Welcome to the resources page, filled with lists of tools, services, and products that I've used and felt as though you all would benefit appreciate. Keep in mind, I HAVE used every product or service mentioned on this page and have a Disclosure Policy to explain some of the affiliate links I choose to use.
Contact me if you have any questions, and make sure to subscribe to the Intentional Newsletter where you'll be first to know about new services and tools I've come across or can't live without!
Blogging Tools + Programs
Hostgator: This is the host I personally use for this site and have grown to enjoy. Although I don't have hundreds of thousands of monthly views just yet, I've found Hostgator to be the perfect host for my current season. I was able to set up my blog easily with their step-by-step instruction and feel as though this is the least expensive option ( with WordPress hosting plans starting at $5/month) for the service you receive! Check them out here if you're interested.
BlueHost: This is another hosting company that I've heard is great for new bloggers looking to spend under $10 to get their site up and running. Although I haven't used them personally, I'm a part of multiple blogger groups where other women mention this company for beginning bloggers. If you are interested in self-hosting a blog of your own, check out BlueHost with plans starting at $3.95/month!
GoDaddy: If you're looking into starting your own self-hosted website, I'm sure you've done your research on domain names to use and purchase. I used GoDaddy to easily search and purchase this website's name, and LOVE all of the sales they tend to have throughout the year.
Tailwind: Tailwind is an incredible and powerful Pinterest and Instagram scheduling program that I've used to get more re-pins and visits to my website. This is, by far, the best way to get my posts out there and exposed to my ideal audience (more often than not, YOU are visiting from Pinterest!) and I can't start a blogging day without opening this program. Check them out here if you're interested!
ShareASale: This is my favorite service that connects me with companies to find and use affiliate links. If you're looking into monetizing your website, check out ShareASale and start searching for your favorite companies or online services to partners with them!
Grammarly: Grammarly doubles as my favorite blogging and college tool, being one of the best online grammar checkers out there. I'm able to upload an entire paper or blog post and spell-check and fix minor errors that we, of course, can't find at first glance.
Photography + Editing Tools
Visme: Visme is an incredible online editing tool that I showcase in a recent post, How to Attract Your Ideal Audience, and Get Traffic to Your Blog. Not only does Visme have an extensive list of image and infographic templates, but they also have features that are not found on other editing sites like Canva and even PicMonkey. I would highly suggest checking Visme out here if you're looking for a high-powered image editing tool!
VSCO: VSCO is the BEST image editing application that I've used to date. My social media may not be as 'popping' like the rest, but my blog photos are easily edited and enhanced with this app that has a handy website to store and upload your photos to share publicly.
UNUM: UNUM is another incredible application that I use to plan out my Instagram photos. With this app, you can connect your account and place images in a grid (similar to Instagram's) that allows you to see how your feed will look before uploading those photos. I personally haven't used this nearly enough, but will start as soon as my social media hiatus is over.
Unsplash: Unsplash is my favorite site to head to when I'm in need of photos to use for the background of my blog post featured images. This site has free high-quality images that range in theme but are nonetheless free to use and look amazing on your blog or social media. Another couple of sites are; StockSnap.io, Kaboompics, and PicJumbo.
Adobe Color Wheel: This is a pretty handy tool to use when you're trying to find a color scheme that works best for your blog or social media content. I used this to find the hex code for my ideal shade of blush pink and other pinks that I use throughout this site.
Electronics + Tech
Canon 80D: This is my newest addition to my long list of both beginner and professional cameras. I have fallen madly in love with Canon and the many features included in their popular DSLR option, the Canon 80D. This, fortunately, has a flip out touch screen and advanced connection capabilities. Alongside the camera features, Canon also has a wireless remote function so I can see myself record on my phone or computer. This camera was a hefty investment, but one I will not have to make for a very long time.
Neewer 18 inch Ring Light: This is the ring light I use for my YouTube videos, and have grown to love more and more over time. This is a step down from the Diva ring light that costs double the price but does just about the same thing with an awesome dimmable 75W light + movable stand. (Would highly recommend for aspiring or growing YouTubers!)
WD Portable External Hard Drive: This hard drive is the one I use and love, but can't necessarily compare to any other on the market. Overall, I would suggest getting a hard drive, especially if you're creating written or video content that you've only saved on one computer (better safe than sorry to save your important documents in two to three different places).
College Resources + Tools
Chegg: Chegg is one of the few sites I use to rent and purchase discounted textbooks for each semester in college. I love how user-friendly their site is and how many options they have for each textbook you may be looking to rent. (They usually have eBook, Audio and Hardback + Study Manuals for each major book). This is my one-stop-shop and, in my opinion, my college BFF.
Thesaurus.com: Long story short, when you want to sound ornate and sumptuous on your papers, check out this site (if you don't already use it daily as I do) to spice up your vocabulary.
Rate My Professors: This. Site. Is. A. Life. Saver...I have dodged so many bullets looking up my professor before registering for classes. If you weren't already familiar with this site, find your professor by searching your school and their name to see in-depth reviews and insight you wouldn't have known beforehand. (You have been warned, I've done my community service for the day!)
WayUp: WayUp is one of the best sites I've used to search for internships and possible jobs according to my experience and soon-to-be degree. There are plenty of other online sites to find internships but, if you're into looking on multiple sites, check this one out for a great search experience.
US Bureau of Labor Statistics: This is a government site that a lot of students overlook when deciding what they want to do with their degree come graduation. I use this site for one specific purpose...To see possible future salaries. If money doesn't make you finish your paper I don't know what will (aside from the desire to not fail, perhaps). Search your desired career path and you'll find a plethora of information regarding average salaries, employment rates, and sub-industries.
Lifestyle
FabFitFun: FabFitFun is officially my favorite subscription box to date! For just $49 per season, you'll receive a cute box FILLED with full-size products ranging from lifestyle, wellness, beauty, and hair. Receiving four per year, these are definitely the boxes you'll want to get high-quality/trendy products that compliment each season.
iHerb: As I deal with PCOS, I've come to realize just how important health and wellness is. iHerb has been the ultimate resource for all things 'natural living' with vitamins, powders, and essential foods I need to stay on track.
That's all I have for my resources list, for now. I will continuously add onto this page as time goes on, and when new services and tools are introduced to me that are worthy enough to be showcased. I've attached a widget below showcasing some of my current favorites, since listing them out would be a headache. Make sure to visit My YouTube Channel where I'm constantly sharing 'favorites' videos with products I use and enjoy. If you have any further questions about these services and tools mentioned, shoot me an email or catch me on Twitter for an even quicker response!
