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 Kirstin Johnston

When I think about my dear friend Kirstin, one word comes to mind - JOY. You can see it in her sweet smile and it dances around in her pretty eyes. Every time I'm around her I can't help but walk away with cheeks sore from smiling and a heart that is encouraged.

I've treasured getting to know Kirstin better over this past year through several coffee dates and Facebook chats. I have gleaned so much from this wise lady, wife, and mama - she truly is wise beyond her years. I pray that her contagious joy and her kind heart reach you today. 

KIRSTIN JOHNSTON

What is the first thing you did this morning?

Every morning, I set my alarm to get up before my little man does. It gives me a chance to get in a cup of coffee and my devotion time. Our days go much smoother when I make it a priority to start each day with my heart and mind focused on the Lord.

What is something you've been loving lately?

I have recently started training for a half marathon... again. I started in 2011, then had to stop when I found out I was pregnant. I started running again after I had Austin and have continues to do so, but actually training and pushing myself with a goal in mind has been great. It's challenging, a great stress reliever, and fun to hit those milestones. I'm loving racking up the miles and building endurance.

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

Oh man, how much time do you have? Ha! Lately, I've really been struggling with my comfort zone. It can be so easy to just say and do what you are comfortable with, but where is the fun and challenge in that? God has really laid it on my heart to step outside of my comfort and do more for Him. That lady in Starbucks, share the Gospel with her. That mom in Kroger who looks frazzled, invite her to our weekly Bible Study. My preacher says "Christianity is simply one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread." How selfish is it for me to not share the redemptive, freeing love of Christ because I am feeling shy?

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

As a mom and wife, when I am stressed, others feel the weight of it. I have to make myself plan ahead. A big one for me is our weekly family calendar. We have all of our activities, commitments, and meals planned out for convenience. It also helps me not commit to too much at a time. Before I agree to do something or be somewhere I ask myself, "Is this a beneficial, wise investment of my time and effort?" That question has saved me from stretching myself too thin.

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

The list could go on and on, I have SO much to be thankful for. I would have to pick our time playing outside. After all the beautiful snow, it was nice to have some warmer weather and lots of sunshine. Watching my boys running through the yard, chasing each other and getting dirty as boys do, I couldn't STOP smiling. 

I know you're probably wishing that you could catch up with Kirstin all the time. Well friend, you're in luck! Kirstin has a blog, These Moments Called Life. Head on over and get to know this pretty lady even better.

Now it's your turn. What have you been loving lately? How do you simplify when life gets busy?

#SweetSpots

What would happen if we all slowed down enough to push pause and treasure those simple moments? What if we became more intentional in searching for the special in each day? I’m certain that we would have more joy and contentment, and I know that it would cultivate a thankful heart in each and every one of us.

I want to encourage you to join me as I attempt to put this into practice.

Let’s take note of one special moment each day and post it to Instagram. We can keep up with each other by using the hashtag #sweetspots, because aren’t moments of thankfulness sweet? Once a week I’ll post my favorites on the blog and who knows? One of your #sweetspots might make an appearance and lend encouragement to someone else.

Whether it’s creamer swirls in our coffee or a surprise in the mail from a friend, there are always #SweetSpots in each day that we can be thankful for – we just have to slow down enough to pay attention.

@laurenelizhook It was well worth a few hours in the car to surprise my family for Mom's birthday! #sweetspots

@laurenelizhook It was well worth a few hours in the car to surprise my family for Mom's birthday! #sweetspots

@ame710 Even though he's growing up way too fast, he's still my baby boy. #sweetspots

@ame710 Even though he's growing up way too fast, he's still my baby boy. #sweetspots

@laurenelizhook Thankful for a 70 degree day in the middle of winter and some outdoor quiet time in between classes. #sweetspots

@laurenelizhook Thankful for a 70 degree day in the middle of winter and some outdoor quiet time in between classes. #sweetspots

@lepascoe Putting the to-do list on hold and slowing down today to just snuggle my sick little one #sweespots

@lepascoe Putting the to-do list on hold and slowing down today to just snuggle my sick little one #sweespots

@jenntreadway So thankful for sunshine and snow! #sweetspots

@jenntreadway So thankful for sunshine and snow! #sweetspots

@laurenelizhook Rainy days call for pretty flowers #sweetspots

@laurenelizhook Rainy days call for pretty flowers #sweetspots

@almonty1 Jesus, coffee, and Friends... what I need after a long morning in studio. #sweetspots

@almonty1 Jesus, coffee, and Friends... what I need after a long morning in studio. #sweetspots

@jennykayc Bags are packed because today I get to see @laurenelizhook! #marywantstocome #sweetspots

@jennykayc Bags are packed because today I get to see @laurenelizhook! #marywantstocome #sweetspots

Favorite Recipes

My husband likes to tell people that I'm a foodie. I'll admit - attempting new recipes and dining at new restaurants gets me really excited. I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite recipes with my readers once a month. I've even included a free Recipe sheet for each one so that you can add them to your Daybook!

Photo credit: A Beautiful Mess

Photo credit: A Beautiful Mess

Apple Dumpling Monkey Bread

Monkey bread brings back sweet memories of elementary school sleepovers with my best friend Kaitlyn. 

This twist on monkey bread is delicious. I made this recipe from A Beautiful Mess this past weekend and it quickly appeared on my Favorite Meals printable. 

{ Click here for the recipe }

Photo credit: My Recipes

Photo credit: My Recipes

Chicken Tamale Casserole

This is a favorite in the Hooker household. It's pleasantly different from most Mexican casseroles with the cornbread mix on the bottom.

Jake always gets excited when he finds out that this is on the menu, and I get excited because it's quick and simple to make on a busy weeknight!

{ Click here for the recipe }

Photo Credit: allrecipes.com

Photo Credit: allrecipes.com

Caramel Apple Dip

Whenever we're invited to a party or a get-together, I have the hardest time coming up with something to bring. I came across this recipe months ago and it has become my go-to party dish.

4 ingredients and less than 10 minutes to make? That's my kind of recipe! Caution: This recipe is extremely addictive. You will be asked to make it over and over again.

{ Click here for the recipe }

What are some of your favorite recipes, friends? Happy Wednesday!

Weekly Truth

Nothing makes my day quite like hearing that Elle & Company has been an encouragement to one of you. I've received the most feedback about these weekly iPhone backgrounds, and I'm so grateful that these have helped you memorize Scripture each week. As helpful as tips, tricks, and Daybook planners might be, nothing helps simplify and encourage like Truth. 

Click here to download this week's iPhone background.

Happy Tuesday, dear friends!

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, ever since I caught you singing the wrong words to Michael Jackson's Smooth Criminal, you've been trying to catch me in a lyrical mix-up. Sorry babe, but nothing will be funnier than, "Daddy are you okay? You okay? You okay Daddy?" 

Dear Jenny, my heart is so full after spending the weekend with you in Charlotte. Nothing is quite like in-person coffee shop dates, trips to IKEA, and morning walks/talks with your best friend. Thank you for being our very first visitor at the Suite - I treasured every sweet moment.

Dear Tuesday, I'm terrible at keeping secrets; this uncontainable excitement just wells up inside of me and I get antsy. Thankfully you'll be here in less than 24 hours, because any longer and I just might give my surprise away.

Dear Jakester, I don't think you've ever met a stranger. Whether it's trying to talk our waitress into free food or sharing the Gospel with kiosk workers at the mall, your friendliness has this great way of making people smile. Although I roll my eyes or blush from time to time, I really do love your winsome personality. I say it all the time and I'll say it again - life is never boring with you!

Happy Monday, friends!