Q: What is the meaning behind your blog name?
A: I began my blog about half way through my maternity leave, so my husband and my new baby were kind of dominating my thoughts at that time. I wanted something easy to remember and something that I felt represented me and what is important to me.
Q:What made you decide to start blogging?
A: Blogging has always been an interest of mine, and I have started some blogs in the past but wasn’t able to dedicate the time needed to really develop them. I thought while I was at home on leave I would try to use that time to focus and see what happened. It definitely takes more energy than most might think, but it’s nice to build something that really represents yourself.
Q: What do you blog about?
I blog about parenting, relationships, beauty, health and interior design. I guess that would make me a lifestyle blogger. A part of me wants to narrow my niche, but there are so many things I am passionate about, I’m not ready to do that quite yet.
Q: How long have you been blogging?
A: I have been “seriously” blogging since May 2016. I put seriously in quotes because, between working, parenting and making time for my husband, it’s still difficult to find time to dedicate to the blog. I try to produce one post a week.
Q: What do you like to do beside blogging? Any hobbies?
A: I LOVE to sing, and actually had planned on having a career in music initially. I was trained classically. I coached cheerleading for a while, but quit when we found out that we were expecting. I recently made a career change from social services to interior design as and interior design assistant. It has been a lot of fun and I have a series of posts titled Diary Of An Interior Design Assistant where I document things I have been learning and the types of projects we are working on.
Q: Have you had writer’s block? What did you do?
A: Oh yes! Or sometimes I have lots to talk about, but I am not sure how to put it in a way that is valuable to my readers. I combat this in a few ways. I keep a list of blog ideas on my phone. Every time one pops into my head, but I don’t feel it will work at that time, I put it on the list so I can review it later if I get stuck. I also will start writing blog posts I think might be interesting and will stop when I get stuck and review it later when I need a piece or just so I can look at it with fresh eyes. Typically, I write about what I am dealing with that week. Most of what you will read on my site is something that has just happened, or something I have been thinking about and have decided to share it with my readers.
Q: What’s one thing you want your subscribers to know?
A: I really enjoy doing this blog, and I am still learning (so be patient). I would LOVE if people shared their ideas or what they would like me to write about, especially in regards to interior design. Obviously, the goal is to produce information that people actually care about and find useful.
Q: How do you balance being a mom, wife and blogger?
A: I am still figuring that out. My husband works weekends, so it’s just me and the little guy hanging out on those days. I get my writing in during nap times and after the baby goes to bed. In fact, I just put him down so I could respond to this interview. During the week I work and try to reserve my nights for family time. It can be hard to feel connected when you are on the go all of the time.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their blog?
A: I wish I would have built up a collection of articles I felt comfortable with and really focused on building a brand before starting my blog. I think when I started, I felt like the clock was ticking and got into too much of a rush. Also, it has really helped me to create a content calendar. It is really loose, as I just have general topics for each week (design, parenting, lifestyle, random…). This helps to keep me from getting stuck. Chances are, there is something I can write about on one of those topics at any time and having it narrowed down to one topic can help you focus.
Q: Do you have any other social media sites?
A: Of course. J People can follow me through any of the following:
Twitter at @marriageandbaby
Facebook at @marriageandababy
Instagram at marriageandababy
Pinterest at marriageandabab
Q: Where do you see your blog in 5 years?
A: Great question! I’m not entirely sure at this time. I would like it if my blog was my primary focus (behind family of course). My plan is to curate design items and other products that I like and think my readers would like as well, to have a little store that people can browse. I would also like to eventually build up to 2-3 articles per week. I aim to do a complete site update in the next year or so. I don’t feel the design layout quite represents me and my blog as well as it could.
Q: What do you want your readers to take from your blog?
A: My blog is meant to be positive! I really hope that comes across in my writing. I hope to continue to build up my subscribers and want it to become a must read for people. So please, share your ideas and we can make it happen!
Again, you should definitely check out her blog at http://www.marriageandababy.com/. Thanks again, Brittanie for letting me interview you!
<3 Amanda
nice!
ReplyDeleteThank you!! :)
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