shock.

At that time, I was a 40 something woman stuck in the house with a baby and reaching out- hoping to find others like me. I was hoping to share our experiences and I found so many like me, which was encouraging and comforting.

The most enjoyable part of being an influencer is not only the free stuff I am able to try out and review- without having to actually leave my home- but also being able to connect with others who are as isolated as we are.

While I am far more successful using my Instagram account as a vehicle for expressing myself and our daily lives, I’ve discovered other ways (which I am hoping to try out soon) to reach a broader influence.

Pinterest has launched a new IG type format, which I think may be a very interesting new facet in the world of social media sharing/influencing:


https://www.engadget.com/pinterest-launches-story-pins-influencers-130047393.html

I enjoy following other influencers as well, like Amy West, whose rise to influencer ‘stardom’ can be seen here:

https://intellifluence.com/blog/amy-west-influencer-spotlight

Personally, I don’t have the ambition to create that level of fabu-bloggery. I’m a loathsome GenX underachiever with very little time on my hands. 

I love ‘checking in’ in between homeschooling and raising my kid and caring for extended family- and staying alive in general.

It is fun glimpsing other people’s lives, even as a lurker. It’s inspiring reading what others have to share- without the social anxiety or the threat of disease… a way for those of us closet introverts to connect with others and grow.

We NEED more people out there with voices, so if you’re interested in becoming an ‘influencer’ as well, start a blog. Tweet. Write. Post on Instagram.

If you’re a Covid or other type of survivor, like I am- share your stories. We all need to feel a little less alone during these scary, sterile times.

We all have something to say and there are many out there, like me, who would love to read your stories.

I wish you all good health and safety during this absolutely mind-boggling horrorshow that is 2020.

Jess



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One Tree Planted T Shirt Review

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One Tree Planted is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. As an environmental charity, we’re on a mission to make it simple for anyone to help the environment by planting trees!

These amazing folks sent Maisie a tee shirt and it’s really has a brilliant message. We thank you so much for the gift!

Mosey on over to their site- plant a tree, buy a tee! Every dollar spent goes into planting trees and helping to nurture our Mother Earth.

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BACK IN QUARANTINE, EFF 2020- My New Normal

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This is my new normal as a covid survivor since March.😢
 Always next to my sofa
 👁Blurry vision is new as well

✔️✔️They discovered today on that covid19 is a vascular disease and not a respiratory one. I can attest, as well as my fellow survivors on the FB group SURVIVOR CORPS, recovery is a tenuous thing.

😢We’re in quarantine again, due to another exposure. I am terrified. 

Wash your hands, wear a mask, use hand sanitizer, social distance. 😷

We like @hempandhand because it doesn’t dry our hands out. 
 ✅That being said, eff 2020 #covid19 #covidsurvivor #covidsurvivors #longhauler #longhaulers #survivorcorps #coronavirus #handsanitzer #hemapandhand #quarantine #lockdown #terrified #fuck2020 #covid #blurryvision #pulseox #survival #survivorcorps #covidrecovery #staysafe #over50

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This is my new normal as a Covid long hauler, 6 months after contracting Covid.

They are discovering that this disease is a VASCULAR one, not a respiratory one, per the news this morning.

If you are also a covid survivor, consider joining the facebook group Survivor Corps for updates on long term health effects, newest findings, and just to share your stories with others going through the same nightmare.

We fell ill with Covid19 in March 2020.

Months later, I am still not 100%- and to add insult to injury, we were exposed AGAIN.

Right now, I am in the middle of the worst panic attack. We’re coughing, I have a sore throat- no fever, but apparently fevers only account for 7 percent (roughly) of symptoms.

Stay safe, everyone.

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More Chalkboard Homeschool ❤️

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She wanted to save her chalk drawing in a picture to remember it by- 💕💋 More letter writing- and Pinky Pie💕 These Arteza chalk markers are the best! I tried the other kinds but I kept on leaving residual ghost marks after wiping I’m trying to figure out how to get rid of lingering marks on whiteboard- I have been using microfiber cloths as my chalkboard and whiteboard erasers as well. Please show me your chalkboards! I wish I knew how to do all those fancy things that I’ve seen other people do https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ND3XR2B/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=jessanderso0e-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=493c75a0cb504e27abe19f514e006778&creativeASIN=B07ND3XR2B #arteza #chalkboard #chalkboards #writing #learning @artezaofficial @oakmeadowschool #oakmeadow #oakmeadowcurriculum @earthschooling #earthschooling #earthschooling1stgrade #earthschoolingcurriculum #waldorf1stgrade #homeschooling #homeschool1stgrade #waldorfhomeschool #steinerhomeschool #homeschoolcollective #virtuallearning #1stgrade #learnthroughplay #learningathome #homeschoolingbyheart #raisingthefuture #letthembelittle #homeschoollife #magicofchildhood #simplychildren #simplychildhood #unpluggedchildhood #childhoodunplugged #eclectichomeschoolers

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More letter writing- and Pinky Pie💕 These Arteza chalk markers are the best! I tried the other kinds but I kept on leaving residual ghost marks after wiping I’m trying to figure out how to get rid of lingering marks on whiteboard- I have been using microfiber cloths as my chalkboard and whiteboard erasers as well. Please show me your chalkboards! I wish I knew how to do all those fancy things that I’ve seen other people do https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ND3XR2B/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=jessanderso0e-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=493c75a0cb504e27abe19f514e006778&creativeASIN=B07ND3XR2B #arteza #chalkboard #chalkboards #writing #learning @artezaofficial @oakmeadowschool #oakmeadow #oakmeadowcurriculum @earthschooling #earthschooling #earthschooling1stgrade #earthschoolingcurriculum #waldorf1stgrade #homeschooling #homeschool1stgrade #waldorfhomeschool #steinerhomeschool #homeschoolcollective #virtuallearning #1stgrade #learnthroughplay #learningathome #homeschoolingbyheart #raisingthefuture #letthembelittle #homeschoollife #magicofchildhood #simplychildren #simplychildhood #unpluggedchildhood #childhoodunplugged #eclectichomeschoolers

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Our Mid Century Modern Barstool Arrived! Dining Room Makeover (almost) Done!

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Our 1st Simpli Home Marana bar stool came in! The second one should arrive Saturday. 😃

It took about 10 minutes max to put together and we LOVE the way it looks. It’s so comfortable and the height adjustment ability is terrific. I really love the #midcenturymodern styling, too. 💕

It was only 127 bucks on #Amazon and had great reviews. I think we will call the dining room done for now. We have to focus on the homeschool room now.
❤️
I will have an expanded review and more pics up soon on the blog at ✅ missmaisieandme.com
❤️
You can pick one up for yourself here:✔️
❤️
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073WQ3JV7/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=jessanderso0e-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=ea2885b3373833e99d3ab84e8541a0b5&creativeASIN=B073WQ3JV7 #maranabarstool #barstool #modernfurniture #chair #diningroom #interiordesign #homedecor #interior #diningroomdecor #diningtable #furniture #design #home #decor #homedesign #interiors #homesweethome #architecture #diningroominspo #interiordesigner #furnituredesign #diningroomdesign #kbar #table #decoration #homeinspo #dining #bhfyp

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I am so freaking happy!!!!!! The first (of two) Simpli Home Marana barstools arrived today. The other should be here on Saturday.

It took R about 10 minutes tops to put together and it is PERFECT and comfy.

I am absolutely in love with the mid century mod styling and the ability to adjust the height to regular chair height from bar height. It also swivels, too.

It’s also wide enough to accommodate larger bums, always a plus.

Best part, was only 127 bucks and had incredible reviews (no, I wasn’t solicited to do this review. I spent days trying to find the one I wanted online).

Maisie, of course, had to try it out immediately and finished her math lessons at the bar.

Cake the kitten tried his best to get in on the action, but failed miserably.

If you want one of your own, you can find it here at my amazon affiliate link:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073WQ3JV7/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B073WQ3JV7&linkCode=as2&tag=jessanderso0e-20&linkId=611344dc31cda919905cdc719a50f67b

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Her Second Hula Class on Outschool

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Her second hula class ever- we learned “The Hukilau” last week and started on “Beautiful Kauai” this week as well.

This video was filmed 4 minutes after learning the hand movements for the first time.

I adore Outschool! The hula teacher’s link (Ms. Ash) is https://outschool.com/classes/weekly-hula-lessons-for-ages-3-6-tri2Ev6R?usid=xeOPVbLs&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link

If you go to her profile, she has other classes offered as well and more spots available.

#hula #danceclass #hulaclass #huladance #hukilau #beautifulkauai @oakmeadowschool #oakmeadow #oakmeadowcurriculum @earthschooling #earthschooling #earthschoolingcurriculum #waldorf1stgrade #homeschooling #homeschool1stgrade #waldorfhomeschool #virtuallearning #1stgrade #learnthroughplay #learningathome #homeschoolingbyheart #raisingthefuture #letthembelittle #homeschoollife #magicofchildhood #simplychildren #simplychildhood #unpluggedchildhood #childhoodunplugged #eclectichomeschoolers #outschool @outschool #remotelearning

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Ok, I am addicted to Outschool.com- I completely admit it!

This was her second class and she’s learned 1 and half dances already.

The hula teacher’s link (Ms. Ash) is https://outschool.com/classes/weekly-hula-lessons-for-ages-3-6-tri2Ev6R?usid=xeOPVbLs&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link

If you go to her profile, she has other classes offered as well and more spots available

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Her second hula class ever- we learned “The Hukilau” last week and started on “Beautiful Kauai” this week as well.

In this clip, she is schooling me on how to do the fishies- or the ‘amaama’ hand movement lol

I adore Outschool! The hula teacher’s link (Ms. Ash) is https://outschool.com/classes/weekly-hula-lessons-for-ages-3-6-tri2Ev6R?usid=xeOPVbLs&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link

If you go to her profile, she has other classes offered as well and more spots available.

#hula #danceclass #hulaclass #huladance #hukilau #beautifulkauai @oakmeadowschool #oakmeadow #oakmeadowcurriculum @earthschooling #earthschooling #homeschooling #homeschool1stgrade #waldorfhomeschool #virtuallearning #1stgrade #learnthroughplay #learningathome #homeschoolingbyheart #raisingthefuture #letthembelittle #homeschoollife #magicofchildhood #simplychildren #simplychildhood #unpluggedchildhood #childhoodunplugged #eclectichomeschoolers #outschool @outschool #remotelearning

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Rebounder Set Up, New Stability Bar, and Cake the Kitten (plus video) and 10% off!

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Since surviving pulmonary embolisms and covid, I have to use a rebounder to keep my hear rate stable and my immune system going smoothly- will be writing more about that on the blog at missmaisieandme.com (I know, I am a tad bit late, but homeschooling this kid has turned into an all day thing this week). We even keep one in our RV at the farm! 

Currently, we’re using a 48” rebounder from @leapsandrebounds, but now we will be putting a smaller 40” rebounder in the RV (which should save precious space).

I have a new stabilizer bar for when I get dizzy spells or for when my father, who is older and has essential tremor, needs to use it.

❤️In this post, you can get 10% off Rebounders from @leapsandrebounds! ✔️Follow their page! ✔️use MissMaisie10 at checkout for your discount OR go to this link: ✔️https://leapsandrebounds.com/discount/MissMaisie10 💋🎈💗😘

#rv #rvliving #rvliving #rvexercise #rebounding #rebounder #covid_19 #covid #covidsummer2020 #covidsurvivor #pulmonaryembolism #pulmonaryembolismsurvivor #lupus #essentialtremor #vertigo #leapsandrebounds #healthylifestyle #chronicillness

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Cake the kitten went wild when he saw the new rebounder and wouldn’t get off! He likes to bounce around, too- and will often get under the thing while we’re bouncing. He’s a little hellion. LOL.

Since surviving pulmonary embolisms and covid, I have to use a rebounder to keep my hear rate stable and my immune system going smoothly- will be writing more about that on the blog at missmaisieandme.com (I know, I am a tad bit late, but homeschooling this kid has turned into an all day thing this week). We even keep one in our RV at the farm! 

Currently, we’re using a 48” rebounder from @leapsandrebounds, but now we will be putting another smaller 40” rebounder in the RV instead (which should save precious space).

I have a new stabilizer bar for when I get dizzy spells or for when my father, who is older and has essential tremor, needs to use it.

❤️In this post, you can get 10% off Rebounders from @leapsandrebounds! ✔️Follow their page! ✔️use MissMaisie10 at checkout for your discount OR go to this link: ✔️https://leapsandrebounds.com/discount/MissMaisie10 💋🎈💗😘

#rv #rvliving #rvliving #rvexercise #rebounding #rebounder #covid_19 #covid #covidsummer2020 #covidsurvivor #pulmonaryembolism #pulmonaryembolismsurvivor #lupus #essentialtremor #vertigo #leapsandrebounds #healthylifestyle #chronicillness #kitten #kittensofinstagram #kittens #cat #catsofinstagram #catsofinstagram

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It wasn’t a difficult set up, except for the part where the man boinged himself with a bungee… absolutely LOVE the new rebounder and can’t wait to get it into the RV.

(also, to get it out of the little house. I have no room in here for 2 rebounders)

Cake the kitten was RIDICULOUS about the new one. He was bouncing and dancing all over the thing for a solid 2 hours.

I really LOVE the new stabilizer bar. I thought I ordered one for a larger trampoline, but I was mistaken. Keeping it, though. It’s great to have something to hold onto when one is feeling off balance or dizzy.

I got the bar for my dad’s rebounder originally, but it doesn’t fit the 48″ ones (It only fits the smaller ones). It really improves the experience, even for me. It makes me feel safer when I am wobbly. I suffer from vertigo and weird dizziness leftover from being sick still. My dad has essential tremor and balance issues (thanks, Vietnam War). Having a stability bar is a must for those of us with issues such as these.

The bar has 3 height adjustments, with the highest being comfortable enough for someone about 6′ or more.

I really love this new addition to our rebounder, I will probably order a big one for both dad and me.

I haven’t had time to write the lonnnng (and it will be long) PTSD filled trauma surrounding my covid and pulmonary embolism recovery, due to beginning home schooling the kiddo and other weird snafus (like 3 people in my family, including the kitten, injury their right legs/paws).

I am still offering the 10 percent discount from Leaps and Rebounds for any of these purchases if you would like one of these for yourself.

In this post, you can get 10% off Rebounders from www.leapsandrebounds.com

✔️Follow their page at https://www.instagram.com/leapsandrebounds/


✔️use MissMaisie10 at checkout for your discount OR

✔️go to this link:
https://leapsandrebounds.com/discount/MissMaisie10
💋🎈💗



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Chalkboards are THE BEST for homeschooling!

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I cannot possibly imagine homeschooling without a variety of chalkboards! They save paper (and trees) and can be used over and over again.

I prefer the Arteza brand chalkboard markers. They are easily cleaned, don’t drip, and are vibrantly colored.

All of the chalkboards we currently use (and other essentials) can be found (I purchased this on my own) on my Amazon affiliate list of HOMESCHOOL MUST HAVES here:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/missmaisiebabyfashionista?listId=374M4R8W3G13I&ref=cm_sw_em_r_inf_list_own_missmaisiebabyfashionista_dp_FfyDWhA5QhyKh

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We Now Have An Amazon Influencer Storefront- Follow Us!

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Yeah, I don’t really know much about this ‘influencer’ stuff, but I get sent a lot of discount codes and things to try- and I also LIVE on Amazon since this lockdown began.

I put this up so I could share the things we love, like a Pinterest board of sorts, with discount codes and things for the people who follow us.

http://www.amazon.com/shop/missmaisiebabyfashionista

Please follow us on Amazon- and also at Instagram @missmaisiebabyfashionista and I will follow you back!

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Bungalow Master Bedroom Redo

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So far- still not done decorating

When we went into quarantine for covid in March, we moved ‘temporarily’ into my work bungalow and out of the big house. We converted it from a sparsely decorated work space into a home where we could safely be away from family members and not spread illness.

Since then, I’ve grown too fond of this little house and we’ve been living here full time. The rest of the (adult) family are blocks away at our main residence and we’re enjoying the quiet.

Links to items we used (thus far) in the redo can be found on my Amazon affiliate page: https://www.amazon.com/shop/missmaisiebabyfashionista?listId=3QXLSL8YMMTRA&ref=idea_share_inf but we purchased these on our own.

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Working on the master bedroom in this tiny bungalow The room is extremely oddly shaped- it’s a 100 yr old house. 

Because I sleep with people who sprawl like starfish, I had to go with this king sized bed by #novogratz. Bedding is 100% flax #linen by Dapu. Rug is from Safavieh’s Bristol collection.

To view all the items I used to begin the styling of this room, see my #amazon page https://www.amazon.com/shop/missmaisiebabyfashionista
 We used #benjaminmore #whitedove on the walls.

So much left to do and so few hours in the day!

 #bedroom #bedroommakeover #bedroom #interiordesign #interior #homedecor #bedroomdecor #home #design #furniture #bed #decor #bedroomdesign #interiors #bedroomideas #decoration #homedesign #bedroominspo #luxury #love #bedding #house #interiordesigner #bedroomgoals #inspiration #safavieh

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There were quite a few problems having to deal with this room to begin with:

1. Room is only 9’x14’, with the door next to the only wide wall available to fit the king sized bed.

2. Closet door and window on other available walls.

3. The remaining wall has no room for side tables.

The original wall color was a pale gray (as is most of the house). I wanted a warm white neutral wall. We went with Benjamin Moore’s White Dove OC-17.

We still have to finish the decorating/art/getting more furniture in, but I think it is a tremendous start!

The Novogratz bed is incredibly comfortable. I am pleased with the results thus far.

We will be changing out the overhead lighting to something more modern and adding a dimmer switch to the room as well.

Getting wall color up