How to Create a Blogging Calendar

One of the hardest things for a blogger starting out is getting into a routine and getting your blog organised (or at least it was for me). I have tried so many different online calendars and organizing apps, but none of them did exactly what I wanted them to. So I created my own. I shared how I set up my blogging calendar on snapchat and I got so many questions and messages about it, that it seemed easier to put everything into a post so that you can refer to it anytime you need to.



Firstly, the program that I have my blogging calendar in, is a Google sheet in Google Drive. You could easily do it on a word/excel document, but I like that I can view my google drive from anywhere, not just one single file on my computer.

So once you've decided on the program, be it a Google sheet or an excel sheet, you can start to fill it out like I have done below. This is what my blogging calendar looks like when it's all set up. I've titled it Blog Calendar 2016 and included all my headings which I will go through now.


So first up is adding your pages withing the sheet. I have a different page for each month and they are all marked a different colour. You can add a new page simply by pressing the + on the bottom left hand corner. You could also add a 'bank' page for ideas and brainstorming.

On the first line I've started making different columns. The first is simply just the name of that particular month (July). The second is 'Blog Ideas', This column is basically for brainstorming. Usually what will end up happening is, I'll be doing a little brainstorm of ideas and I'll think of an idea but it won't suit that month. For example it could be January and I'll think of apost that would be great for Summer or Halloween. Instead of just forgetting that idea, I'll put it in my 'blog ideas' column so that when it comes to Summer or Halloween I'll already have a lot of blog ideas done.

The column named 'Type' represents the type of post it is. My blog is dominantly a beauty and lifestyle blog. Sometimes I'm really into writing about beauty products or times, I'm more into lifestyle. So when I'm planning out my posts, I'll try to schedule them in such a way that I don't have 3 beauty posts then 5 lifestyle posts. I'll try to mix it up and this column really helps.  The 'Done' column represents what stage the post is at. Whether I have photos taken, the content wrote but no images or completely done.


After the post is completed I use the final five columns to track which platforms I shared the post on. You can of course tailor this to whatever social media platforms you use. These are just the ones that I use. I find this really helpful and my directs a lot of traffic to my blog.


Along the side you will see the numbers 1-30/31 they represent the dates throughout the month. I will fill out what posts are going live on what dates there. 



Lastly underneath all the month's planning and organising I have a little section called Analytics. At the end of each month, I will take some time to go over the blog's analytics and track them in this section. I have only four things that I currently like to track but you can put in whatever you like. I track my overall traffic ( the pageviews and number of visitors), where my traffic came from (was it from social media, referrals or search engines), my demographic (the age of people visiting the site, what country they're from etc) and lastly top posts (what posts did the best and worst, this allows me to see where the biggest traction is on the blog).


After you've set it up, it's time to fill it out. This is an example of what it might look like...


The above is only a rough guide. Usually I colour co ordinate posts and try to make it a little nicer to look at. But hopefully you now have an idea of how to set up and customize your own blogging calendar. You don't NEED a bogging calendar but I just find it makes life easier for me and when I know I need to publish a post by a certain date, it pushes me to actually finish the post. This type of calendar really works for me and I hope you found this post useful too.

Let me know in the comments if you use a blogging calendar!

Erin X
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My Current Favourite Snapchatters

I think it's about time I made a little confession...

Hi my name is Erin and I'm a snapchat addict, a snaddict as Karen from LovelyGirlyBits would say! I find myself on it for hours EVERY day. I follow so many people at this stage that it would literally take all day to watch everyone's stories. With that in mind, there are about 30-40 people that I will always watch and yes there's at least 30-40 people!!! My favourites do change however, sometimes people become inactive or the type of content they're producing on snapchat changes or just doesn't interest me anymore. So here is a look at some of my current favourite snapchatters. As I said there's 30-40 people I watch daily but I won't do them all, I'll limit myself! 

Also if you're not following already, my username is @chasingrubychat 



1. Toodollymakeup
I'm sure you all know her already, but she is genuinely one of my fave snappers! The fact that she's a good friend of mine is just a bonus. Jen is an amazing makeup artist and does fab tutorials on her snapchat. She also does mini reviews, takes us along to events with her and shows us all the new beauty stuff that's coming out! If you're interested in makeup and beauty or just want to watch a really inspirational down to earth girl, then Jen is the gal to follow!



2. Laudempmakeup
Laura is such an amazingly talented makeup artist. Not only that, but she's such a lovely person too. A true girls girl and  a Girlboss in her own right. She is such an inspiration, she used to work for Urban Decay but now she has built up her client-base in Waterford and is a freelance makeup artist. She is one of the most supportive people I've met and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for her. I know it will be truly amazing! 



3. TheMakeupFairy
Joanne is one of the biggest bloggers in Ireland and has built an incredible career. She is probably one of the most inspirational people I follow on snapchat. I admire how much she gets done in her day, always making time for workouts, eating well and her friends and family. Watching her get up and go to the gym and seeing her progress has often made me get up and go workout! What I also admire is when she that she's not shy or afraid to admit that she's having a bad day or week, that she's not eating right, dealing with trolls and see lets us see the lowlights in her life, not just the highlights. A true girlboss and an amazing role model for women everywhere!



4. Laurasviews
You might know Laura as MyMakeupPerspective. I first found Laura on YouTube and found her to be a breath of fresh air. Her videos are so honest and genuine. Her snapchat is no different! I LOVE her snaps and she is always one of the first I click in on. Laura snaps about everything from her vegan diet to mysterious boyfriend (iansviews on snapchat) and everything in between. Her honesty is refreshing and she is absolutely hilarious. Definitely one to follow on snapchat and every other platform!



5.Pennystoprada
Emer is another Waterford based blogger. I find her to very relatable. Like me she is in college, works and runs a blog. She is also doing a very similar course to me which makes her snaps extra enjoyable! Emer has a very soothing soft voice that's such a pleasure to listen to. I absolutely love her Pennys hauls and seeing her OOTD. If you enjoy fashion then Emer's snapchat is definitely for you!



6. Tanya_Rachel
I adore Tanya Rachel, I think she is just the loveliest of girls and I wish we lived closer. She is stunning and such an incredible MUA. She used to work for Inglot before she decided to go it alone as a free lance MUA in Wicklow. She also has a blog and Youtube channel, we have actually collaborated on YouTube before, I'll leave the video HERE.  I love seeing the behind the scenes and everyday life of Tanya Rachel.




7. Nimahtbh1
Another lady that I'm blessed to call a friend. Niamh is such a fab lady who is super beautiful with a velvet voice. I had the pleasure of meeting her last August at a YouTube event and I cannot wait to meet her again soon. I love all of her mini reviews and the behind the scenes of her YouTube videos. Niamh is really supportive and genuine and I really admire her honesty. Definitely someone you should have on your snap feed.



8. Cailinspocket
Sinead is such a pleasure to watch! In case you're unaware, Sinead is actually a mermaid and her snaps have magic powers that instantly make you happy. Her positivity is infectious! She is also a fellow irish YouTuber and a very talented baker! Her cakes look insanely beautiful. Definitely follow Sinead if you are looking for a little daily pick me up!


So they are a few of my faves at the moment! Who do you follow on snapchat ? Who are your faves ? Let me know in the comments! 

Erin X 
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The Body Shop Drops of Youth Review

Hi Everyone!

If you've read my blog for a while or watched any of my YouTube videos you will probably know that I have suffered with bad skin and acne since the age of about 12. I was delighted when the Body Shop got in contact with me and asked if I'd like to try out some products from their new range and take part in their 28 day challenge! That range is of course the Drops of Youth range!


I have done a full video on my thoughts of the products and you can watch it below if you're interested! If you've tried any of these products or are interested in them, please let me know in the comments!


Erin X
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Behind The Blog

Hi Everyone!

It feels like forever since I last done I tag post! I was tagged by the lovely Meggan from Cardigan Jezebel blog. The tag is all about getting to know the blogger behind the blog. I really enjoyed doing this post and I hope you enjoy reading it. I hope you got to know me a little better!



On my day off I like to...
I very very rarely have a day off, but when I do I like to make videos, blog, go to the cinema with my boyfriend or binge watch YouTube and Netflix.

The last thing I bought was...
A pair of black  high waisted jeans from Pennys (Primark). I actually love them, the fit really well and they were as cheap as chips. Only about €13 I think.

Last country I visited was...
Berlin. It was amazing, myself and James went there just before Christmas. We seen a million sparkly Chritmas trees, loads of Christmas markets and ate lots of chocolate. It was just brilliant! I vlogged the entire holiday HERE if you're interested. Next up in Budapest, Hungary!

Can I speak another language ?
I have fairly decent Irish and I still have a small bit french, but I'm not completely fluent in another language!

The last film I watched...
The last film in the cinema that I watched was Batman V Superman. It was ok, I enjoyed it because I'm a fan of all things superheros but If I wasn't I think I'd have been quite bored. The last film I watched at home was Hitman 47 which is actually based on a game. It's excellent, I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes action, spy, mystery, thriller kind of films.

My favourite line/quote ?
I am a huge fan of quotes! I have a board full of them over on Pinterest and I read a lot of them daily. However my favourite has and always will be...



My favourite tv show ?
I have loads of favourites, it's so tough just to choose one! I love Arrow, The Flash, Once Upon A Time, Shadowhunters, Big Bang Theory, friends, Gossip Girl.... I could go on all day...

My favourite food is...
Pasta Bake! It's my comfort food, I just think it's the most delicious meal ever! I'm much more of a savory lover rather than sweet although I do have a pretty big sweet tooth. So basically I like all of the foods!

My favourite place to eat is...
My parents house! I love coming home and eating with them and having a big family dinner. I appreciate it a lot more the older I get. Of course if we're talking about restaurants then I love Rustic Stone in Dublin and The Steakhouse in Limerick.

My perfect evening is...
Cinema date with James, followed by dinner in the Steakhouse, followed by Ben & Jerry's and a marvel movie in bed!

Instagram or snapchat ?
Snapchat all the way! I'm obsessed and have been for almost a year now! It's the platform that I'm most active on. I love the realness and the no bullshit vibe of it. It's quite refreshing!



Facebook or twitter ?
Twitter, I love all the chats and the fast pace of it!

Pc or Mac ?
PC! I have to use Mac at college and it is the most frustrating thing ever. Now I do have to say by the end of each semester, I'm always really used to the interface so it's less frustrating but I will always prefer PC, so much easier to use!

If I wasn't a blogger I would be...
Bored! I actually don't even know what I did with my time before blogging. But if I wasn't blogging I'd probably be, making videos, maybe doing something in radio ? I honestly haven't a clue!

In 10 years time I would like to be...
Married, a mammy and have some notion as to what I want to do in life, career wise!

My current wardrobe staples...
Workout gear/lounge wear! I have been overwhelmed with all of my college work recently and I have been taking the lazy/comfy option way too often! Hopefully once college is over in a few weeks and the weather picks up a bit, I can start dressing nice again!

The items I'm currently lusting after...
So many items! I am loving all of the new summer stuff in Pennys! I'm going to Budapest in May and I will hopefully be raiding the place in the efforts of updating my wardrobe!

My blogging goals for the next 6 months...
I really want to grow Chasing Ruby Chat over the next 6 months, once college finishes in a few weeks I will hopefully have more time on my hands. I really want to work on my photography and bringing some really good quality content and really upping the quality of the blog!

That's all the questions! I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it! 

Erin X
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