F I V E F A V E S 6

Hello everyone! Here is the round up my F I V E F A V E S for June. This was a tough one to narrow down because I've seen so many awesome posts recently. What have you seen recently that I missed? (leave me a comment!!)

O N E

maya of charmingly styled // #RealBloggerBeauty

over 60 bloggers are sharing their struggles with blogging and some of the non-instagram worthy moments and it is amazing.

T W O

jess of the golden girl // takes us dockside in style

if it were acceptable I'd rock this outfit every. single. day.

T H R E E

maria of the style letters // bloggers who budget: maxi dresses

the round up is an essential for anyone shopping on a budget... which is everyone right?

F O U R

the windy city epicurean // best dressed futbol-lers series

there are 5 posts, i could have used all the five faves on this series... it is just pretty men all in a row!

F I V E

kit for windy city bloggers // the $5 photography trick
you'll kick yourself for not thinking of it earlier. but, there's no time like the present! and, this is going to be come a monthly series for WCBC so keep checking back for more tips and tricks!

Blog Gal // Katie of Dream Till Green

This month's Blog Gal is Katie of Dream Till Green. Her site is a spot where people can share their wildest dreams, get support, get inspiration and share the challenges of going after your dreams. Katie and I met when she was working at West Elm and we got to chatting about blogging. We exchanged cards and over the last couple of years I've had the pleasure of guest posting for Katie (and she for me) and I was even a dreamer awhile back! I'll be updating my dreamer interview this summer so be sure to keep an eye out!

What is your favorite thing about blogging?
The fact that I can share my wildest dreams without judgement and hopefully it inspires others to dream no matter their age.

How long have you been blogging?
I've been blogging since 2006, but it wasn't for Dream Till Green. My first blog was all music, then came I Be Irate with my best friend in 2009, Stillettos & Boots in 2012 and then when that didn't work out I created DTG. It's been a long, but fun journey to find the perfect match.

NY or LA?
NY for sure! Once you live there, there's no other answer even if you were poor while you lived there.

Twitter or Facebook?
Facebook...but I think I like Instagram more than that.

Magazines or Books at the beach?
Magazines. I was a magazine journalism major at Syracuse! Go Orange!

Favorite Dessert?
It's a tie between pumpkin pie and ice cream 

If this person wasn't so famous and you two could have met under normal circumstances you'd be BFFs...
Jennifer Lawrence

Sitcoms or Reality TV?
sitcoms

Favorite Take-Out?
BBops --it's only in Des Moines, IA and its suburbs. It's the best burger, fries and milk shakes you'll ever have. Even better than the sacred Shake Shack of NYC

What one thing is always in your bag? (besides your phone and wallet)

a pen and my black moleskin

#RealBloggerBeauty

"We don't live in a magazine." And that's "lif."

Let me start with why I'm opening up today. My friend Maya of Charmingly Styled has started a movement called #RealBloggerBeauty and is urging the blogger community to open up about some of the pressures, insecurities and tribulations of having an online persona. 

My biggest insecurity is with the images I create for the blog. Especially with recipes. In the last few months I have poured a lot of time and energy into learning how to take prettier pictures. But. Don't for one second think that's what our meals look like!

The serving pieces only come out for pictures and parties. Even meals that have to be assembled are only done so nicely for the pictures.

I haven't done a home tour yet (on my 101 in 1001 list) mostly because we actually LIVE in our house and there are piles of mail and crumbs and laundry all around. I'm constantly rearranging items to try and get the best shot for Instagram but just out of frame is a dish towel, a dirty coffee mug, an old grocery list and an iPad charger. So while I have created a nice shot for Instagram's square the rest of my life does not look like a magazine. And most days, I don't want it to. It is a lot of pressure to have the house that tidy and organized and put together. I'll never be the mom with the "white couch" that can't be touched. 

I often look through my Instagram feed and at the images posted on my favorite blogs and have to remind myself that they have meticulously styled the subject for the shoot, have professional level lighting equipment and fancy cameras they know how to use. And I bet their houses are cluttered most of the time too. 

Even if you're not a blogger I'm sure looking at all our photos can stir feelings of inadequacy when looking at your kitchen counter! I hope I can make you believe me when I say that most of us don't actually live that way! And that's "Lif."*

*Lif. = adj.

Def. a term used endearingly between my best friend and I to describe those moments when you're a penny short, or your right arm pit is sweating way more than the left. Basically whenever it should be easy for life to be easy and go according to plan but then it just doesn't. 

Origin. A note passed in a COM201 course, discussing a penny short scenario and the response was "Lif." Instead of "life." And the moment was just too perfect so the term stuck.

My fellow bloggers that have shared amazing stories. (http://www.charminglystyled.com/2014/06/realbloggerbeauty.html) After reading a few of them this morning I pulled the post back to draft form and am addressing some of the really tough things about blogging and the stuff that never makes it up there. The part in italics is my "afterwards".

For every Pin out there of the quote "Comparison is the thief of Joy" I've compared myself to other girls and other bloggers twice. That's a lot. I can't seem to kick the habit of looking at others and seeing everything that they have and being envious and creating a list of all the things I don't. Or by saying "If I could just do this like her I'd be perfect."

Some examples:
If I would just lose the weight, I could be a big style blogger.
If I could afford a studio and the supplies for projects, I could be a big DIY blogger.
If I felt more comfortable in my own skin, people would take me seriously and want to support me. And I'd be inspiring them to feel more comfortable and inspire them to make the most out of everyday.

(queue tears, and feelings of being a fraud, how can I inspire others to make the most of everyday if I'm wallowing around wishing I were skinnier, more talented and more comfortable in my own skin)

Blogging is such a strange thing. We put ourselves out there and measure our success buy the number of comments, likes on instagram, followers on twitter. It feels like high school all over again and I am remembering why I was so anxious to get to college! While I would love to just blog and write about what I want to do, I also want to reach a level where I am a trusted resource as a blogger because I've now started a business to be a blog coach. My livelihood literally relies on people thinking that I know what I'm doing! I promise that I do, but like all of us, I have my insecurities and my clients will be much better off doing what I say and not necessarily as I do. 

There is a fair amount of rejection in blogging too. PR companies or brands don't always think your post or site is right for them (even though you've poured your heart into a pitch). Some bloggers get invited to events that I wish I were "cool enough" to go to. Even though I know that I'd rather stay home with Danny and watch a movie most nights instead of going out, the thought still flashes through my mind that I wasn't good enough to get invited to this event.

I'm not sure how to transition to this but Danny and I have been together for almost eight years and we've only "broken up" once. For less than 48 hours. The reason? I was spending so much of my time with him complaining. I'd complain about clothes not fitting, my roommates doing something dumb, my job, my lack of time management skills. Basically, I was just complaining all the time about how me and my Lif. were not perfect and it wore him down. He said to me "If you're not going to do anything to change it, do not complain about it to me." So, it took me all of a day and a half of listening to the saddest break-up songs and not telling anyone besides my Mom that we'd broken up to go back and admit that he was completely right.

Those two days were game changing for me. I realized that I had the power to create the narrative around situations I found myself in. If I didn't have anything in my closet that fit, I either needed to hop on the diet train or go buy new pants. If the people I was surrounding myself with were not making me happy, I could leave. If I wasn't feeling in control of my schedule, I was the only one who could slow down, make a list and then tackle it.

Wanting to be perfect for other people has been something I've struggled with forever. And blogging plays right into that. I get to choose the best recipes, the non-blurry images, the most successful DIY projects. But behind the scenes, I'm human and my everyday lif. is a lot like yours! I'm still learning to create the narrative in a positive light for my own situations (I'm very good at being a silver lining person for other people!) and more importantly, I'm learning to give myself credit for the positive narrative! 

Hopefully I haven't made blogging sound terrible!! I really do love it and for every negative thought that flashes in my mind, I have plenty of fun and have made some fantastic friends through this online adventure. I admire what my peers are doing, the content they're creating, the effort they're putting into it. I'll continue to work on tuning out the naysayer in my own head. I'll continue to remind myself that "Lif." is pretty wonderful and the imperfections are what make us interesting!

101 in 1001 Progress Report no. 2

I hope everyone had a lovely Memorial Day Weekend! We had amazing weather here in Chicago to help us run the Soldier Field 10 Miler in under 2 hours on Saturday morning, host our families for pizza and beers and wine on Saturday night, brunch, visit the driving range, visit family and visit friends on Sunday and again driving range and shopping on Monday! It was an awesome weekend for kicking off summer!

Just over a year ago (May 2, 2013) my 101 in 1001 list launched. So far I've only completed 18 of the 101 so I've got some work to do in these next 18 months!!

Since the last update here's what I've done.

7. Commission a piece of art - I asked Sara to paint a piece like this one for me to give to a coworker on my last day.

18. Attend a blog conference - I went to Go Blog Social in April and it was amazing!!

25. Develop a social media strategy - everyone has the days when it doesn't work but I've got a plan and I make sure that each post is pinned, tweeted and newsfeeded and I am working on my instagram strategy too.

33. Meet 3 bloggers from different cities - first one is Tomissa from She Loved Life

39. Get a plant and keep it alive for 3 months - Not only did I plant a whole garden with Lindsay of The Garden Apt. she also gave me a succulent for my birthday and that thing is going strong (and even growing!)

77. Get a new job - Technically I've done this twice now, one new job since starting the list which I left when I started Erin Marie Marketing by Design

82. Learn to use a round brush - again, this one and the blow dry my hair for a whole month is all thanks to getting bangs last December! For the summer I'm growing them out so the round brush skills are particularly useful because I need to get them to sweep to one side.

image via Homestead Seattle on tumblr

Blog Gal // Sara of Project Soiree

May's Blog Gal is Sara of Project Soiree! Sara is one of my dearest friends and I totally get sucked in when I visit her blog each week. Her round-ups and What I'm Reading features are so fun. She's got impeccable taste and I'm glad she doesn't grow tired of my outfit advice related texts!

What is your favorite thing about blogging? I love having Project Soiree as a creative outlet to write about my life, but most of all I love the friends I’ve met through blogging. Many of these bloggers have actually become close friends and I’m so thankful for their inspiration and friendship.

How long have you been blogging? I started Project Soiree 3 years ago while I was snowed in during the Chicago Snowpocalypse. As the girl who seriously hates snow I should probably give it a little more love for giving me the day off to start Project Soiree.

NY or LA? New York – it’s such an inspiring city full of energy and amazing food

Twitter or Facebook? Twitter – It’s such a great tool for connecting and interacting with people and brands on a daily basis.

Magazines or Books at the beach? I really enjoy both (I’m slightly obsessed with InStyle Magazine), but devouring a good book at the beach is the best.

Favorite Dessert? S’mores – I actually have a Pinterest board devoted to s’mores

If this famous person wasn't so famous and you two could have been under normal circumstances, you'd be BFFs...  Blake Lively has such a great sense of style that if we met under normal circumstances I’m pretty sure we would be BFFs and shopping buddies

Sitcoms or Reality TV? Reality TV – Anything on Bravo is a must-watch for me

Favorite Take-out? Sushi is my favorite take-out any day of the week

What one thing is always in your bag? (besides your phone, and wallet). Purell – Let’s be honest, when you live in the city it’s a necessity.

Be sure to check out Project Soiree and follow Sara on twitter, instagram, and pinterest too!

Erin Marie Marketing by Design Resource Guide

I've got a few clients that I adore working with and I'm putting building blocks in place for Erin Marie Marketing by Design. I'm using May and June to add content to the website and even try to put together an ebook or two! (May and June is also for redesigning the blog... I am really excited to share her new look with you in July!)

In the meantime though, I have created a Resource Guide for Bloggers (and any digital marketers). It is an Evernote list of resources, apps, classes and inspiration sources that I will continue adding too as I find more things to share! My goal is to help you have to google blogging stuff less so send me an email if there's a topic I can help research for you!

Full disclosure: I'm asking that you sign up for my email list in order to get a link to the guide. Eventually I will distribute a monthly digest of content marketing and blogging finds and trends and updates about Erin Marie Marketing by Design. I am not adding a blog to the Erin Marie Marketing by Design site so this digest will be exclusive email subscribers only content!

Blog Gal // Katharine of Paytington & Co

Earlier this year, Katharine of Paytington & Co did a total redeisgn of her blog (formerly known as Living's As Easy as 312). Even though the site has changed Katharine's charming writing and creative posts are the same as ever! It is so fun to work with her and help her grow her site (she's a Marketing by Design client) and I hope that you enjoy following along!

What is your favorite thing about blogging?  Other than having a creative outlet that allows friends and family to keep tabs on me, I am so lucky to have met hundreds of wonderful people through blogging. It’s such a tight-knit community and every blogger I’ve met is more than willing to lend a helping hand without hesitating. I have without a doubt met several of my closest friends blogging.

How long have you been blogging? I have been blogging for about 9 months now. I started blogging to avoid studying for the DAT one afternoon and it was the best decision I’ve ever made.

NY or LA? Chicago! 

Twitter or Facebook? Twitter - It’s allowed me to talk to people I NEVER would have otherwise.

Magazines or Books at the beach? That’s so tough! It depends on the day, but most of the time it’s a good book.

Favorite Dessert? A delicious, homemade fudgy brownie.

If this famous person wasn't so famous and you two could have been under normal circumstances, you'd be BFFs...  I’d love to be BFFs with Emma Watson; she is classy, smart and beautiful with a touch of gumption. Plus, who wouldn’t want to say they were BFFs with the woman who played Hermione? 

Sitcoms or Reality TV? Sitcoms! I love the horrible jokes; they make me laugh every time. Some of my all-time favorites are: Friends, The League, Community and the Goldbergs

Favorite Take-out? I’m always up for a late night potsticker with fried rice.

What one thing is always in your bag? (besides your phone, and wallet). I always have a Snickers bar with me because I have a terrible habit of being “hangry.” It can hit out of nowhere and it’s always better to explain the Snickers bar than have to do damage control for my hangry behavior.


Be sure to check out Paytington & Co and follow Katharine on twitter, instagram, and pinterest too!

Go Blog Social Recap

Without getting to sappy, I'd just like to quickly share a little bit about blogging. I started blogging 6 years ago and it has, quite frankly, changed my life. Earlier this year I co-founded the Windy City Blogger Collective to bring bloggers in Chicago (and soon, everywhere) together and I also started a business consutling to bloggers. My world is blogging. So when my dear friend Kit Graham gave me the opportunity to be her plus one last weekend at a blogging conference; Go Blog Social in Kansas City, I jumped at the chance!

The weekend started on Thursday when we flew down to KC and settled in at the Phillips Hotel. We walked a few blocks to Axios Brasserie for a delicious French dinner of mussels, frites and red wine. The best part was meeting the owners towards the end of the night and discussing food, travel and family with them.

Friday morning the conference started and Nicole, Kit and I stopped for coffees and made our way to the Berg Event Space. The gals who organized Go Blog Social had an adorable set up for us with mason jars of bright flowers (complete with glittered water) and confetti at hightop tables which were perfect for getting in the mood for a day of blog talk!

Over the next two days we had the privilege hearing 14 talented bloggers and business people and each had something unique and valuable to say. Which just served to reinforce that every blogger truly has a unique voice and has value to add to the blogosphere. Jessica Merchant of How Sweet Eats, the very first speaker, started things by sharing a slide that said "Be You" and it was incredibly empowering to hear that message over and over again all weekend.

I might be hooked on blogger conferences! I love getting to know the girls (and guys) behind each blog because we each have such dynamic personalities and have so many things offer! I was inspired over and over again to elevate Color Me Styled. 

I know I've talked about a upcoming redesign and I'm getting closer and closer every day. I'm a perfectionist so I keep putzing with small things and might change it all up completely again before relaunching but I promise you'll still recognize the blog and I hope it offers an opportunity for me to bring more your way!

LIKEtoKNOW:IT // Shop your instagram feed

A few months ago I started to use a new feature called LIKEtoKNOW:IT. Basically, it helps you shop my actual closet right from your instagram feed.

What you need to do is sign up for the LIKEtoKNOW:IT feature on LIKEtoKNOW.it and then anytime a blogger who works with rewardSTYLE posts a photo with the liketk.it link and you "like" it, you'll get an e-mail with the shopping details. It is one of the easiest ways to shop exactly what your favorite bloggers are wearing.

Here are some of my recent outfit and home style posts that you can shop right now... I'm @ebdaily on instagram

Reader Survey Results!

I am so glad that I conducted the Reader Survey... but moreover, I am ecstatic with the results!! Thanks a million to those that replied. I've put the details into an infographic below. 

Whaddya think? I am pretty excited by the feedback. My favorite part was reading the 2 words to describe Color Me Styled. I didn't realize until after I created the wordcloud (on wordle.net) that "fun" is really how I want this blog to be described! Writing and creating for Color Me Styled has always been fun and I am so happy that it translates to the content. 

The site redesign is underway. I'm working to update and reformat several of the posts in the new layout. The categories have been streamlined and I will have a "Color Me Styled Guide" post ready to go to show you around the new site. I've also been planning my editorial calendar for April and I'm very excited for the content that is coming up. And, the first weekend of April I am headed to Go Blog Social with Kit and I know I'll be inspired and come up with even more ideas and more to share with you!

Any other feedback for me?

F I V E F A V E S 3

Hello everyone! Happy day after St. Patrick's Day. I below is the round up my F I V E F A V E S for March.

O N E

liz of sequins & stripes // everything you need for spring

T W O

jess of the golden girl // spring leather

T H R E E

soraya of chic flavours w. megan from stylish & scatterbrained // beanie time

F O U R

farissa & sara of whatruwearing // I wrote their "contact us" bios!

F I V E

windy city blogger collective // behind the brand w skirt pr
(and everything we're doing with WCBC)

Color Me Styled 2014 Reader Survey

Hello my wonderful readers! As March rolls in it is a time of transition and change.  Spring brings with it longer days, fresh blooms, and warmer weather.  In this time of growth I want to get input directly from you!

I am conducting a reader survey over the next few weeks.  I'd love your honest opinions on Color Me Styled to help me bring the best content to you each week!

The survey is short (23 questions), mostly multiple choice, and it covers how you found Color Me Styled, how you read the content, what you like, or don't, about the design of the site, and some demographic info to help me understand a bit about who you are.

I am on the verge of redesigning the site, moving it to Wordpress.Org to give me more flexibility with the design and layout and to add functionality that Blogger doesn't support.  Your input will directly impact the redesign.

It will also be good to learn more about how you read the posts.  Knowing if most of you visit the site directly, or get e-mailed new posts, or subscribe through a reader may change the layout of posts. 

Just grab a fresh cup of coffee and complete the survey for me!  I'm using Google Forms to gather responses so you'll have to click over to a new tab to take the survey. 

Color Me Styled // 2014 Reader Survey

If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me at colormestyled [at] gmail [dot] com. 

image via a pair of pears

Blog Gal // Chelsea - Little Lessons in a Big City

It is Blog Gal time again! I am constantly inspired by my fellow bloggers and I want to share the ones I've found to be tops.  There are so many more out there and it is tough to narrow down but I'll do my best.

I came to know this month's featured blogger because she consistently crashes Chicago twitter chats!  I would like to introduce you to Chelsea.  She writes Little Lessons in a Big City and I love her DIY projects, her life lately updates, and her Monday Motivation posts.

What is your favorite thing about blogging? It takes me out of my comfort zone and opens doors I didn't even know existed; from meeting new people, to trying new things for the blog (DIY projects, recipes, and etc), and being my creative outlet.

How long have you been blogging? I began my blog in October 2010, the same week I decided to move to New York City. It started as a way to share with family & friends what I was up to 1,000 miles away. And grew into much more.

NY or LA? NY!!! I'd take the subway over the traffic on the 405 any day. 

Twitter or Facebook? #twitter

Magazines or Books at the beach? books at the beach; the absolute best place to catch up on cheesy, romance novels. #NicholasSparks

Favorite Dessert? Anything chocolate & peanut butter: cheesecakes, milkshakes, cupcakes, brownies, truffles! I'm not picky!

If this famous person wasn't so famous and you two could have been under normal circumstances, you'd be BFFs... I want to say Jennifer Lawrence, but that may "too trendy". so I'll go with Lauren Conrad. I love what she's done since the hills; with her fashion lines, blog, and latest start-up [the little market]. she seems fun!

Sitcoms or Reality TV? sadly, reality TV. #GuiltyPleasure

Favorite Take-out? it's a toss up between pizza & chinese. or alcohol?

What one thing is always in your bag? (besides your phone, and wallet). aquaphor; it's my go to lip moisturizer. [especially during the winter].


Be sure to check out Little Lessons in a Big City and follow Chelsea on twitter, instagram, and pinterest too!

F I V E F A V E S 2

It is time for the next edition of the F I V E F A V E S Series!  I am sharing 5 of my current favorites from the interwebs.  They could be other blog posts, pins, products, DIY projects, or anything I am currently favoriting!  I might even exceed 5 every so often.  

O N E

alaina of live creating yourself // ladyplace sofa switch-up

T W O

anthropologie // please come to my closet all new arrivals

T H R E E

sandy of edie and andy // taste of summer toast

F O U R

lauren of lion + maven (previously chi gal lauren) // her site redesign!! yay!

F I V E

windy city blogger collective // business card basics
(and everything we're doing with WCBC)

And, now a little bit of "life lately" for you... 
[one] on Wednesday the Windy City Bloggers have an event at Langford Market on Diversey - 40% off that night + an extra incentive for members 

[two] I'm co-hosting a shopping night at the Dana Hotel Vertigo Lounge on Thursday, February 27 with Ootra Boutique - you can rsvp to ootra@zapwater.com 

[three] I'm going to Go Blog Social in Kansas City April 4-5 (get your tickets here: Go Blog Social Tickets)

[four] I'm guest posting over on Live Half Full today - talking about a change in mentality!

garden rose image via pinterest

Windy City Blogger Collective

photo credit // Andrea Plecko

Yesterday we officially launched the Windy City Blogger Collective!  Who did what?  Well, the 5 of us, Blair, Christine, me, Kit, and Lauren have been working our tails off for the last two months to put together a community for Chicago area bloggers to learn, connect, and promote one another. 

We wanted to make sure there was a lot of content and valuable information already on the site when we launched so we've all been writing and interviewing and cropping and we managed to get together this weekend for a photoshoot!

photo credit // Andrea Plecko

YAY!!!!!!!

Thank you to Public Hotels for sharing your space for our shoot.  Thank you Andrea for not publishing all of our outtakes.  And thank you for all your support!

Head on over to www.WindyCityBloggers.com to learn more.  And, Bloggers, come celebrate our launch with a Happy Hour at Trellis on Wednesday!