Today I am participating in two guest posts.
The first is part of Anna's "meet the blogger" series.
The second is 3 things that make me smile over at Lovely Happenings.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Feature Friday: Hi Sugarplum!
Today our Feature Friday comes to us from Cassie of Hi Sugarplum! Here's what she said when I asked her to describe her style:
"Being part of this fabulous blogging community, and exposed to all the brilliant and talented designers and bloggers has really helped to shape my style and figure out what I love. I tend to favor a slightly traditional style, with a shot of modern glamour thrown in. I surround myself with color, and love to step outside the box and have a really unexpected piece in every room. (Yellow Highboy anyone?) I'm also fickle, so inexpensive DIY projects are key for being able to switch things up! "
Check out her great home.
The Living Room
These pictures were a recent diy project using nail-heads.
Here is an amazing high boy dresser that she painted.
Make sure you check out her blog to get more great DIY ideas and to see pictures of her latest projects.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Jess LC and Plush Studio in Rue!
I loved this feature in Rue magazine about Jess LC's home. Don't you love those beautiful chevron curtains!
Well they were made by my lovely sponsor Erin from Plush Studio. Contact her if you are looking to have some beautiful custom curtains made!
Yummy
My girl Melissa from Windows by Melissa made up this amazing roman shade for Fran's kitchen window. I am in love! If you are looking for a custom roman shade contact her!
p.s...
p.s...
Check out this skirted table Bryn whipped up. She is my hero.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
What I Learned and Who I Met at Alt.
Where do I begin.......
I learned so so so much. I attended some fabulous classes and I seriously was a sponge. Here are just a few of the notes I really took to heart:
* Scratch the itch or your readers will go elsewhere. -Jenny, LGN
* Remember what Inspired you originally! - Jenny, LGN
* Disclosure is very very very important. You now have to let people know anytime you are writing a post that someone is paying you to write or if you've been given a product for review. Basically just be honest with your readers. And if you are given anything that is worth over $100 you have to claim it for taxes.
* You HAVE to credit sources.
* Be kind and generous, it comes back to you. -swiss miss (I seriously believe in this principle!)
* When it comes to advertisers test the waters first. You'll come to know what your value is worth over time. I think this is so true. Wait till you have a good following before you introduce sponsors to your blog. It's better for everyone.
* Do not use the comment section of other bloggers to promote your site or products. Use it build friendships and community.
* Spend at least 30 min. a day commenting on people's blogs. And make your comments smart.
*Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are the busiest blog traffic days.
* My favorite was, "You cannot build your blog in a vacuum!". - a practical wedding You can't just expect to gain readers unless you are actively seeking them and getting to know them.
Basically here is my summary in a nutshell. I learned that I need to think harder about what my readers want to read about. You have to be original. I never want to read a blog that has images I've seen a thousand times before or is just a reposting of a DIY. You need to be thinking of things that no one can read anywhere else. I want to get to know my readers better as well. I need to be better at disclosing and more upfront with all of you. If I am receiving an item for free or getting paid for a post I will be letting you know. I am also herby swearing to be better at Twitter. I'm possibly the worst there is. But thanks to Tweet Deck I think I can actually start to handle it. I also learned that there are SO many blogs out there that I don't know anything about. I have my little niche of blogs I read but I want to expand my horizon and read a few things that aren't necessarily in my comfort zone. So here are my goals for my business and blog this year.
* Get a Website
* Have at Least 3 Projects Photographed for my Portfolio
* Re-do my Blog Design or at Least Clean it up a Little
* Post more Original Ideas
* Get to Know More Bloggers. Especially the Local Ones.
* Re-do my Advertising Strategy
* Comment on Your Blogs More
* Finish My Master Bedroom! (okay I know that has nothing to do with my business or blog but it really needs help).
It can definitely get discouraging at times to think of how far I have to go and how GIANT some blogs are. But I LOVE LOVE LOVE blogging and I am so happy to get to share it with all of you. And if you are thinking of starting a blog but are a little scared here is a quote shared at AlT that I love:
"In all new beginnings dwells a magic force" - Hermann Hesse quoted by Tina Roth Eisenberg
Another great part of Alt is the social aspect. I met some amazing people!
I have loved blogging for a very long time and it's wonderful to meet people who are equally as passionate about it. Here are some of the people I got to meet and mingle with:
Elisabeth Fraser from You + Me
Janette Crawford from Storenvy
Danyelle Mathews from Dandee Designs
Capree from My Adventure is Your Advantage
Janie Liu of We Heart Paper
Katie Richardson from Puj
Caitlin Fleming from Sacramento St.
Susan of House of Brinson
Alisa Openshaw of Modern Palm
Marisa from Creative Thursday
Brittany Ambridge from Aubergine Photography
Megan Biram from Mimi + Meg
Trina McNeilly from La La Lovely
Pam Kueber of Retro Renovation
Nicole Hill from A Little Sussy
Holly + Kristen from Alice Lane
Jenny from A Little Green Notebook
Amanda from Recycled
Marta from Marta Writes
Bri from Collected
Melanie from Fifth and Hazel
Sarah Jane from Sarah Jane Studios
Caroline from Armelle
Susan from Freshly Picked
Annie from Annily Green
Stephanie from Stephmodo
Here's me and Caitlin talking with Bri.
One of my favorite parts of the summit was getting to hang with Caitlin who I email frequently but don't get the chance to spend a ton of time with.
Here we are at the Kate Spade party. Which by the way was amazing.
It was thrown by the Girls with Glasses. It was fabulously decorated
Kate Spade = Magic.
Plus we got a goody bag with this cute book, Things we Love. I can't stop flipping through it.
Be Still Giveaway!
Any day with that includes a giveaway from Be Still is a good day!
Today Sarah is giving away a product of your choice.
To enter simply visit the store and leave a comment telling me which pillow you would want if you won.
For another extra entry blog or tweet about this giveaway
This Giveaway has ended.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
Etsy To Do List Roundup
I seriously had the most amazing time at Alt. I have lots and lots of goals for my blog. I have already started my "to-do for the blog" list. Here are some great to do lists I've found on Etsy to get me inspired.
Speaking of lists....
Check out this great shopping list that I got from Alisa of Modern Palm Boutique at Alt.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Mikel Maia Jewelry
I wanted some fun jewelry for Alt so I ordered these beautiful earrings from Mikel Maia. I just love getting things from Etsy in the mail. They are always packaged so well.
Aren't they pretty!
Check out some of her other designs.
I love this little elephant necklace. Check out her shop to see more of her jewelry!
Snow and Graham
One of the best things you can buy for your home is a good calendar because it's something you can enjoy all year long.
My favorite is the Snow and Graham calendar. It's beautiful. Each month has a new and stunning design.
I look at it all the time and it makes me so happy.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Alt so Far
By Unknown | At 7:17 PM | Label : | 0 Comments
Alt has been amazing thus far. I feel like I can't scribble down notes fast enough during the classes. I'll give you the full rundown next week but I'll just give you a little idea of what the week has been like.
First of all let me tell you how I was even able to attend this wonderful conference. I was dying to go but not sure how I would fork over the $400 price tag for registration. Luckily a generous and new up-and-coming company called Just Shorn sponsored my ticked for the summit. They also sponsored a night at the Little America Hotel. It was fabulous. I stayed up really late with my friend and fellow designer Caitlin Creer talking about clients, blogging and a fun collaboration that I'll be telling you about later.
Wednesday was spent at presentation from the Just Shorn team. Their company is so so so great. I had such a good time learning about wool rugs and sustainability.
Today I arrived early and spent my time soaking up every single word in the classes. I have so many new goals for my blog that I can't wait to share with you. Tomorrow is a whole new day of learning. I'll have my pen and notebook ready!
Happily Ever After
I recently ordered this beautiful plate for Valentines Day from Aedriel Originals. It would make a wonderful wedding gift as well. Aedriel makes the prettiest handmade ceramic dishes. Take a look at some of my favorites from her shop.
Those custom silhouette plates would be perfect hanging on a wall. You must check out her stuff. It's unique and truly original! Check out her blog and facebook page as well.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)