Blogging Resources

Just like a seamstress needs thread and a painter needs a paintbrush, bloggers need certain tools to help them pursue their passion.

So, here is a list of the apps and services I use to make this blog both beautiful and functional.

My favorite blogging tools and resources.

All the resources listed here are ones that I personally use and am happy to recommend.

Disclosure: Some of the links provided here are affiliate links. This means that if you buy a product via my link, I will receive a small compensation at no extra cost to you. It’s not much but allows me to keep this site up and running! Please check out my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Hosting And Domain Name:

Namecheap: Pixie Dust Dolls is proudly hosted by Namecheap! Besides being a top-notch domain registrar, Namecheap offers incredible budget-friendly hosting packages.  Their cheapest hosting package starts at $22.88 for the first year, then increases to $44.88 for subsequent years.

Along with being affordable, Namecheap also offers:

  • Free Hosting Migration.
  • Unmetered Bandwidth.
  • Free website builder.
  • cPanel.
  • 50 Positive SSL certificates for the first year.

Blogging Platform:

WordPress: In my opinion, when it comes to choosing a blogging platform, it’s WordPress all the way—and I mean WordPress.org, not WordPress.com.

Here’s an ultra-quick break down of the benefits of WordPress:

  • Open source–WordPress is free from commercial limitations.  It’s your site to use however you please–so have fun with it!
  • 100% free to download, use, and modify.
  • Easy to learn and takes the work out of blogging.
  • SEO friendly.
  • Known for being a secure platform.
  • Highly customizable with hundreds of themes to choose from.

As you can see, the sky is the limit when it comes to WordPress.

All you need is a domain name and hosting to get started.  I recommend picking a company that offers 1-click WordPress installation to make setting up your site even easier.

Blogging Tools:

  • Canva: Canva is graphic design software that is free to use. All you need is an email address to sign up.  You can create blog graphics, Facebook covers, Pinterest graphics, e-book covers, and more.
  • Creative Market: Creative Market is a digital marketplace filled with graphics, fonts, and templates.  It’s a goldmine for beautiful backgrounds, vector images, and blog themes.
  • Photoshop Elements: If you post a lot of images on your site, chances are you’re going to need a photo editing tool. I use Photoshop Elements—a simplified version of Photoshop—to create and touch up the pictures you see here. The best part about Photoshop Elements is that it’s a single purchase. No subscription required!
  • Grammarly:  Grammarly is a grammar and punctuation checker and another great tool for busy writers.  They offer both a paid and free plan. I use the free version.
  • Evernote:  Evernote is the digital note-taking app I use to jot down blog post and story ideas.  You can use the Basic Plan for free or upgrade to one of their Premium plans. I use the Basic Plan as I don’t need all the features the paid plans offer.
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I will be adding to this list as this blog grows and I come across more tools, so be sure to check back because you never know when something that will help you might pop up!