Southern Sweets 2018 Fall Issue by Southern Sweets Magazine

SOUTHERN SWEETS A HOME AND LIFESTYLE DIGITAL INTERACTIVE MAGAZINE

FALL INTO THE SEASON FOR SOUPS AR WORKSHOP SMYRNA BEDROOM LIFE CYCLE DECOR

Transitional decor stages from nursery to elementary through high school

ASK SOUTHERN SWEETS How do you season a cast iron skillet? What color compliments a purple bedroom that adds masculinity?

ISSUE 04 • OCTOBER 2018 • FEATURING LAUREN MYERS & CO.

what's inside? 7 AR Workshop Smyrna

10 Bedroom Life Cycle Decor

20 Feature Spotlight: Lauren Myers & Co.

3 Editors' Note 4 Fall Housekeeping Tips to Keep Your Home Safe and Efficient As the Seasons Change 6 DIY Weekend: Chalkboard Wall Creativity and Organization in the Kitchen 13 Fall Into the Season for Soups 16 Fall Winery and Brewery Events 19 Giving is Receiving 24 Ask Southern Sweets

Learn best blogging tips and practices to reclaim your time by automation and organization Upcoming Atlanta and across the USA fall winery and brewery events

From the Editors

Hey guys! We're excited to share with you some of the amazing things we've been up to in the last few weeks leading up to this latest issue release. For the first time, we were selected to be brand ambassadors for one of the largest southeastern cultural festivals, happening right here in our hometown of Atlanta. We are being approached more and more from our entrepreneurial family, friends, and friends of friends that share our same enthusiasm and want to support SS by writing articles, offering freelance photography services, sharing their time and energy with us and we sooo appreciate it. Our platform is your platform. Each and every "small" milestone is one to be thankful for and we know Rome was not built in a day. But each milestone makes us feel that much closer to reaching our greatest goal. So we simply say, thank you! Hope you enjoy the issue!

KOYA TYSON AND MICHELLE GOWDY CREATORS | WRITERS | EDITORS OF SOUTHERN SWEETS MAGAZINE EDITORS' NOTE | 3

BEST WAY TO BUILD ENDURANCE

FALL HOUSEKEEPING by Koya Tyson

TIPS TO KEEP YOUR HOME SAFE AND EFFICIENT AS THE SEASONS CHANGE The temperature is falling, the leaves are changing colors, pumpkin spice lattes are back, and football is one every weekend again. Fall is finally here. Winter will be here in no time, so before you get too comfortable in your chunky sweater, here's a list of a few home maintenance items to check before it's too late.

FALL HOUSEKEEPING | 4

Fall Maintenance Checklist EXTERIOR

INTERIOR

Be sure to examine the exterior of your

Examine all windows and doors for

home for termites, pests, and foundation

drafts.

cracks. Seal any cracks that may allow

Be sure to seal off any air leaks with caulk

pests to enter the home.

or weatherstripping.

Clean and repair the gutters before the

Have your fireplace cleaned and

leaves begin to fall.

inspected.

Inspect your roof. Look for missing, loose,

Have your furnace inspected and air

or damaged shingles.

filters changed.

Detach water hoses and install outdoor

Adjust your thermostat settings as

faucet covers.

temperatures start to fall.

Trim dead branches off trees and

Replace batteries in your smoke and

shrubs.

carbon monoxide detectors.

Repair any damaged walkways or stairs

Check the expiration date on fire

that may cause injury when covered by

extinguishers.

leaves or snow.

Check all pipes and faucets for leaks.

Rake leaves regularly to keep a healthy

Drain the water heater to clear out debris

lawn.

that has settled in the tank.

FALL HOUSEKEEPING | 5

DIY Weekend: Chalkboard Wall

Creativity and Organization in the Kitchen by Michelle Gowdy

Here's a DIY project that's cost-friendly, easy to do yourself, and it's fun. Once it's done, it becomes a feature everyone can enjoy and it can be done in just one day. In the kitchen, I already had a medium size magnetic memo board I used frequently to do pantry inventory for my grocery trips and to have a meal schedule on hand. I noticed that just about every time I was in the kitchen to cook breakfast or dinner, the kids were soon to follow. While I'm trying to cook, I'm dodging between my kids playing tag or dancing around me. That's what made me consider creating a chalkboard wall in the kitchen. While I cook, they can write on the wall safely away from the meal prepping area. A win-win. My kitchen walls are painted in Benjamin Moore's Aura Acadia White in satin. So it would be easy going from a light to dark wall color so I did not use a primer, but please read all instructions before you begin, as your wall color and condition may differ. I chose for the chalkboard wall to be black, although they're several color options to select from. I purchased one Rust-Oleum 206540 Chalkboard Brush-On, Black, 30Ounce can from Amazon for about $10.50. That was enough for the size wall I needed it for. I also purchased one packet of Kedudes NonToxic White Dustless Chalk (12 ct box) and Colored Dustless Chalk (12 ct box) Bundle, which included a Premium Chalkboard Eraser. That was another $10. I applied two coats on the wall and let air dry. Takes 2-4 hours. Be sure to use a really good brush and apply strokes evenly as you don't want to see any brush strokes once it's dry and you'll want a smooth finish. After it's dried, I rubbed the chalk on its side on the entire wall with it. Then used the eraser to wipe it clean. I waited three days before use, as this is all part of the wall conditioning for use. For no more than $25 and one day of my time, I created a fun and functional working space in the kitchen that we all enjoy creating beautifully scripted menus, messages to each other, kids' drawings, and more. DIY WEEKEND: CHALKBOARD WALL | 6

AR Workshop Smyrna by Koya Tyson

I'm the friend who sees an item in the store and decides to make it herself...for twice the price. The good thing is that, after enough projects, you eventually have most of the tools needed to make the next one, but what if you don't want to buy all of those supplies? How often are you really going to use that circular saw? Let's be honest. Maybe twice? Wouldn't it be great if there was a magical place that had all of the tools and supplies you needed to make that farmhouse sign and experts there to help you make a custom beautiful masterpiece? Ladies and gentlemen, you're in luck. I present to you Anders Ruff (AR) Workshop. AR Workshop offers instructor led DIY workshops to create a variety of custom home decor items from scratch. Maureen Anders and Adria Ruff started a design company, Anders Ruff, in 2010. The company quickly gained popularity in their Etsy shop and a large fan base for their DIY blogs. After many years of success, customers began to ask for hands on, in person workshop and that is when AR Workshop was born. After only two years, the company has grown to over 100 franchise companies across the United States. I recently had the pleasure of meeting the owners of one of those franchises.

Earlier this summer, Beth Seelinger and Liz Cravens opened AR Workshop Smyrna off Atlanta Road in Smyrna, Georgia. They offer instructor led workshops where you can create custom wood plank signs, framed signs, canvas pillows, round signs, lazy susans, centerpiece boxes, canvas tote bags, and more from basic raw materials. Public classes are offered at various times Wednesday - Saturday and private group classes are available daily. The facility is equipped with about 7 work tables, multiple walls of paints and wood stains, a power tool gallery, and a shop with finished projects for purchase. The process is extremely simple. You go online to register for your class, select the item you'd like to make, submit your custom design, and then pay. When you arrive, they have your supplies setup for you. A group of friendly employees greet you as you enter the building. They have water available, but you can bring your own snacks and other beverages if you'd like.

SMYRNA AR WORKSHOP | 7

Once everyone has arrived, they give you the cutest apron to wear to protect your clothing. There will be lots of saw dust and paint so you will need the apron. Once you're settled in, your instructor will individually instruct each person on what to do first. Since each person can do different projects, it's necessary and helpful to have this one-on-one interaction. Each instructor is assigned to about 4 students. The instructor gives you detailed instructions through the entire DIY process. They are also extremely helpful with teaching you fancy staining technique and the proper and safe way to use the power tools. Once your piece is stained/painted, you apply your customized stencil and paint the design. The entire process can take up to 3 hours depending on the project selected. The workshop is very clean with a fun relaxed ambiance so the time goes by faster than you'd think. There is music in the background to help get your creative juices flowing, but if you have a creative block, don't fret, the instructors are great at suggesting ideas and helping you decide on the perfect color combination for your project. Each project is stamped with the official AR Workshop stamp to commemorate your visit. If you like DIY projects, be sure to visit AR Workshop Smyrna for a fun filled activity. If you're not in the Atlanta area, checkout the website (https://www.arworkshop.com) to see if there is a location near you.

SMYRNA AR WORKSHOP | 8

Ready to Sell? New to Atlanta? Looking to Move Soon? We'll Only Refer You to the Best! Duriel Richards, Metro Atlanta Realtor Phone: 770-377-5479 • Email: Durielr@kw.com • Web: DurielR.kw.com

Bedroom Life Cycle Decor Transitional Decor Stages from Nursery to Elementary through High School by Michelle Gowdy

To me, good design is about functionality and longevity. I like to think how pieces will evolve in a space and perhaps become multi-purposeful. Even when I recently revamped the kids bathroom and when I started decorating my daughter's room, I didn't think age two and five (at the time), but I thought about their age then and for the next five to seven years. I certainly don't want to revamp their rooms every winter and spring because of a new birthday. In order to address that, I look at key "must-have" pieces and build around it. BEDDING: There are cribs now that accommodate baby to toddler size in various conversion formats. One bed, one price, but can last for a few years. We bought our daughter a toddler twin size bed that converts into two height levels. As she grows, we adjust accordingly, but we know it'll be several years before having to buy a new one. Whether a twin size or full, that can take a child from toddler really all the way to teen years. BEDROOM LIFE CYCLE DECOR | 10

ORGANIZATIONAL PIECES: I love bookcases and furniture options that provide shelving. As a baby and toddler, those can be used to store books, toys, and clothing. Nothing has to quite change as they grow to elementary age. As they get older, those shelves and bookcases can allow for more storage and display areas for their academic or sport awards, books, or school supplies. WORK STATION: If the room space allows, including a workstation desk is always a plus and increases room functionality. As a toddler to young child, that area can be used for arts and crafts, drawing, and writing. Preteen to teenager, it can be used more for a study and homework station. It'll go from writing out their A, B, C's to filling out first job and college applications. ARTWORK: From baby to toddler age (and even longer), most love to showcase new baby images on the wall, photos from their maternity shoot, kid names spelled out on the wall, etc. That's a great way to have a little fun for you, but as the child gets older and starts to develop new interests, those baby photos may be replaced with photos of them with their friends, team sport photos, school trip photos, or artwork that reflects more of their personality. If they love ballet, soccer, animals, you name it, that's a great opportunity for them to select the visual art that appeals and inspires them. ACCESSORIES: You can have a lot of fun here. In a nursery to toddler age rooms, fun with large-scale stuffed animals is cute and playful. Toddler to elementary age rooms can enjoy tepees for fun, story time, and hide-and-go-seek. Middle school age to teenagers might be a bit "too cool" for the toys, but they can certainly still personalize their rooms. Anything from sports memorabilia or an American Doll display collection or Lego collection to perhaps a wall of their favorite books.

BEDROOM LIFE CYCLE DECOR | 11

PARTY. EAT. SHOP. DRINK. PLAY. DANCE. CELEBRATE DIVERSITY. REPEAT!

OCTOBER 5-7, 2018 The third-ever Atlanta International Night Market (AINM) event will be this fall. Join us for the largest and most diverse night market in the South! With more than 50,000 attendees, 150 vendors, and 70 nationalities coming together, this landmark event showcases one of the greatest international communities in the world, making it a truly historic world-class event. Vegan-friendly and free admission for kids under 12.

Get your tickets now for the South's largest multicultural festival, CLICK HERE!

Fall Into the Season for Soups BY KOYA TYSON Fall is always a busy season for me and what's for dinner is definitely not on my mind. In my college days, Mommy Dearest told me to stock up on canned items for quick and easy soup dishes. I always have a few cans of tomatoes, beans, cream of soups, vegetable stock, and frozen vegetables on hand. Here are a few of my favorite stress free pantry/refrigerator dump soup recipes.

FALL INTO THE SEASON FOR SOUPS | 13

French Onion Soup INGREDIENTS 32 ounces, Beef or Vegetable broth 4 onions, thinly sliced 1/2 cup, red wine 1/2 cup, butter 3 tbsp, flour 2 tbsp, garlic 2 bay leaves Gruyere or Swiss cheese, sliced 1 loaf, crusty bread, sliced Salt, black pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS 1. In a large sauce pan, melt butter. 2. Add sliced onions, garlic, bay leaves, salt, and pepper to melted butter. Saute on medium low heat until onions

WE HELP YOU GET WHAT YOU NEED IN LIFE.

become translucent. 3. Add red wine to onion mixture. Bring to a boil. Reduce to medium low heat and cook until the wine has evaporated. About 5-10 minutes. 4. Add flour to onion mixture. Cook about 10 minutes. 5. Add broth to mixture. Simmer on low heat for 15 minutes. Add more salt and pepper as needed. 6. Once ready to serve, lightly grease 4 ramekins with butter. Place a slices of cheese and bread in the bottom of the ramekin. Add broth mixture into ramekin. Top with more cheese. 7. Broil in oven until cheese is melted. 8. If you do not have ramekins, toast the bread and assemble in a bowl.

FALL INTO THE SEASON FOR SOUPS | 14

"BEEFY" VEGETABLE SOUP

CHICKEN AND RICE

INGREDIENTS:

* 2 28 oz, can of tomatoes

* 4 skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into

* 1 cup, chicken or vegetable broth

chunks

* 1 lb, ground beef, chicken, turkey, meatless

* 1/2 onion, chopped

crumbles

* 1/4 cup, celery, chopped

* 16 oz, frozen vegetables (corn, string beans,

* 2 cloves, minced garlic

carrots, lima beans, pinto beans, black beans,

* 1 cup, white rice (Any other type of rice can be

etc.)

used but the amount of liquid and cooking time

* 1 tbsp, Italian seasoning, garlic salt

will need to be adjusted.)

* 1/2 onion and bell pepper, chopped

* 2 cups, water or broth * 2 tbsp, vegetable oil * salt, pepper, red pepper flakes

DIRECTIONS:

In a large sauce pan, cook ground meat. If using

Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large

meatless crumbles, skip this step. Add onion to

sauce pan, heat oil. Once oil is heated, cook

pot and saute. Add tomatoes, broth, and

chicken. Add onions, garlic and celery to pan.

seasonings to mixture. Cook on medium low heat

Saute until fragrant.Add water or broth and 1 tsp

for 10 minutes. Add frozen vegetables (and

salt. Bring to boil. Add rice. Bring to a boil again

meatless crumbles). Cook until vegetables are

for 2 minutes. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook

cooked thoroughly.

covered for 15-20 minutes or until rice is cooked.

FALL INTO THE SEASON FOR SOUPS | 15

FALL WINERY AND BREWERY EVENTS by Michelle Gowdy

Cooler days, crisp air, and the spirit of the harvest season are just a few reasons why fall is one of my favorite times of the year. The time shifts and it just seems like the days are longer, meant to enjoy more time spent with loved ones to eat, drink, and be merry. If you're looking to do the same, check out some of these upcoming fall winery and brewery events to enjoy.

Atlanta, Georgia HARVEST MIDTOWN: Midtown’s annual cultural street scene, combining the top fine dining restaurants with select wine from more than 150 producers around the world. The outdoor event also entertains with live music and all-day fashion shows. Click here for more info. DECATUR WINE FESTIVAL: The festival features nearly 500 wines at 70 tables for you to taste. This is Atlanta’s largest outdoor wine festival, to also include delicious food from local restaurants and vendors, live music, and dancing. Proceeds benefit the Decatur Arts Alliance, which produces local arts events that are free to the community. The Decatur Wine Festival is always held on the first Saturday in November. Click here for more info. FALL WINERY AND BREWERY EVENTS | 16

AFTERNOON IN THE COUNTRY - LES DAMES D'ESCOFFIER INTERNATIONAL: An annual event hosted by the Atlanta chapter of Les Dames d'Escoffier International. Live music, a silent auction, their famous cake raffle, and tastings offered by dozens of renowned culinary artists, winemakers, and brewers. Click here for more info. SAVANNAH FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL: Experience southern charm and hospitality on the scenic Georgia coastline. Bringing together local and national culinary talent, international winemakers, wineries, celebrity chefs, authors, beverage experts and more. The festival offers something to satisfy all taste buds, budgets and palates, including wine dinners and one-of-a-kind Savannah wine and culinary experiences. Several events take place in Savannah’s beautiful downtown historic district and along the majestic riverfront. Click here for more info. SUWANEE WINE FESTIVAL: The Suwanee Wine Festival is an annual event near Atlanta. Taste top wines from Georgia and around the world. They will also have local craft beer for you to sample. Plus, food, live entertainment, and other vendors. Click here for more info.

GREAT ATLANTA BEER FEST: Back again for the 8th year at the Georgia State Stadium, the Great Atlanta Beer Fest will feature 150+ different beers and ciders to sample from Atlanta, the Southeast, and all over America. They will also have 25+ wine selections to enjoy. Your ticket price includes a souvenir cup, entertainment, and all of your beer samples. Click here for more info. ATLANTA BEER FESTIVAL - BOOS AND BREWS: Atlanta Beer Festivals is hosting the 8th Boos and Brews event. Complete with live music and a costume contest. General Admission includes entry and entertainment and up to two drink tickets with entry before 9 p.m. Click here for more info. DISCOVER NAPA VALLEY WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL: Discover the best of Napa Valley right here in your own backyard of Georgia. This is an unforgettable two hour walk-around festival, featuring nearly 100 different wines from Napa Valley, accompanied by unlimited tastings of fresh and flavorful regional cuisine, including live Chef stations! Click here for more info.

FALL WINERY AND BREWERY EVENTS | 17

01 NAPA, CALIFORNIA: Winery After Dark. Fairwinds Winery After Dark is a unique venue for tasting fine wines paired with delicious grilled bites while enjoying live entertainment performed by local, talented musicians. Come join them every Friday evening until the end of October! Click here for more info.

Around the USA

02 LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK: Great Beer Expo Long Island will break all records of years past with over 100 beers for sampling with names that are local, across the US, and around the world. Click here for more info.

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA: The longest-running and largest wine festival in North Carolina is bringing you the best from their award-winning wines, breweries, spirits, and ciders paired up with chef-inspired treats too! Click here for more info.

04 SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS: Founded in 2005, the San Antonio Beer Festival is San Antonio’s original beer fest, pouring 400+ premium and craft beers from 125+ breweries from around the world. The event features music, games, wines, ciders, food trucks, food booths, local vendors and more. Click here for more info.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: The 9th Annual TN Beer & Wine Festival brings you your favorite beer and wine tastings, live entertainment, delicious food, and wonderful crafts tables for browsing! Click here for more info. FALL WINERY AND BREWERY EVENTS | 18

GIVING IS RECEIVING Top Three Orgazniations for End of Year Tax Write Offs by Michelle Gowdy

GOODWILL

THE SALVATION ARMY

THREDUP

Each donation drop off at Goodwill provides you an opportunity to claim a tax deduction if you itemize deductions on your taxes at the end of the year. When you drop off your goods, the attendant will ask if you need a receipt for your items. YES, you do! Hang on to each one of them. I try to also mark on the back exactly what items I just donated, as the IRS will allow you to deduct the fair market value of clothing, household goods, used furniture, books, shoes, etc. that are in good condition. Makes it much more convenient and easier to remember. Check here for your local Goodwill drop off location.

The Salvation Army is a Major 100 charity, receiving $187 million in donations in 2017. They are dedicated to doing the most good in assisting approximately 25 million Americans annually. They too gladly accept gently used clothing, furniture, and household items. You can even donate vehicles to the Salvation Army. For convenience, in some areas, you can even call to schedule a free donation pickup. Click here to view its Donation Value Guide to help you determine the approximate taxdeductible value of the items you wish to donate this year.

ThredUp is the world's largest online consignment and thrift store. Not only can you shop online and find the best bargain deals on luxury designer brands on women, men, and children's clothing, but for each donation that you send off, ThredUp will donate $5 to your selected charity and also send you a tax receipt for your donated items. A portion of their proceeds go to numerous charities, to include, but not limited to Feeding America, Teach for America, and fundraisers for schools. ThredUp is part of a lifestyle change and aims to help people transform their thoughts about secondhand shopping. Click here to learn more.

GIVING IS RECEIVING | 19

Feature Spotlight Lauren Myers & Co.

Photography by Katrina Sullivan

Lauren Myers & Co.

Helping Reclaim Time by Automating and Organizing Blogging Processes Lauren Myers of Lauren Myers & Co. defines herself as a task automation and systems expert – a title that came natural to her because she’s a planner at heart. Growing up, Lauren loved to plan. For example, as a teenager she planned out a script for when she called companies inquiring about job openings, planned out how she would save money to purchase a car and created a 5 year plan to execute after graduation. She also found that even though things don’t always go as planned, having a sense of direction is better than wandering aimlessly.

FEATURE SPOTLIGHT | 20

Lauren began blogging over 10 years ago as a result of her freelance Graphic Design company that she started while attending college. Blogging was another form of marketing, and unlike a standard website it was an online platform that was updated more frequently with new content. She used her first blog as a way to share the new projects that she was working on and behind the scenes sneak peeks of her process. After a few years of freelancing, she shifted her business model from service based to product based and began selling wedding invitations, greeting cards and various paper products under the name Color Hug. It was then that she started using the email marketing platform, MailChimp, to keep her customers updated on new products that were being released. This was the turning point in her business journey where she discovered automation.

“...even though things don’t always go as planned, having a sense of direction is better than wandering aimlessly." PayPal talks directly to MailChimp, so whenever a new customer purchased items with PayPal, they were automatically added to her MailChimp email list. She set up this awesome feature because it did the work for her and she no longer had to remember to do it manually! The problem was that she also used the credit card processing company, Stripe, to process online payments through her website and that did NOT integrate directly in MailChimp. After some research, she discovered a way to automate that function using the online platform, Zapier, and her outlook on processes was forever changed! During this time, Lauren and her husband purchased their first home and she chronicled making their house a a home with a DIY and home decor blog. Maintaining a blog that was both current and interesting demanded her time but obligations to family time and a day job were non negotiable. She developed her ability to identify blogging tasks that didn’t need her immediate attention and used automation to virtually create a second set of hands. Time hacks such as scheduling posts created a seamless flow that maximized her productivity. After a few years, she decided to focus on running just one blog and Color Hug pivoted into a resource for tech tips, time management and email marketing techniques. She had the experience in these areas and wanted to share them with a new audience that she could relate to - bloggers and solopreneurs! In January 2018, she decided to rebrand and change her name from Color Hug to Lauren Myers & Co. to better represent her new focus. Automation is still a regular theme on her blog because she recognizes time as something everyone wishes they had more of. By incorporating automation, more time can be applied to creating, networking, and other things that you need to be present for. This will ultimately set you and your blog up for success. Lauren also works a 9-5 and has a family, so she understands the challenges her audience faces when it comes to maintaining a blog with little time to spare. She shares her tips with them so their blog life can fit more comfortably into their regular life.

’

"Being busy isn t something to celebrate, producing results is." FEATURE SPOTLIGHT | 21

These days, Lauren continues to blog and create digital products and services such as her Blogging & Business Automation Setup Service and The Ultimate Blogging Workflow Trello board. She also has a free blogging resource library that receives great reviews from members. Lauren started working with brands this year and has some exciting things in the works for the near future. You can find Lauren online on her website and on Instagram. Visit the links below for more information.

Connect with Lauren: Follow me on Instagram! The Ultimate Blogging Workflow Blogging & Business Automation Setup Service

Photography by Simone Anne

Free Blogging Resource Library

Five Minutes with Lauren... SS: Describe how did you first get into blogging? L: I first began blogging shortly after I graduated from college. I have a degree in Graphic Design and started freelancing so I created my blog to accompany my freelance business showcasing my latest projects and business happenings. A few years later I started a Home Decor and DIY blog then after switching gears from freelancing I started my current blog sharing productivity and automation tips for bloggers and solopreneurs. SS: Who has impacted you most in blogging and how? L: It would definitely be my friend Katrina Sullivan of KatrinaBlair.com. We met through blogging 7 years ago and formed a strong friendship over the years. She pushes me and encourages me to keep going and has accomplished so much with her blogging career. She’s definitely a role model! It’s nice to have a friend that also blogs because it’s easier to understand each other on the challenges that blogging can bring. SS: What has been the most challenging moment in your blogging journey so far? L: Deciding to rebrand and change the name of my blog. I was blogging under my former freelance name, Color Hug, then after switching gears I contemplated changing names. I was trying to MAKE the name work because I loved it so much, but ultimately it’s not about what I love, it’s about what makes sense. It took a few years to decide to rebrand and change my name to Lauren Myers & Co. because I wondered if my followers would be confused and unfollow me and if changing gears would turn off my existing email list members. I decided in January of this year to bite the bullet and do it, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my blog/business. After making the change, I began receiving more partnership requests from brands and MORE engagement from my email list.

FEATURE SPOTLIGHT | 22

SS: How do you motivate yourself to keep your blog up and running? L: I stay motivated by focusing on the ultimate goal for my blog/business which is freedom. Freedom to me is not having to worry about how much PTO I have if I want to take a spontaneous trip, not having a 2+ hour round trip commute for work and being able to make my own schedule. I also love helping my audience by sharing new tips and tricks and seeing their results. Their excitement from it keeps me going. Also, caffeine is an excellent motivator, LOL! SS: What's your best task automation tip that can be helpful for anyone with an online business/presence? L: I use two programs heavily for creating my automated tasks, IFTTT and Zapier. Before signing up for an account with them and trying to learn how to use them, I suggest checking the automation that is already built into the programs that you use. For example, if you wanted to add new clients to an email list in MailChimp, you can create this connection directly in MailChimp. They make it easy to set up. Many programs and apps that you use probably have built-in integrations already so you can start automating things as soon as you finish reading this article! SS: If you weren’t in this particular line of work, what would you be doing? L: I would be more focused on Graphic Design and product design perfecting a line of cute, modern stationery and smartphone accessories to sell online and in stores. I would also be more involved in web design and would make Squarespace templates for purchase. SS: You help others reclaim their time. So what do you enjoy doing in your spare time? L: My spare time generally consists of spending time with my husband and daughter outdoors, catching up on TV shows on Netflix, Hulu, etc. (cable-free household!) and relaxing since I have such a busy week. SS: How do you define success? L: Success to me is when that freedom appears in your life and you have more control over the things you want to do because nothing is holding you back.

FEATURE SPOTLIGHT | 23

Ask

s t e e w S n r e h t Sou

to seal the floor paint then let air dry. That's it. Several have also asked if the vanity was new. It's not. A slap of paint can do wonders to just about anything, so don't be afraid to try it. I was on a budget DIY reno, so this first phase was about refreshing existing materials using what we already have. How do you season a cast iron skillet? Koya: Cast iron skillets are great kitchen cookware. They literally last FOREVER but you have to take care of them. Seasoning your cast iron skillet is necessary to ensure its longevity. The first step to seasoning is to thoroughly clean and dry your skillet. Once it is dry, dab a little vegetable oil onto a paper towel and rub a thin layer of oil onto the skillet, inside and out. Once the skillet is covered in oil, place it into the oven upside down and bake for an hour on 375 degrees. Place a piece of foil or a pan in the oven on the rack below the skillet to catch any drippings. Turn the oven off after an hour and let the skillet cool in the oven. Once cooled, it's ready to use. Seasoning your skillet will prevent it from rusting. In the event that it becomes rusted, use coarse grain salt to scrub it clean, then season it.

We're giving you more 'Ask Southern Sweets' this fall season so here goes... In your last issue, I saw that Michelle changed the coloring of the bathroom floor tiles in her kids' DIY bathroom project. Please tell me exactly how did you do that? How long has it been since and how are the floors holding up now? Michelle: Well first, thank you all so much for the many compliments I've received on that bathroom's makeover. It was a labor of love and we're still very much enjoying the space. I tacked that project in early July and as of this date, other than the normal toothpaste and water spatters on the mirror and left in the sink from the kids, it's still holding on very well. Might need to refresh the kids wall artwork though LOL. Before painting the floors, my first step was to thoroughly clean the floors and let air dry. The original flooring was a pinkish beige ceramic tile. I painted directly over them using Benjamin Moore in Iron Mountain in semigloss that is a primer and paint all-in-one. Let air dry and applied two more coats. After that dried, I applied a water-based polyurethane

ASK SOUTHERN SWEETS | 24

What color would look good with purple in a bedroom set that wouldn't be so feminine?

Photography by Lauren Brown of Versatile Imaging

Photo by Theyellowcapecod.com

Photo by John Merkl

Michelle: The various shades of purple are beautiful and my first pairing thought is gray, light or dark, depending on the shade of purple chosen. Play with your accessories and color furniture to offset purple so that it's not too feminine. For instance, you can have dark wood furniture, smokey gray or chrome accessories, and add touches of white or beige for balance between light and dark. Or glam it up by pairing it with black and gold. I would also suggest that you not have everything in purple, but maybe key highlights, i.e. purple accent wall or purple comforter or a purple rug that centers the room. Purple has the flexibility to be elegant and romantic or light and airy. How can I revitalize my kitchen cabinets/counter without buying new ones? I’m looking for a more trendy not builder quality look. Michelle: I'm currently researching my options as well since I'd like to revitalize my laminate kitchen countertops to look like faux carrera marble. One vendor I'd highly recommend is Giani. They have several color and style options to redo both cabinets and countertops and more with their DIY Paint Kits. You could also just simply paint over existing cabinets the color of your choice and replace the hardware for a fresh look at a low cost. Of course, you can always DIY or hire a professional, whichever you're most comfortable with to begin the process.

Photo by Giani.com

ASK SOUTHERN SWEETS | 25

“IF YOU REALLY WANT TO MAKE A FRIEND, GO TO SOMEONE’S HOUSE AND EAT WITH HIM…THE PEOPLE WHO GIVE YOU THEIR FOOD GIVE YOU THEIR HEART.” Cesar Chavez, American labor leader and civil rights activist

SOUTHERN SWEETS

Creative Directors: Koya Tyson / Michelle Gowdy Editors in Chief: Koya Tyson / Michelle Gowdy Photographer: Taij Harris Contributing Writer: Lauren Myers Photo Credits: Simone Anne, Katrina Sullivan, Nicole Carlin Interiors, CHATEAU Architects and Builders, and Giani.com