Podcasts Archives - 2 Cats and Chloe

CELEBRATE SOUTHERN: How to have a full time job and a successful job

April 6, 2015 by Susan 17 Comments

So one thing that J and I knew we wanted to ramble about for some time now (while recording and sipping wine) is how to have a full time job and a successful blog at the same time. Guys and gals - let me be straight with you on this… I feel like this episode of the Celebrate Southern Podcast is kind of rambling and all over the place. Why?? Because it’s not something that I feel like I’ve mastered quite yet!

In this episode we talk about the tricks we use throughout our days, as well as how tough it can be to find balance. J and I talk about how important it is for us to strategize and schedule everything, in addition to making a trillion lists.

After editing this episode, I honestly think that the root of my blogging angst comes from comparison. I follow some of the same “big bloggers” that you do… and doesn’t it just kill you at how easy they make it look?! After some thought, I guarantee you that no matter what their niche is, they are going through the same creative struggles and time blocking issues that we all go through! (J and I cannot be alone in this…)

If you are running your blog AND working a full time job (or managing your home, or all of the above!) give yourself one huge high five. You’re a rockstar.

Now, if you want to pretend we are all in the same room, sipping wine and gabbing over blogging + working a full time job, while being awesome at both, you can listen here:

You can read the notes to this episode here.

So tell me, do you have a secret? How do you balance life, work and blogging all at the same time?

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CELEBRATE SOUTHERN PODCAST + Giveaway + Linkup: Blog Layout Must-Haves!

March 23, 2015 by Susan 6 Comments

So let’s be real… I could ramble about boring things like blog layout, design and whitespace for hours and hours. But we try to keep our podcasts to a 30-ish minute max, so don’t fret.

I think my favorite part of my day-job is taking pieces of sales copy, playing devil’s advocate, cranking creative juices then tearing them apart. As nicely as possible, of course. Maybe it sounds odd, but I passionately love looking at websites, blogs, sales flyers, business cards, and even clients’ restaurant menus (yup, even restaurants need marketing tips!) and trying to find a way to do them a wee bit differently, using a creative twist.

Okay, maybe I simply love this week’s podcast because I’m a nerd. Or maybe it’s because it’s chalked full of good content! Whether you are a blog-expert or a newbie, isn’t it always so much fun to talk about our blog design?? Mine is never the way I want it. It’s an ever-changing monster that I adore! My layout to-do list is typically longer than my post to-do list! And I’m okay with that.

Why is this topic so important? Personally, I feel like your blog design says a lot about you and your “product” (i.e. your blog.) It’s the first impression that your current readers and future readers get of you. So, again, in my personal opinion, your blog design can be just as important as your content in most cases!

This week the Celebrate Southern Gals are bringing you a triple whammy! A podcast! A linkup! And a giveaway! It doesn’t get much cooler than that y’all!

I am THRILLED to announce that I have added “Let’s Talk Blog” to my list of services! I’m a marketing professional with a passion for helping small businesses and blogs “think outside of the box” when it comes to their branding and social media. So to kick off this new service - I’m giving away one free session! Let’s have some tea, or a glass of wine together over a skype or google hangout sesh - and talk blog! Oh, I will als0 send you a questionnaire and will then do a review of your site and/or social media prior to our session to so we can make the most of our blog-date! (For more details on the “Let’s Talk” service - check out my Advertise page.)

I’d love to hear what y’all think! Would you be interested in a Blog Consult? What would you want to chat about? Go enter to win (below) and then let’s get our blog-date on the calendar!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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CELEBRATE SOUTHERN PODCAST: How to work with brands as a blogger!

March 9, 2015 by Susan 10 Comments

It’s that time of the week again! Time for the Celebrate Southern Linkup and Podcast! I really love this episode and hope you do too! J and I spent a little time recently discussing the in’s and out’s of working with brands! As a lifestyle blogger, I am really doubtful to ever have a huge stream of brands chasing after me… but when they do, it’s good to know what to do and say! We pulled my expertise in marketing with J‘s experience with tons of brands to bring you this podcast episode: How to work with brands as a blogger!

For notes on this Celebrate Southern Episode 006 click here!

And since I am still on vacation in Europe… I hope you don’t mind that I’m keeping this post short and sweet. If you are following along on instagram you will see our vacation hashtag #SuzAndRuthGoToSwitzerland. I haven’t taken too many pictures yet because my suitcase got lost on the way here. After 5 days in the same clothes, I am happy to report that my suitcase arrived tonight! (Unfortunately it was right after I went out and spent $200 on new clothes! Make note: NEVER EVER wear leggings on a flight. While it seems smart and comfy… jeans are really your best bet. I spent the last few days galavanting in cheap target “wear-only-at-home” leggings! I’m so grateful to have real pants!)

Join the weekly fun and link up below! While it’s called “Celebrate Southern” you do not actually have to be a southern blogger! Not sure what to share? Link up with a new post or an old post, about anything southern inspired: think crafts, decor, vacations, fashion, food, pets, anything!

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CELEBRATE SOUTHERN PODCAST: Spring Break for Bloggers!

February 23, 2015 by Susan 19 Comments

While most folks are packing up their bikinis and sunblock for spring break… I’m packing my bags for cold weather, fondue and the Swiss Alps. Yeah… I’m kinda a big deal. HA! Jayyy Kayyy.

The “JK” was totes in reference to the “I’m kinda a big deal” line… I really am packing and heading to Switzerland once I wrap up my Whole60! While I would love to say it’s a reward for my stellar healthy ways, it’s actually just really great timing. Either way - I’m ready for vacation!

Since both J and I are heading out of the country, we decided to talk about two things we seriously love: Blogging + Vacay. It’s tough feeling completely caught up on blog work without a vacation, never mind after 7 days away from the laptop! In this episode of The Celebrate Southern Podcast we discuss how we handle our blogs when we are trying to unplug!

You can read the notes and details from this podcast episode here!

So rather than doing a post on all the lame cold-weather clothes I’m taking with me on my winter/spring break, I thought y’all might enjoy a sneak peek into my carry-on bag a wee bit more…

1 // I can’t sleep without a blanket, ergo I always bring one with me on airplanes.

2 // It’s an 8 hour flight. My feet get cold. I hate socks.

3 // Almond Butter is a must. More than likely I won’t be able to eat the in-flight food. This will be my (not-well-rounded) dinner.

4 // A book of some sort! Pleaseeee give me suggestions!

5 + 6 // My contigo and tea bags. I honestly won’t leave home without them.

7 // Headphones so I can tune everything and everyone out. And aren’t these gold ones dreamy and beautiful? Has anyone tried these “beats” before?

Do you have any Spring Break plans? How do you handle your blog when you go on vacation? Can you recommend any good books that I should take along? Don’t forget to linkup below!

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CELEBRATE SOUTHERN: Podcast + Valentine Wreath

February 10, 2015 by Susan 27 Comments

Happy Celebrate Southern Day! Yup, it’s officially a day on my calendar, so let’s celebrate! First things first, there is a new episode of the Celebrate Southern Podcast LIVE! This week, J and I are discussing MEDIA KITS for bloggers! She is a pro on this topic so I can’t wait for you to listen in! I learned SO MUCH! You can listen along on the righthand side of my blog or right here:

If you want to see the notes for this podcast (or catch up on past podcasts) please click here.

Now how about a fun DIY project, right in time for February 14?

Just in case you haven’t noticed… I absolutely adore wreaths. They add a great touch of southern flair to any naked corner of your home, indoors or out. Yes, I said naked. Giggle giggle. With all of the recent cleaning and packing happening around the house - I went back and forth on whether or not I wanted to “decorate” for Valentine’s Day. I decided to just stick with the mantle and then make a cute wreath.

In case you need to check out my wreath resume before proceeding any further into this post, you can see one here, here, and my favorite spring one here!

The best part of this Valentine’s wreath project is that it is really simple and takes very little time. Please don’t feel that just because this lovely, loving Hallmark Holiday is less than a week away that you don’t have time for one last festive project. This project will take you five minutes and really doesn’t even need a tutorial. You just grab your glue gun, your wreath-y supplies, then go crazy!

Supplies:

Grapevine Wreath. The wreath I used was buried in my messy craft closet. I bought about 5 of them last year when they were on sale for $3 each.
Valentine Ornaments (or Clearance Christmas Ornaments in Valentine-y colors!) I found mine at Walmart for $1.24 a piece… not so shabby right?
Hot Glue Gun
Ribbon (preferably wired ribbon)

Directions:

Pick your pattern and plan where you want to lay your ornaments. Again, super easy. I’m pretty sure even Chloe could’ve made this wreath if I let her use the glue gun. Once you have your color and pattern plan - start gluing! Keep in mind that you need to leave space for the ribbon. (I used leftover ribbon from a Christmas project… I feel like the addition of the ribbon really helps make it pop. Oh, and it’s sparkly so duh.) I have yet to master the “real wreath bow” making. You know, those super gorgeous, loopy ones? So I stick to the simple bow tie. If anyone has tips on how to make beautiful wreath bows - please help a sister out.

Ta daaaa! Here is my finished, 5 minute Valentine Grapevine Wreath. It cost me a mere $5 and can easily be recreated. So get on that… it’s not to late for one last valentine decoration this year!

2 cats & chloe: valentine burlap banner // DIY Wreath // Grapevine wreath

And because a have a few more cute valentine-y decorations up… heres a little sneak peek of a couple more projects you can easily recreate as well! I love my burlap heart banner and “Love Letters” that are simply covered in scrapbook paper!

2 cats & chloe: Valentine Love Letters DIY // easy valentine decor

What Valentine’s projects did you do this year? Do you have any plans with your significant other this weekend?

As always, thanks for joining stopping by and joining the linkup fun! Let us know what you think about the podcast! Like I said, I found this information extremely helpful and I think you will as well. Now you know the drill - get to it and have a wonderful week!