My Favorite Resources & Tools

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Welcome! Here you’ll find my favorite blogging tools and resources, along with kitchen must-haves, craft essentials, and budget-friendly favorites.

If you’re curious about how I got started, check out my first post What is My Tasteful Threads or visit my About page. Once you’ve had a look, scroll down to explore the resources that can help you start your own blog (and more).

How It All Got Started

My blogging journey began when I picked up my crochet hooks and knitting needles again — and even returned to sewing. I went on a creative streak making things for my home. Friends encouraged me to sell my items, but instead I decided to share them through a blog. And that’s how the idea for My Tasteful Threads was born.

Growing Up

As a child, I spent countless hours with my grandmother. She cooked every meal, sewed on her pedal sewing machine, and knitted or crocheted with whatever she had on hand. Eventually, she showed me how to roll dough for bread, crochet simple stitches, and knit with “two-pointed needles.”

Those early lessons grew into a lifelong love for handmade crafts. My grandmother always said, “When it’s homemade, it comes from the heart.” I believe that too — and it’s at the heart of this blog.

Building My Tasteful Threads

Starting this blog has been a joy. I researched a lot before diving in, but it has been worth every step. My goal is to share what I’ve learned with busy moms, students, young professionals, and anyone else eager to pick up new skills.

If I can take this leap, you can too!

Ready to Start?

What are you waiting for? Take that step and get started! To make things easier, here are some of the best tools for beginner bloggers that worked for me.

Tools for Blogging

Starting a blog can feel overwhelming, but I’ve discovered tools that make the process much easier. Take your time, plan carefully, and avoid rushing — it makes all the difference.

Web Hosting with Bluehost (My Top Pick)

My go-to hosting service is Bluehost — affordable, beginner-friendly, and packed with free training resources. Their support team is excellent, too.

👉 Start your blog with Bluehost here

Word Processing Tools for Bloggers

Draft your blog posts in a document editor first, then copy them into WordPress. Great options include:

Microsoft Word
Google Docs

These tools make it easy to organize, edit, and format your content before publishing.

Sharing your posts is essential to grow your visibility and connect with readers. I post on:

Facebook
Pinterest

You can find my social links in the icons at the bottom of every page on this site.

Another great resource for sharing your favorite things and you blog is Benable. Skip the waitlist now!

Finding a blog coach can be a game-changer. Here are two I personally recommend:

Margaret Bourne – The Confident Blogger
Down-to-earth, realistic, and fantastic at one-on-one coaching. Margaret helps you focus, create an action plan, and move forward with clarity. Check her out here.

Ana Skyes – The She Approach
Ana offers ebooks, video courses, and step-by-step training on everything from starting a blog to building a business. Her tutorials are clear, practical, and easy to follow. Explore The She Approach here.

Free Daily Checklist

Stay organized while building your blog or managing your day. If something doesn’t get finished today, move it to the top of tomorrow’s list.

Grab your free Plan My Day checklist here.

Daily Useful Tools

Along with blogging, I rely on everyday tools for cooking, crocheting, knitting, and managing my budget. Here are my favorites:

Kitchen Essentials

These are more of my go-to kitchen tools, purchased from Amazon, that make prepping recipes a breeze. These are the ones I recommend and purchased from Amazon. I’ve linked them so you can easily find the same ones I use:

Sharp Chef’s Knife – Cuts through beef, chicken and veggies quickly and cleanly.
KitchenAid Mixer – Durable and versatile; mine is 8-quart industrial, but smaller sizes are available.
Durable Cutting Board – Easy to clean and sturdy enough for everyday use.
Measuring Cups & Spoons Set – Essential for getting the recipe just right.
9×13 Baking Pan – Perfect for casseroles, brownies, and more family-sized dishes.
Mixing Bowls (Set of 3) – Handy for mixing, prepping, and serving.
Stainless Steel Skillet/Saute Pan – Essential for every kitchen. Stainless steel is recommended because it is easy to clean and lasts.
Spatula – Necessary item for mixing and when stirring food on the stove. Part of my essential list.
Thawing Tray – Another essential item to thaw meats quickly. This little gem saves me so much time.
Small Prep Bowls – Makes it easy to premeasure ingredients and set aside for easy pouring without having to stop.
Large measuring cup – Essential for those ingredients that require pouring and need to see the amount.
Extra Large measuring cup – Needed when you have those large mixtures.

Crocheting & Knitting Essentials

Crocheting and knitting are at the heart of My Tasteful Threads — they’re where my love for handmade crafts truly began. Whether you’re just learning your first chain stitch or tackling a new blanket pattern, the right tools make all the difference.

Here are a few of my favorite crochet and knitting essentials that I use every week:

Clover Crochet Hooks – Smooth and comfortable to hold, perfect for long projects.
Red Heart Yarn – Durable, affordable, and available in so many beautiful colors.
Stitch Markers – Keep track of your rounds and rows with ease.
Yarn Storage Basket – Keeps your yarn neat, tangle-free, and easy to grab.
Small Scissors – Small sharp scissor for snipping those tiny ends for finishing.
Darning Needles – Small needles with a large eye that makes finishing projects simple.

🧶 Beginner Tip: Start small! A dishcloth, scarf, or granny square is the perfect first project to build confidence before moving to larger pieces.

💡 Want to learn more?
Visit my crochet tutorials and pattern posts (coming soon!) for step-by-step guides, inspiration, and cozy ideas you can make in an afternoon.

Crochet and knitting remind us to slow down, get creative, and make something beautiful with our own two hands — and that’s exactly what My Tasteful Threads is all about.

Financial & Budget Essentials

Even though My Tasteful Threads is mostly about crafts, cozy living, and creativity, I like to sprinkle in light financial tips to help you make the most of your money. From saving a little here and there to organizing your expenses, these small habits can make a big difference. And if you’re planning a trip or trying a new hobby, your budget form can help you manage it!

💡 Get Started with my Budgeting Tool Kit:
I’ve created a simple, easy-to-use kit to help you plan your finances, track spending, and stay on top of your goals.

Grab the Budgeting Tool Kit here

Other tools I use for financial organization will be added here soon — so check back for more ways to keep your money organized and stress-free.

Travel & Books I Love

Life is about more than projects and productivity — it’s also about adventures, inspiration, and learning. Here I share my favorite travel resources, must-read books, and a few tips for planning simple, budget-friendly trips.

Travel guides, websites, and tools I personally use
Books that inspire creativity, cozy living, and personal growth
Tips to combine travel, reading, and lifestyle learning

💡 Tip: You can also use the Budgeting Tool Kit to plan your trips or book purchases!

I’ll be updating this section regularly as I explore new destinations and read new titles — so check back for ideas to enrich your cozy, creative lifestyle.

Wrapping Up

I hope these blogging tools, kitchen must-haves, craft essentials, and financial & budget items inspire you — whether for your blog, your kitchen, or your next creative project.

Happy creating and blogging! 💛