Let's blog some sh*t!

One of the hardest things about writing on a daily basis is the constant churn of creating compelling content. There are posts that I am very proud of and there are posts that I would rather pretend never existed. I think we've all been there. (all the more reason to take a break and just live once in awhile)

I like to think that all great writing starts with my first cup of coffee. It's essential if you want me to form sentences. Like any LBD...you need the right accessories to complete the outfit. The same laws apply to your morning coffee...you need the right mug to showcase your personality. 

Clearly this is my "spirit mug," would't you say? When A Cup of Quotes approached me, let's just say it didn't take me long to say "yes" to this collaboration!

This little gem was a close second. Honestly, I could scoop up the whole lot.

Amidst all the antics that ensue in my daily routine, I savor the mornings. Now I have the right AM accessory; surely a good luck charm for some killer content!

Snag one for yourself with free shipping by entering the code: "BLOGANDCOFFEE" at check out.

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* Check out today's link ups: Mix & Match Fashion, Penniless Socialite, Sincerely Jenna Marie, Living in Color!

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Consider this before going into business...
Consider this before going into business...

A podcast I recorded in June recently went live and it got me thinking. What would I tell my younger self when it comes to selecting a business partner and dividing up roles? Perhaps this does not apply to you and you’re a solopreneur. Hats off to you! No matter what, entrepreneurship is not for the weak. Today I am sharing my advice and anecdotes in hope that it helps one of you!

Fearless Friday: Nina Alexander-Hurst
Fearless Friday: Nina Alexander-Hurst

Familiar with BaubleBar? Who isn't right? Ever wonder what it was like to launch and how it all began? *raises hand* I always find these stories fascinating and today my friend Nina - the VP of Brand Marketing and also one of the original crew, is here to share the scoop on a day in the life of this accessory giant and what lies ahead. Take a seat...you're in for a sparkly treat!

Fearless Friday: Janet Mandell
Fearless Friday: Janet Mandell

The best things in life are free. Laughter being one of them - most underrated gift anyone could give you. And, it just so happens that today's Fearless Friday feature, Janet, makes me laugh constantly. I've traveled with her, soon again, I've cocktailed with her, I've had long talks with her...shoot, the only thing we haven't done is work out but we've even talked about that, too! I will tell you, Janet cares and she is very much supportive of her girls. I've observed over the years. Even with everything she is balancing...motherhood, marriage, career, blogging, philanthropy ...she always makes time for her friends. And, she will always make you laugh. That is the best trait in a friend - better than 100 lattes or 1M pairs of Gucci heels. And well heeled, she is!

More doing, less doubting.
More doing, less doubting.

I've been struggling with something. I know...this is a rarity that I open up and write anymore on this blog but sometimes you just gotta do it. I used to all the time until I decided to lighten things up a bit. So here it goes...

Fearless Friday: Kelly Chrischilles
Fearless Friday: Kelly Chrischilles

Meeting Kelly for the first time (probably about five years ago) was like inhaling a giant ray of sunlight. Immediately warm and welcoming. Those two words describe her perfectly and righteously so given that she heads public relations for the uber, luxe Langham Hotel right here in Chicago. She's cool as a cucumber. You will never see this girl sweat which is amazing as I am literally sweating all over the city with an average late time ranging anywhere from 15-20 minutes. Some girls just have it!

Fearless Friday: Christine Matsunaga
Fearless Friday: Christine Matsunaga

While Chicago is not known as the fashion capital of our country, Christine Matsunaga is out to change that one household at a time. With a knack for color palettes and accessorizing, she is evolving our sartorial reputation closet edit by closet edit teaching us women to purge the old and shop smarter...perhaps even more designer. A motto I can get behind!

Fearless Friday: Paul Hietko
Fearless Friday: Paul Hietko
“That's the problem with drinking, I thought, as I poured myself a drink. If something bad happens you drink in an attempt to forget; if something good happens you drink in order to celebrate; and if nothing happens you drink to make something happen.” 
― Charles Bukowski,

The emergence of brown liquor has taught me many things in the last two years. 

Fearless Friday: Hallie Duesenberg
Fearless Friday: Hallie Duesenberg

Outside of my husband and my Oak Street Social partner, Hallie was the first person to believe in our cause and support our tiny start up business that has now become what it is today. I remember the phone call as I sat in my partner's house working on big picture stuff. We didn't know each other but I admired her work. On a whim, I emailed her asking for a call. I needed raw and real talent to help us create a vision and the actual product for our social media strategy. Photography is such a GIANT and important piece of our deliverable. 

Fearless Friday: Kathleen Smith
Fearless Friday: Kathleen Smith

Fitness is not a fad. It's a way of life. Once you adopt it into your own, whichever format suits you, it improves just about everything you pursue. Such is the case for Kathleen, owner of SPENGA North Shore. I had the pleasure of attending one of her classes last week. Grateful doesn't even begin to describe how I feel now that Glenview has landed new, fun and innovative ways to get your sweat on. Gym life, sadly, is not the life for me. I loathe gyms, on a side note.

Trending...#2016. How to achieve Instagram greatness 8 different ways.
Trending...#2016. How to achieve Instagram greatness 8 different ways.

I get asked constantly how my clients can improve their Instagram game. Constantly and it's one of my favorite questions to answer because it changes constantly!

If there's one thing I am well versed on, a student for life, it's social media. I don't talk about my job too much on this little blog of mine but I can tell you I know what I know and in this case...it's Instagram. I could not even calculate the hours I have spent staring at those little boxes and hashtags trying to up my game for my clients and then eventually...myself...all in the name of this little blog. I'm passionate about it and I love it. Sometimes I hate it but all in all, I'm infatuated with the conversations taking place.

Food + LifestyleJohanna Grangesponsored post, coffee, accessories, blogging, life8 Comments