Business, Blogging
Lauren Hooker
40 Ways to Use Adobe Illustrator to Improve ...

Adobe Illustrator is my go-to software for anything and everything design-related. It's the one program I truly couldn't work without.

And while it's easy to assume that the program's primary focus is illustration based on the name, there is so much more to this design software. 

With tools for type, color, photo cropping, image tracing, drawing, and much more, it has innumerable benefits for bloggers and business owners, alike.

To get your creative gears turning, here's a look at 40 ways Adobe Illustrator can take your blog and/or business to the next level.

40 Ways to Use Adobe Illustrator to Improve Your Blog and Business
Blogging, Business, Branding, Design
Lauren Hooker
How to Create Eye-Catching Blog Post Graphics

First impressions are crucial, especially in business.

Potential customers and clients make judgments about your business within the first few seconds of coming into contact with it, whether it’s through your website, your social media accounts, or a simple blog post graphic.

And those initial thoughts - whether they’re spot on or far off from what you want them to be - are within your control. You have the opportunity to make a killer first impression through high-quality, branded visuals.

If your blog is a large part of your business or you’re hoping to drive more traffic back to your site through your blog, you have to have eye-catching blog graphics to not only generate a positive first impression, but to encourage readers to share your posts on sites like Pinterest and be seen by an even wider audience.

So how do you create eye-catching blog post graphics? And better yet, how can you set them apart so they’ll stand out from the rest and be recognized time and time again?

How to Create Eye-Catching Blog Post Graphics
Business, Visual Marketing
Lauren Hooker
40 Easy, Engaging Video Content Ideas for Your ...

“When I discovered YouTube, I didn’t work for 5 days.” - Michael Scott

Video platforms like YouTube (and more recently, Periscope) are easily the world’s greatest time-wasters. We’ve all been guilty of losing track of time on YouTube at least once, because videos are easily consumable, very addicting, and highly entertaining.

As a matter of fact, studies show that a whopping 78% of us watch videos online every week and 55% watch videos online every day.

Which is why Youtube is also the world’s greatest overnight-success-maker. If you’re on the production-side of a video and you’ve come up with a clever idea, you might just have a viral hit on your hands.

Video holds a lot of potential for interaction, engagement, and shares for creative businesses. And for that reason, it’s one of the best visual marketing tools you can use.

But it producing videos can be a little overwhelming, can’t it? Even with helpful video tools out there like Animoto, many of us struggle to come up with simple ideas for video content that would appeal to our audience. 

And that’s where this post comes in. I’ve rounded up 40 easy, engaging video content ideas to help get your creative gears turning. My hope is that you’ll find a few ideas to implement and as a result, bring your business more exposure.

40 Easy, Engaging Video Content Ideas for Your Creative Business
Business, Visual Marketing
Lauren Hooker
Why You Should Be Using Infographics for Your ...

If you’re looking for a good way to kill at least an hour of your time, type in the word “infographic” in the Pinterest search bar.

Thousands of clever graphics will pop up on everything from “how to make a salad taste awesome” to a baby’s first year in a review. There’s even an infographic that answers the pressing question, “Is your dog sleeping a little too much?”

Then, after you’ve admired the genius creativity behind them, take a gander at how many repins and likes each of those infographics receives. Thousands upon thousands.

In fact, infographic volumes have increased by over 800% in 2 years. Publishers who use infographics grow in traffic an average of 12% more than those who don’t. 

What is it about infographics that makes them so appealing? And better yet, how can you come up with some clever infographics for your business so it gains more exposure through likes and shares?

I have all the answers for you in this post.

Why You Should Be Using Infographics for Your Business (And How to Create Them)
Blogging
Lauren Hooker
How to Create Catchy Headlines

Is your headline the first thing you consider when you sit down to write a post?

Probably not, but creating a catchy blog post title is one of the most important aspects of each blog post. It's the gateway to your content; it convinces people to click or scroll right past your latest post'. 

In fact, studies show that 8 out of 10 people will read your headline but only 2 out of 10 will read your entire post. 

Here are a few pointers for drawing in potential readers and a couple "templates" to help you create a catchy headline for your upcoming posts. 

How to Create Catchy Headlines

Coffee Date with Leigh Carter

Meet my role model and dear friend, Leigh. Although I've only truly known her for a year and a half, she's become one of the first people I go to for godly wisdom and advice. She's that honest, faithful friend that tells you like it is; Leigh doesn't sugarcoat or people please. But she's also that friend who will pray beautiful prayers over you and point you right to truth. I just love her. 

Leigh has some really neat life experience and she's faithfully served God as a seminary student, a missionary in North Africa, and now as a missionary in Southeast Roanoke. I'm thrilled for you to spend some time with her this morning because I just know that you'll walk away encouraged. 

LEIGH CARTER

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What is the first thing you did this morning?

I made a cup of coffee :) Typically, I roll out of bed, start the coffee pot, then I brush my teeth and wash the sleep out of my eyes. By the time I do that and make my bed, the coffee is ready... so, I grab my Bible and enjoy a cup of coffee along with some Jesus.

What is something you've been loving lately?

Lately, I've been loving the SNOW. Truly - I love the beauty of the white blanket covering the earth. It's a great reminder of being washed white as snow by the blood of Jesus - and not just covered with righteousness but WASHED CLEAN by it. Hallelujah.

PLUS with snow I love that I'm stuck at home, unable to get into the busyness of life. What do I do on snow days? Yesterday I baked muffins, painted furniture, wrote cards, organized merchandise for The Meadow Lily, read Real Simple magazine, and watched How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days. So really, I just catch up on the things I would do if I didn't have a full time desk job! Today's agenda: catch up on emails, paint more furniture, shovel as a workout, paint my nails, and watch the Olympics.

What is something you struggle with and what are you learning as a result?

What do I struggle with? Geez... which thing do I pick? I struggle with taking the Gospel for granted and instead working for my salvation. This is a continual struggle for me as a first-born, task-oriented, (slight) perfectionist. Jesus, help me.

We are studying Philippians as a church and through the study God has reminded me that I often behave as one of the self-righteous Jews Paul speaks to in Philippians 3. They do all the "right" things and don't do any of the "wrong" things and have the outward appearance of being perfect.

I marvel at Paul's attitude. He counted EVERYTHING as trash compared to the worth of knowing Jesus. He understands and explains that Jesus' work of death on the cross and resurrection from the dead is the only thing that will truly be right about any sinful human. It's nothing that I do or don't do... it's only Jesus. What a relief not to work for God's love!

I am currently meditating on the truth of Philippians 3 and just asking God to change me. Oh Lord, change me. Strip my heart of pride, jealousy, fear, and surface love and replace those things with humility, genuine love for others, boldness, and a deep appreciation for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Life can get stressful. What are some things you do to simplify?

Pray. Honestly, I just ask God to take away the things I don't need, to take care of the details that I can't, and to help me complete the tasks He has put before me. Also, I've been trying to leave at least 3 weekday evenings open with no regularly scheduled events so I that I can hang out with friends, have people over, and serve others freely. 

And just for fun, what is something that made you smile this week?

My 36th birthday was Monday, and I got lots of love from friends and family. I am loved and aI am thankful for the wonderful people God has put into my life. On this day I also opened my first online store on Etsy: The Meadow Lily. I'm looking forward to a wonderful new year of life!

To see Leigh's gorgeous photos (like the 2 above) visit The Meadow Lily on Etsy and go ahead and like it on Facebook, too :)

Happy Friday, friends!

#SweetSpots

I must admit - each time I get on Instagram and see your #sweetspots I can't help but smile. There's something contagious about a thankful heart. Thank you for the encouragement this week, friends! As promised, here are some of my favorites:

@laurenelizhook You know it's going to be a great day if it starts out with a free printable! #sweetspots

@laurenelizhook You know it's going to be a great day if it starts out with a free printable! #sweetspots

@laurenccundiff First big snow in our new home!! #snOMG #sweetspots

@laurenccundiff First big snow in our new home!! #snOMG #sweetspots

@laurenelizhook Oh how I soak up days like today, working and studying at the coffee shop with my favorite person. So thankful for this season that we're in. #sweetspots

@laurenelizhook Oh how I soak up days like today, working and studying at the coffee shop with my favorite person. So thankful for this season that we're in. #sweetspots

@whisperoftheweb I think I missed my calling as a baker #cakefail #cakebomb #icanfixthis #ohwait #noicant #sweetspots

@whisperoftheweb I think I missed my calling as a baker #cakefail #cakebomb #icanfixthis #ohwait #noicant #sweetspots

@jenkinsrose I practically chased down our postal delivery person to get my hands on this! I'll do anything for awesome paper. #sweetspots

@jenkinsrose I practically chased down our postal delivery person to get my hands on this! I'll do anything for awesome paper. #sweetspots

@jennafigaro Coffee shops, my fabulous Daybook planner, this sunshine, & encouraging friends are making today wonderful. #sweetspots

@jennafigaro Coffee shops, my fabulous Daybook planner, this sunshine, & encouraging friends are making today wonderful. #sweetspots

For the story behind #SweetSpots, head on over to my first post. 

@allyduncan13 Now that we're more settled in, I'm loving Ian putting his daily notes to me in different spots again. #sweetspots #notes #thankful

@allyduncan13 Now that we're more settled in, I'm loving Ian putting his daily notes to me in different spots again. #sweetspots #notes #thankful

@laurakay0929 Addycakes is napping, Mommy is unloading groceries and these 2 are outside "playing tennis" against the garage door and having a late picnic lunch. I love listening to their sweet conversation! I am so grateful for February Break and a…

@laurakay0929 Addycakes is napping, Mommy is unloading groceries and these 2 are outside "playing tennis" against the garage door and having a late picnic lunch. I love listening to their sweet conversation! I am so grateful for February Break and a chance to slow down after an incredibly busy 2 weeks!! #bestbuddies #sweetspots

@laurenelizhook Oh just designing business cards and pretending that @jennykayc works with me. A girl can dream. #sweetspots

@laurenelizhook Oh just designing business cards and pretending that @jennykayc works with me. A girl can dream. #sweetspots

@sjpeters perfect afternoon for a snowy run on the Huckleberry Trail with @bwynfoley! i'm thankful for a friend who as helped me learn to love running. i'm thankful for the company she provides me, and the precious time that we're able to spend toge…

@sjpeters perfect afternoon for a snowy run on the Huckleberry Trail with @bwynfoley! i'm thankful for a friend who as helped me learn to love running. i'm thankful for the company she provides me, and the precious time that we're able to spend together reflecting on the past, enjoying the present, and anticipating the future. i love you, girl! #sweetspots

@allyduncan13 Thankful for my husband digging our cars out of the snow after a lazy couple of days. #sweetspots

@allyduncan13 Thankful for my husband digging our cars out of the snow after a lazy couple of days. #sweetspots

@kljohns10 Morning reading time with my love muffin #sweetspots

@kljohns10 Morning reading time with my love muffin #sweetspots

I'm excited about our Coffee Date tomorrow, friends. Happy Thursday!

Weekly Truth

Scripture is one of my greatest sources of encouragement, so each week I design an iPhone background with a new verse I'm trying to memorize. I share it on the blog every Tuesday for you to download and meditate on, too. Just a little weekly gift from Elle & Company to you!

Click here to download this week's iPhone background.

Praying that this verse is an encouragement to you this week, friends. Happy Tuesday!

Note: Since tilting your iPhone re-adjusts the background, iOS7 automatically zooms in on background images. The text may seem small on the downloaded image, but once you set it as your background it will size correctly. 

Monday's Letters

Dear Mr. Hooker, our history of picking on each other goes way back to the fourth grade. While we were getting ready for a walk in the snow last week, I stuck one of your boots 15 feet away from the front door. We both laughed until our sides hurt while you hopped on one foot in the snow to fetch it. Life together is never boring, is it?

Dear ginormous hill in our neighborhood, you've gotten the best of my runs these past few weeks. This morning I ground it out, huffing and puffing, and had a Rocky moment at the top. One small step for mankind, one giant leap for Lauren Hooker.

Dear Mom, you've been making heart-shaped waffles on Valentine's Day ever since I can remember. You couldn't send waffles in the mail this year so you sent us an iHop giftcard instead. Thank you for your thoughtfulness - you have the best way of making holidays special!

Dear Jakester, tomorrow will mark one month since we moved to Charlotte. I expected to have a hard time leaving home, but I'm realizing that home has been beside me all along. It's been so fun meeting new people, exploring a new area, and taking classes together. I'm so thankful that I get to partner through life with you.

Happy Monday, friends. Thanks for stopping by!

Coffee Date with Kristin Bandy

Kristin has a way of lighting up a room. I have never met a girl whose smile is more contagious and whose heart is more sincere. She a great way slipping jokes into casual conversation; if you aren't paying attention you just might miss them, but if you catch them in time they will leave you in stitches. I'm proud to say that our friendship has endured for over 18 years, from elementary school bus rides through the long-distance of college. God used Kristin's faithful heart in my own testimony and her friendship will always hold a special place in my heart.

I have a feeling that in just the 5 minutes you'll spend with her this morning you will grow to love her too.

KRISTIN BANDY

What is the first thing you did this morning?

Swished coconut oil around in my mouth. Weird, right? Well let me explain. I have a cavity. And the last cavity I had filled I cried (of course I was only 21 years old at the time - nearly a toddler). So I did some research and found out that sometimes teeth can heal on their own by changing your diet, swishing coconut oil, and things such as those!

No more dentist with his scary drill gun for this gal... at least not for this month.

What is something you've been loving lately?

The sunrise. If I'm still in bed around 7:00 I can open my blinds and watch it as it comes up over the mountains. I enjoy those simple mornings lying in bed talking to Jesus and watching the morning begin.

Coconut oil (surprise, surprise), my fellow co-workers, and the sweet kids I get to teach.

What is something you struggle with and what are you learning as a result?

Keeping control of my mind and thinking on things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable (Philippians 4:8). I'm learning that God is good. Not only in the sense that He is good to us, His children. But in the sense that He is good to dwell on, He is good to fill my life with, He is good to love, He is good to talk to. The list could go on :)

Life can get stressful. What are some things you do to simplify?

It's so easy to busy our days and literally fill them to the brim. I had a good friend who made the comment that she only plans one thing a night.

I thought that was great advice so I've tried to implement it too. Instead of planning dinner with a friend at 5:00, then coffee with a friend at 6:30, then a movie at 9 - planning one thing an evening. Not only will I be less stressed, but I'll be more intentional with the friend I'm spending time with and they will feel more loved in return.

And just for fun, what is something that made you smile this week?

I called my family and talked with my little sister (she's 6 and a ball of fire). She sang me a Valentine's Day song that she made up. I heard all four versions AND 2 versions of her song "I Love My Sisters". How could that not melt your heart and make you smile?