The Lively Show

The Lively Show episodes are officially in the double digits now! Thank you, thank you, thank you for your support for the show. In today’s episode I’m talking to Dana Shultz of Minimalist Baker. Dana is a talented food blogger who crafts gorgeous, easy to make recipes that often have a vegan, dairy-free, or gluten-free slant. She and her husband, John, also happen to be passionate minimalists as well. In the show, Dana explains what minimalism means and shares how she and John have implemented several big and small changes that have created more time, space, and freedom in their lives. In addition, Dana also dishes on her blogging schedule and time management strategy that allows her to travel for 3+ weeks at a time. If you are looking to simplify your life, or blog more efficiently, this show is for you!   * Sara, thanks for suggesting Dana for the show!    IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL FIND OUT ABOUT   How Dana and John became interested in minimalism and the choices they’ve made as a result. How Dana’s very first post on MinimalistBaker.com became a huge hit. Dana’s minimalism suggestions and tips. The biggest mindset shift that has occurred as a result of minimalism for Dana and John. The area of life that Dana is currently focusing her minimalist philosophy on right now. Dana’s approach to time management and blogging topics. How Dana runs her site and maintains reader engagement while traveling 3+ weeks. What Dana would tell someone just starting out on this journey.   SHOW NOTES   Minimalist Baker about page Minimalism FAQ Sara @ Cake Over Steak Ahology.com (allows you to schedule Pinterest pins) TweetDeckAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Good morning and happy Thursday Lively Show Day to you! In today’s episode, I am talking with the candid founder of Design*Sponge, Grace Bonney. If you’re not already familiar with Grace, she has a (hugely) popular design blog and is the author of Design*Sponge at Home. In the episode, we cover a wide array of topics that center around the theme of embracing change. We discuss the resistance Grace felt towards the shift in online content consumption over the past few years, the new way she’s approaching branding and business, as well as her proactive approach to coming out in June of 2013. Throughout this episode, Grace shares many insights from her journey that can be useful for us all. It is definitely a must-listen if you are struggling with change in your own life, or if you are interested in the future of the online space.    IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL FIND OUT ABOUT   Why Grace doesn’t think of Design*Sponge as her “career.” Why Grace doesn’t believe blogging will be around forever – and what she believes blogging will become. Keys to understanding and embracing change. Grace’s predictions for the visual book industry.  The book that Grace ordered during the show, based on our conversation. Why Grace used to hate the term “business owner” and why she’s changed her mind. Three recent events that have helped Grace gain a more empathetic perspective.  Why Grace’s decision to come out in June of 2013 was one of the best decisions of her life. What Grace would tell someone just starting out on this journey.   SHOW NOTES   Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook Prêt à Voyager Seth Godin Cherry Bomb Jubilee Things I’m Afraid to Tell You Rena Tom’s Things I’m Afraid to Tell You postAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Today I have a fun new episode of The Lively Show for you chalk full of actionable advice for starting your own business as an artist and adopting or rescuing a pet. My guest today is Kim Vargo of Yellow Brick Home and The Pet Shop (her pet portrait business). She’s sharing about her unexpected journey to becoming a successful artist (over 700 custom paintings sold!) and pet rescue advocate. If you have been confused about how to start a new blog or business, or if you are interested in learning more about pet rescue, this show is for you!   IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL FIND OUT ABOUT   How Kim got started in blogging and began selling her first pet portraits. How Kim wisely transitioned from her day job to her business full-time. How she balances business marketing and other content on her blog without overwhelming her readers. Kim’s pet rescue advice. Kim’s top three things it takes to become a successful artist. Why reaching out to people offline is important. How Kim got the energy and drive to work on her business while juggling a full-time job. What Kim would tell someone just starting out on this journey.   SHOW NOTES   SociaBulls – Chicago Pitt Bull Walk Social Triggers Podcast Smart Passive Income Podcast The Power of Full Engagement Getting Things DoneAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Today’s episode is a heartfelt chat with a good friend of mine and someone you may have heard of already… Danielle Moss, co-founder of The Everygirl! She’s dishing honestly about the deep unhappiness she felt in her life up until a month before her 28th birthday that led to a radical change that later inspired The Everygirl. We’re also talking about her shift in perspective going from her 20’s to her 30’s and how she’s handling dating as a 31-year-old. This show packs a whole lotta goodness and feels like you are sitting down chatting right along with us. If you are feeling like something is missing in your life, if it’s time to make a change, or if you are single this show is for you!   IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL FIND OUT ABOUT   Why Danielle’s unhappiness from being in a bad relationship and living at home a month before her 28th birthday led to a life changing decision. How the inspiration for the Everygirl came from her own struggles in her 20’s. Why finding cross fit changed her life — plus the key traits to look for when finding your own bliss. The priority shifts that happen between your 20’s and 30’s. How Danielle overcomes overwhelm and stresses less. Danielle talks openly about her thoughts on being single at 31. What Danielle would tell someone just starting out.    SHOW NOTES   The Everygirl Rue MagAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Today’s Lively Show episode packs in a lot of great takeaways on several topics including streamlining your career (or business), transitioning from a day job, and facing cancer as an entrepreneur. To talk about these topics, I asked the spunky and energetic Michelle Ward, the When I Grow Up Coach. She’s a life coach, “boob cancer” survivor, and friend that I am honored to have on the show. Though the topic of cancer is discussed, the tactics and steps that Michelle took could apply to anyone going through a difficult health challenge or even perhaps a small business maternity leave. This episode is perfect for those who want to learn more about how to handle difficult health challenges while self-employed, or who are feeling overwhelmed by the wide range of their careers.   IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL FIND OUT ABOUT   How Michelle’s broadway dream brought her to a corporate job and eventually to life coaching. How Michelle baby stepped her way out of a corporate job and into her coaching practice full-time. How “boob cancer” (as Michelle calls it) affected her life and coaching practice. The policies and boundaries Michelle created to accommodate her treatment (these actions can apply to any entrepreneur with a serious illness, life change, or maternity leave). How Michelle maintained the same income year over year – with cancer treatments and less coaching. Why streamlining your career or business at times can be a powerfully positive choice. (35:30) What Michelle would tell someone just starting out on this journey.   SHOW NOTES   The International Coach Academy An Effective Escape (workbook) 2012 By The Numbers (post) Grown Up Gigs Career Camp The Declaration of You! Lindsey Pollock 20 Jobs in 7 Years (post)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Happy Thursday to you! Today’s episode of The Lively Show features a beloved blogger and friend that you most likely already know (and follow!), Nicole Balch of Making It Lovely. In this episode, I talk with Nicole about how she became the sole breadwinner for her family as a blogger. We go into detail about the ins and outs of how she makes money through blogging and why she diversifies her income streams. She also discusses what it’s like being the breadwinner while being a mom and shares about her stunning new home in Oak Park. So if you want to make money as a blogger, or hear how Nicole juggles being a mom and the “bacon maker,” this show is for you!   IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL FIND OUT ABOUT   Why Nicole’s stationery shop, Pink Loves Brown, launched her blogging career. The reason Nicole later closed her shop to take Making It Lovely full-time. How her husband’s job loss turned her blog into a breadwinning business. How to diversify your blogging income streams effectively. The “fall back” career Nicole has to maintain her financial stability in an ever-changing blog world. Details about her new Victorian home in Oak Park. The readership transitions that can occur on blogs over time. Nicole’s predictions for the future of blogging. What Nicole would tell someone just starting out on this journey.   SHOW NOTES   The Sequins & Stripes Lively Show episode about pitching sponsors Nicole’s income breakdown Better Homes & Gardens column Cesarstone column Glidden column Grace Bonney / Design Sponge article about the changes in blogging Nicole’s post about becoming the breadwinnerAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Today I’m sharing one of the most inspiring and action-oriented Lively Show episodes so far! Eric Williams is a blogger (WordsofWilliams.com) and author who – along with his wife, Kelsey – eliminated almost $40,000 in debt in under 23 months!  In his new book, It’s Your Money, What Will You Do With It?, Eric details exactly what it took to make such dramatic progress in such a short amount of time. A few months ago, Eric kindly offered me his book. After reading it, I was so inspired by his story that I spent the rest of the day with Mr. Lively reevaluating our finances. Since then, we have killed two(!) student loans and are now substantially saving for a new home in the next two years. Which means I can quite honestly say that his story has made a profound and positive impact on our financial future… and I have a feeling this interview (along with his book) will do the same for many listeners as well! (Plus, at the end of the show I explain how you can enter to win one of 10 It’s Your Money books for free.) So if you have debt, or if you simply feel a little “iffy” on your money situation, this show is for you!   IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL FIND OUT ABOUT   The program that helped the Williams craft a debt-free plan to pay off almost $40,000 in loans in under 23 months (without being “rich”). The single motivator that helped them stay consistent – even when things were tough. The one store they refused to shop at while paying off their debt. The emotional toll of this aggressive plan. How the Williams approach intention as a family. How to talk to your spouse about finances. (42:00) The best way to approach student loans after graduation. The money and budget tools Eric recommends. What Eric would tell someone just starting out on this journey.   SHOW NOTES    WordsofWilliams.com It’s Your Money, What Will You Do With It? Financial Peace University Debt snowball calculator You Need a Budget Whatsthecost.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Today I have a fun girl chat with Liz of Sequins and Stripes on The Lively Show. Liz is a (successful) blogger, stylist, soon-to-be bride, and overall adorable person! I’ve personally been friends with her (as well as a follower of her blog) for several years now. In fact, her taste has been a huge inspiration for my own style. In the show, we talk about defining your style, the progression of Liz’s life and career from corporate to blogging and styling full-time, and there is a hefty dose of strategy advice when it comes to making an income through blogging. So anyone looking to learn more about making money via blogging sponsorships and brand collaborations will love this episode!   In this episode you’ll find out about   The two “unsuccessful” blogs Liz started before Sequins and Stripes. How she landed her first styling clients before S&S. How to comb through your closet and determine which things to exfoliate. A few little details about Liz’s upcoming wedding(!). Liz’s approach to life through “little victories.” How successful fashion bloggers foster connections and land dream projects with their favorite brands. (20:00) How List transitioned financially from her full-time job to her styling business. Liz’s biggest struggle in her business right now. What Liz would say to someone just starting out.   Show Notes   TheEverygirl.com They’re Real Mascara by Benefit Bare Escentuals Powder/Blush (in Rose Radiance) Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer/Sheer Foundation Essie Nail Polish – Bikini So Teeny  Essie Nail Polish – Geranium Essie Nail Polish – Lilacism  Life with Intention OnlineAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

The second episode is here! First of all, thank you so much for the outpouring of support for the first episode with Erin last week! It was so wonderful to see how well received the show was, and I cannot thank you enough for spreading the word about the show, particularly via Twitter. In today’s show, I interview Jessica Murnane, a Chicago-based blogger and plant-based eating coach over at OnePartPlant.com, whom I’ve had the privilege to befriend over the past six months. I will say right away: this episode is not intended to “push” a plant-based eating agenda. I simply find Jessica’s health story inspiring, her resulting career shift fascinating, and I think her journey is an amazing example of someone turning their ‘mess into their message,’ as Joyce Meyer says. So whether you are interested in eating a plant-based diet or not, I hope you join us!   In this episode you’ll find out about   How Jessica’s avoided a hysterectomy due to severe endometriosis by switching to a plant-based diet. The emotional toll and reaction to making a positive shift from friends and family. How to deal with naysayers. How Jessica started a plant-based movement among the top restaurants in Chicago and beyond. What resistance she faced internally to making this shift in her life. How to get enough protein on a plant-based diet. How to handle having selective eating choices in a group setting. What to do if you have an overzealous friend on a new eating plan. What Jessica would advise someone considering a plant-based diet. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

It’s here! It’s here! At long last, The Lively Show has launched! Thank you so much for your patience, ideas, and tips along the way! The podcast will be available to subscribe to on iTunes very soon (update: it is now live on iTunes – get it sent directly to your phone or iPad!). As I wait for iTunes to publish the podcast feed, you can listen to this episode here on this page right this very second! Once it’s on iTunes, I’ll let you know so you can subscribe on your phone and have the episodes loaded directly. This first episode features one of the nicest people I’ve ever met (online or offline), Erin Loechner. You may know her by her fame from DesignForMankind.com, DesignForMinikind.com, or her newest – and largest – project to date, ClementineDaily.com.   In this episode you’ll find out about   How Erin got started in blogging. Where she draws the online line between public and private life for herself and for her daughter. Why Erin quit the rat race and slowed her life down intentionally. Erin’s biggest business challenge with Clementine Daily. Erin’s journey to adopt a child from Africa (and the #1 thing to beware of in overseas adoption). How Erin juggles motherhood, work, and marriage in her daily schedule using “golden hours.” (This part is amazingly helpful!) The biggest resistance and doubt that Erin had to overcome to get where she is today. And last but not least, what Erin would like to say to someone just starting out.   Show Notes The E-Myth Revisited The Renaissance SoulAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands