Blogging Q+A - How to Start a Blog

In October of this year Sugar Spice and Sparkle turned FOUR years old! I can't even believe it has been four whole years.  Many of you may not know this but I also had a blog that focused on craft tutorials prior to switching over to the fashion and lifestyle niche, so I've been doing this for a long time (here is my first ever post, oh gosh why am I sharing this with you?? #embarrassing).  Blogging has been a constant in my life through many seasons.  I've taken quite a few breaks, posted consistently, posted sporadically, grown and plateaued, and it's been a fun ride!

A Week Without Instagram - What I Learned

If you're following along on Instagram (which of course you are, right?!) then you know that last week I #snapped.

Okay that is a bit dramatic!  But I did decide to do something I don't think I've ever done before which is delete Instagram from my phone for a whole week.

Instagram Hashtags for Fashion Bloggers + Freebie!

Oh Instagram... sometimes I think back to the simpler days of posting whatever was going on in my life with whatever dull lighting was available and getting excited when my likes turned from names to a number.  Who can relate?

How To Set Goals and Stick To Them

Do you have a laundry list of things you want to do in this life that only seems to get longer as time goes on?  As we get older we all get busier and adult life kicks us in the butt until all we can seem to do is go to work and watch Netflix on the couch until it's time for bed only to wake up and do the exact same thing tomorrow.  Depressing much?  I want to talk about setting goals and sticking to them.

It's easier said than done, but let's give it a go together, shall we?

Blogging: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Wanted to write this post because lately I've been feeling a little bit down.  I recently shared my blogging plan and have been proud of myself for really sticking to it the past few weeks!  The bad news is that I feel like despite my increase in content, my page views just aren't what I thought they'd be and my Instagram follower number isn't where I want it to be.  That being said, let's get into the dirty deets.

How I Edit My Instagram Photos

If you don't know, I love me some Instagram!  You've probably read about having an Instagram "theme" for your account.  Good articles on that here and here.  My "theme" is all about light and bright.  All white everything, bright colors, and clear pictures.  How do I achieve this look on all of my posts?  Keep reading.

Why Bloggers Should Be On Snapchat

Calling all bloggers!  Are you on snapchat?  Not just do you have the app, but do you put stories out there for your audience to see?

Blogging Plan

As I often do on Monday mornings, today I found my mind wandering around the thought of my blog's future.  I don't want my blog to slowly fade into the black, and lose all of my hard work from the last almost 2 years.  As I sat at my corporate desk job, I thought about the freedom I could have if I just got my blog in check.  I often think about this and get 'lightening bolts' of inspiration and motivation like "yeah I got this, gonna work my butt off but I'm gonna be a full time blogger by this time next year!".  A few minutes later I find myself back on the couch, watching HGTV and mindlessly scrolling through  Instagram.  I'm finally ready to make the commitment - something has to change.  Don't get me wrong, I have a great job, but for anyone who loves blogging, you know the dream of doing it full time is always there!

This will change the way you Instagram

One of the biggest bummers about Instagram is that if you have multiple accounts its a pain in the butt!  Log in, log out, log in, log out - awful. 

Best 5 Free Social Media Marketing Tools

We all know and love social media, well at least we think we do.  But there are SO many tools, services, lessons, websites, etc. out there to help us.  It can be overwhelming to know which ones are actually a good use of time and which are not really value-adding.  There are great articles, like this one, that try narrowing it down for you - but it can still be too much!  I went through the list and picked out my top 5 (in no particular order).  5 is reasonable right, easy enough to click through and check them all out in a sitting?  I hope you agree and find this uber useful!  Feel free to Pin It for future reference.

Blogging Beauty - Paper Meets Pearl

Today I have a treat for you! The lovely Kelly of Paper Meets Pearl has answered some fun questions.  So have fun getting to know this sweet girl and hopefully some of you will learn something about blogging from her!

1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Hello! My name is Kelly and I’m the blogger behind Paper Meets Pearl! My blog is a fashion/lifestyle blog based out of gorgeous Charleston, SC. By day I’m a marketing/social media guru and by night I’m a blogger and fashion stylist!

2. How did you first get involved with blogging?

I first got started back in January after making a New Year’s resolution. I honestly owe a lot of my blog’s start to my supportive boyfriend for challenging me to do it. I’ve always loved fashion and writing but was always told that it wasn’t a viable option. Ever since I got started I’ve been able to meet some amazing ladies (like Katie!) and work with terrific brands.

3. What do you find most challenging about blogging?

Oh gosh! That’s difficult because there will always be challenges with blogging. I would have to say staying motivated and inspired to come up with creative content. I try to keep a notebook handy so I can jot down an idea so I don’t lose it.

4. How would you describe your personal style?

I would say it’s a cross between minimalism and boho. I love simple styles and patterns but also love a good flowy dress! My favorite type of clothes to wear are midi dresses with either heels or slide sandals and very simple jewelry.

5. How do you keep coming up with content for your blog?

Write down everything! Every little thought I have I write down, no matter how crazy it is! It keeps me going and some ideas can really become great ones when I start putting more thought into them. Flipping through magazines also helps too, especially with my job as a stylist.

6. What are your favorite upcoming trends for Fall/Winter?

My favorite trends I’m seeing right now are shearling vests (I just received an incredibly soft one from Entourage Clothing!) and lots of 70s vibes. My favorite boutique, 7 Gypsy, just got this amazing suede fringe skirt that I’m dying to try!

7. What’s your favorite piece of clothing in your wardrobe right now?

That’s so hard for me! I would have to say my favorite piece is this forest green tunic I recently got at Forever21. It’s a great summer to fall piece because it has thigh high slits so I can wear shorts under it, then in the fall I can wear leggings and a leather jacket!

8. If someone was interested in blogging, what would be a few things you would suggest?

Join a community! I joined Charleston Bloggers and Southern Blog Society and both have been a great way to meet new friends, collaborate with bigger brands, and learn how to be a better blog. Also, don’t be scared to put yourself out there! Take risks and see how they play out. You may be surprised!

9. What do you think is the best strategy to get more traffic to your blog?

Besides creating useful content, I would say really utilize social media. It’s such an easy tool to really drive traffic to your blog. Each time I create a new post, I post a link to it on my Instagram in the bio and all over Facebook, Twitter and Google+.

10. What do you do in your spare time?

I live in a great neighborhood close to a Green Way so I like to go on long bike rides and run through there. If I’m not biking, I’m typically at the beach surfing with my boyfriend (I’m still learning!) or catching up with friends at a local coffee shop or wine bar.

11. Where would you like to be in blogging five years from now?

I would love to be a full-time blogger and make my income doing that. As for now, I’m really happy where I’m at and enjoy seeing where it’s taking me! I’m incredibly thankful to be able to do what I love.

12. Tell me about your proudest achievement?

I would say the day I got asked to start running a weekly fashion show. I truly felt like I was being seen and people wanted to see more of it! It’s starting to drive more traffic to my blog and such a great output for creativity.

13. Who was your first style icon?

My first style icon was Audrey Hepburn and still is!

14. What are your favorite places to shop?

I can’t say no to a good vintage or thrift store! I’m always on the lookout for some great pieces. I also like Nordstrom Rack, Forever21, and The Gap.

15. If you could splurge on one item, what would it be and why?

I’m not too sure! I would have to say something from either Chanel or Chloe. I love both of these brands and how timeless they are.

16. Do you have any fashion rules when putting an outfit together?

Coco Chanel said it best, “Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance,” and I completely agree with her! A perfect outfit is one that is balanced and only uses touches of accessories to highlight the overall outfit itself. This is something I try to use every day when I’m either styling myself or my shows.

Thanks so much for collaborating with me Kelly!  Make sure you follow her on Instagram - she posts some seriously fab fashion pics!

Read my answers to the questions on Kelly’s blog!

Don't forget to Sparkle!

XO ~ Katie

Illustration

If you're on Instagram then you have probably followed or at least seen some pretty awesome artists.  Well I was lucky enough to be able to work with one of them, Caroline Bogush!  She drew ten of my favorite things and I love how they turned out!  Check out more of her work here.  P.S. these are in no particular order, I love them all!

1. Tulle Skirts!  See my photos here to compare to Caroline's amazing drawing!

2. Kate Spade bags!

3. Hunting for sea shells on the beach 

4. Bow Bikinis!  I also think this one kind of looks like a mermaid so thats doubly awesome, right?

5. Jack Rogers!  Especially gold ones! This drawing is so realistic, I am in awe!

6. J. Crew scallop dress, especially in pink ;)

7. Makeup! Side note: I wish blogger had emojis because they just express my emotions so well!

8. Flowers!

9.  Fun quotes

10. Working out - gotta stay fit and make fitness fun with pink equipment!

Hope you all enjoyed and go check out Caroline's website!

Don't forget to Sparkle!

XO ~ Katie

Blogger Feature Friday

Well I may have missed a few Fridays but the Blogger Feature Friday is back!  

Blogger Bio

I'm Chardae. A soon to be mama to a little princess, Pinterest addict, ice cream and cake connoisseur and wanna be interior stylist.

What is your blog name and how/why did you come up with it?

My blog name is Lioness Dae. My name is Chardae, Dae for short and I'm a Leo...like a textbook Leo.

What is your favorite thing to blog about? Why?

I like to talk and give advice. Right now I'm blogging about my journey to and through motherhood and my day to day life.

How do you take blog photos? Who helps you, if anyone, what equipment do you use?

Most of the images on my blog are stock photos. The actual photos are taken with a 4 year old point and shoot (a DSLR is on my wish list) and I take them myself.

What do you do when you're not blogging?

When I'm not blogging I'm reading other blogs and trying to figure out how to make mine better. I also enjoy reading, shopping and napping has become a fave in the third trimester.

Besides your own, what is your favorite blog?

It's so hard to pick a fave! Right now I'm really loving Mattieologie.com. I found her blog less than a week ago but I read a post that really pushed me to make a business move and it felt great!

Blog: LionessDae

Facebook: LionessDae

Google+: Lioness Dae

Instagram: Lioness_Dae 

Pinterest: Lioness Dae

Twitter: @Lioness_Dae

Hope you're enjoying meeting new bloggers!

Don't forget to Sparkle!

XO ~ Katie

P.S. email me if you would like to be featured :)

Blogger Feature Friday - Pretty Girl

Today I'm launching a new series!  Every other Friday I will feature a new blogger for you to check out.  I wanted to do this as a way to connect not only myself but also all of my readers with more bloggers and build a community of blogger friends!  I hope you enjoy!

Blogger Bio

I'm Kelsey, the blogger at a Pretty Girl. I'm a 20 year old college student studying biology. I'm a proud member of a sorority and have a dream of becoming a pharmacist. I've been blogging since high school but didn't make it known to my friends and family until this past January. I love fashion, cats, Grey's Anatomy, glitter, and the colors black and pink but not together. 

What is your blog name and why?

My blog name is Pretty Girl. I rebranded last year and my ex-boyfriend helped me come up with the name since he always called me his Pretty Girl. We are now broken up but I plan on keeping my blog name. 

What is your favorite thing to blog about and why?

My favorite thing to blog about is my personal opinions on things. Those seem to interest people and I get a great response from them. I want to start doing more blog posts on my personal style though. 

How do you take your blog photos?

I normally take blog photos on my iPhone because I don't want to buy a nice camera to be honest. I take the photos myself since I haven't really focused on outfit posts yet. 

What do you do when you're not blogging?

When I'm not blogging, I like to binge watch Grey's Anatomy, online shop, snuggle with my kittens, and waste time on social media. 

What is your favorite blog?

My favorite blogs are Rainboots and Retail and also The College Prepster. TCP is what influenced me to start a blog and I just love RRs style! 

Thank you so much Kelsey for being my first blogger feature! 

Make sure you check out Kelsey at www.aprettyblogger.blogspot.com 

Don't forget to Sparkle

XO ~ Katie

Brand Rep Reveal

All I can say is wow.  Just wow!  I am soooo happy I decided to do brand reps again!  I have gotten so many amazing responses and amazing ladies who think my brand is special enough.  You have no idea what that means to me!  A huge thank you and cyber hug to everyone who applied and was so super sweet!

That being said, this was the hardest decision ever!  I wish I could just let everyone be a brand rep for me but since this a one woman show over here I just don't think I could handle that many.  Last time I had three brand reps and this time I just had to pick six.  I'm a little nervous to have so many but I absolutely could not decide!

The lovely ladies I have chosen are:

Allison  (@Allisonceleste_)

Rebecca  (@just.beccause)

Lily  (@mdpreppy)

Mikkaela  (@PastHopingFor)

Tif  (@brightonabudget)

Emily  (@breezingthrough)

Congrats girls!  I just can not wait to start working with each of you!  Please send me a DM on Instagram with your email address.  Click here to review the details of what being a brand rep entails.

Now, if you were not selected this time please don't be upset!  It was a very tough decision and I will select new brand reps again in the future.  Also, if I don't hear from someone I did pick, I will contact one of my next choices, so you never know.  

As a thank you to all of you, use code FRIENDS10 in the shop for 10% off!  

Don't forget to Sparkle!

XO ~ Katie

*The brand rep program can be discontinued or changed at any time.  Anyone who deliberately tries to scam the program will be excluded from it.  The program is meant to help build a community around Sugar Spice and Sparkle not for individuals to just get free stuff.

How To Write A Blog Post | Blogging Basics | 10 Steps to the Perfect Blog Post

Creating a blog can be a daunting task.  Sometimes you may ask yourself "where do I start?" I'm no expert by any means, but my first blog, Kraftie Katie, does pretty well and I am trying my best to build this one!  Keep reading for a simple way to get your next post started!

You may wonder why I would write a post about how to write a post, you just write it, right?  Wrong!  There is so much to one "simple" post that you haven't even thought of!  Here we go:

1. Come up with an idea/topic.  These may seem like an easy task but it isn't always.  I like to keep a journal with me at all times so every time an idea comes to mind I can write it down! {monogrammed of course} Similar here

2. Bring your idea to life.  That may mean getting an outfit together, doing a craft project, or compiling information on a topic.  What ever your blog post is going to be about, bring it to life!

3. Take Pictures.  This step may have to go hand in hand with step 2, especially if your idea is a DIY tutorial - you'll want to take pictures of the process.  If it's fashion think about taking pictures of the clothes before you put them on, wearing them, close-ups of shoes and accessories.  If you're writing about another topic think of info graphics you can use or other pictures.  With Pinterest being a main source of blog promotion these days you have to have great pictures!  My Camera


4. Edit Pictures.  Brighten.  Crop.  Watermark.  Collage.  Caption.

I use iPhoto

5. Write the post.  Finally!  This was all you THOUGHT you had to do - actually sit down and type.  Now this step could come right after step 1, it may help you to improve your idea and pictures if you try to write the content first and add everything extra later.

6. Pin-able image.  Make sure you have at least one!  This should be a great photo that includes your URL and the title of your post.

Follow Sugar Spice and Sparkle's board I <3 Sparkle on Pinterest.

7. Add links.  If you want to link to sources, reference previous posts of your own, or guide your readers to another site you are going to need links.  They're quick to add (just highlight your text selection, click "link" [in Blogger], and paste in the URL) but you have to have all of your sources open to get those URL's!

8. Add HTML code.  Don't be scared - you can do it!  I know code of any kind can be scary if you're not familiar (or even if you are!) but Google is your friend in this case!  You shouldn't really have to write any code yourself, just copy and paste.  You'll need code to add "Pin It" buttons, track page views, add a signature and more.

9. Edit and Review.  There is nothing that bugs me more than reading a blog and finding a typo.  Now no one is perfect so don't judge me if you find one here! :P  But a quick read through in Preview can help you out and make your blog more professional.

10. Post and Promote!  You are all done!  Almost... You can finally share your post with the world but make sure they can find it!  Promote on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and anywhere else you can think of!

I hope you found this helpful.  Please leave me a comment with any additional steps you take when writing a blog post!  For more blog tips from me, click here

5 Steps to the Perfect Blog Name

Sugar Spice and Sparkle just seems so obvious to me.  That is now, after several weeks of non-stop brain storming.

So you want to start a blog?  I've blogged before (here) and maybe you have too.  I don't know if this makes starting a new blog easier or harder.  In some respects you already know what to do but on the other hand you have to come up with a whole new idea!

After hours on Pinterest and blogs for bloggers I have conjured up quite a few helpful hints for coming up with the perfect blog name.

1 - actually write down what your blog will be about.  I'm not talking an essay or anything like that, just list topics you plan on writing about at some point.  At first I thought this was silly, but after I did it I realized I wanted my blog to be so much!  This step helped me look for a name that would be applicable to many topics (as opposed to Kraftie Katie, which is kind of a limiting name).

Pic Source

2 - old fashioned brainstorming.  Get a pen, get some paper, and write.  Write down whatever word or phrases come to mind.  Funny story - looking back at my brainstorming paper, sugar nor spice nor sparkle is present.  But I still think this was a good idea to get the blog-naming juices flowing.

Pic Source

3 - consider the big picture.  Think about longevity, you may want something trendy in the name but if you want to be around for a while consider how your blog name will sound in ten years.  Also think about your brand, do you even want to be a brand?  If you do then ask: does your blog name work as a store name?  Clothing line?  Huge corporation!?  Okay I may be getting a little excited but you get what I'm saying, right?

4 - talk it out.  Once you have a few ideas say them out loud.  To yourself and those closest to you.  Sometimes something may look good on paper but then sound silly when you say it out loud.  

Pic Source

5 - take a break.  Easier said than done, I know, I can not seem to turn my brain off when it comes to my blog or Etsy shop!  But if you try to distract yourself from constantly thinking about a blog name, you allow your mind to open up and be free for something to just pop in!

Step 5 is actually how I was able to finally give birth to my new baby blog!  I was so focused on adding new items to my shop (the items happened to all contain glitter) and I just thought of it.  My mom was with me at the time and I just said "What about Sugar Spice and Sparkle?".  And that was that.  The thinking was finally over!  That is until a few hours later when I started to think of all the blog posts I wanted to write for my newly named site.

You may be thinking, "why on earth would I do these other steps when they didn't even help?".  But the thing is they DID help.  They helped me get the ball rolling and helped me to know what I did NOT want to name my blog.  So process of elimination at the least :) 

Leave me a comment with your blog name, I would love to hear what you've dreamed up!  And if you'd like to stay up to date with Sugar Spice and Sparkle, enter your email in the side bar.  I'll keep it safe and only use it to send you weekly emails full of sparkle and shine!  I think we could all use a little more of that!