Blogger Spotlight:Silent D And Me

Hey guys,

Today Blogger spotlight is with Caroline and her blog is called Silent D And Me. You can find it by clicking here.  She has depression, that is where the Silent D comes into play. Having a blog is a great tool to have when you need to get things out of your mind, and especially for me writing and posting a blog post is a good time to just be alone so you can get everything out that you want to say without any distractions.  From reading her posts, I can tell that she is a very strong person so Caroline if you're reading this, you're a great role model to all.


Q: What is the meaning behind your blog name?
A: The name Silent D And Me depicts my life with clinical depression.

Q: What made you decide to start blogging?

A:  I began blogging in May 2015, following a family member's suicide. I took my blog down in September 2015 and restarted it in December 2015, following a friend's suicide attempt. My motivation for blogging is to raise awareness of mental illness (that might sound trite) and to connect with others who are living with mental health issues.  

Q: What do you blog about?

A: I blog about everything I feel is mental health related. I blog about my own experiences mainly and I've had a fantastic fellow mental health blogger share her story with my readers. 

Q:How long have you been blogging?

A: I initially started blogging in May 2015, so over a year now.

Q:What do you like to do beside blogging? Any hobbies?

A: My hobbies include reading, writing, walking, swimming, spending time with my family, DIY, baking and I hope to run marathons in the future.

Q: Have you had writer’s block? What did you do?

A: I get writer's block all the time. I find that I have lots of ideas, but the minute I sit down in front of my laptop, my mind goes blank. I find that jotting ideas down as I get them helps. If the block is severe, I take time out from writing and spend the time reading. 

Q:  What’s one thing you want your subscribers to know?

A: The one thing I want my subscribers to know, is that I have more draft posts saved, than I have published ones. I spend a lot of time deciding which posts my readers would like to read. 

Q: Where do you see your blog in 5 years?

A: I hope to still be blogging in 5 years' time, that's for sure. I hope that my blog has reached even more people and helped them. I'm aiming for my blog to become less about me and more about mental health as a whole. People don't want to read about the author all the time. 

Q:  What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their blog?

A: The advice I'd give to a new blogger would be to take your time. You'll want to get all your ideas out there as quickly as you can,  which is great, but you run the risk of burning out. Also, make sure you cite all quotes you use in your posts, and make sure any images you use are free from copyright. 

Q: Do you have any other social media sites?

A: I use Twitter and Bloglovin to promote my blog posts. I used to use Facebook, but I have recently de activated my account.

Thanks Caroline for letting me interview you and help promote your blog. Again, if you want to check out her blog, click here.

<3 Amanda 

Blogger Spotlight: Doodle Me Travel

(www.doodlemetravel.com)

My next Blogger Spotlight is with Jessica and she's from Washington. Her blog is called "Doodle Me Travel". If you like to draw, travel or even both you should go check out her blog by clicking here. 

Q: What made you decide to begin blogging?

A: I started blogging because I really enjoy writing and art, and wanted a way to document and share my travels with friends and family. Over time I have discovered how much I love it and hope to share travel stories and inspiration to other people as well. 

Q: What do you blog about?

A:I write about my favorite travel stories, ways to be an ethical traveler, and guides about the places I have visited. I do all of my own illustrations for my posts which makes me a little different from the usual travel blogger. My blog has more of a quirky, cartoon feel and I want people to have fun when they visit my site.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who is just beginning their blog? 

A: Above all I would say stay true to yourself. First, there are SO many blogs out there that are trying to be the next big, luxury-style travel blog. If you try too hard to imitate others, inevitably you will get lost in the noise. Second, eventually you will run out of steam if you are trying to be someone that you are not. 

Q: What’s the meaning behind your blog name?

A: My blog name is pretty self-explanatory, as I doodle my travels around the world. Still trying to pick a logo, though!

Q: What’s one thing that you want your subscribers to know?

A: I want my subscribers to know that I am authentic and care about my readers a lot. I am not into promoting products I am not passionate about, or writing about places I have never been. I would rather have a few, loyal followers than thousands of subscribers that I have gained through sketchy tactics etc. 

Q: Do you have any other social media sites?

A: I am currently active on Instagram and Pinterest @doodlemetravel. Follow me if you are into humor, cartoons, and travel stories!

Q:How long have you been blogging?

A:I have been actively blogging for about four months. Still a newbie!

Q: Have you ever had writer’s block?

A: Not yet! If anything, I have too many ideas and not enough patience to follow through on all of them.

Q: What do you like to do beside blogging?

A: Obviously I LOVE to travel. I also read a lot and paint in my free time. When I’m not being a total recluse, I am out with my friends at concerts and other fun stuff in Seattle.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to draw?

A: I love drawing people. Ever since I can remember, I have been cartooning and sketching people on whatever medium I can get my hands on. Everyone is just so unique and I love capturing their essence in a simple cartoon.

Q: Where was the favorite place you have traveled to?

A: So far Thailand has been my favorite place but I think I am biased because that was also my first solo trip. I love a challenge.

Q: If you could be on any TV show, what show would you choose?

A: Hmm that’s a difficult one, since I don’t watch much TV. I know this is a little dated but I would say The Office. I bet they have a lot of fun.

Again, if you like to travel, draw or both, I would recommend this blog! And thanks again Jessica for letting me interview you and help promote your blog.

<3 Amanda 

 

Blogger Spotlight: My Life As A Chronically Ill Young Adult

Hey guys,

Sorry I haven't posted in awhile..oh the joys of having final assignments due. My next courses begin on the 7th,so I'm excited to have 2 weeks with no homework.  I have decided to change the name of the posts when I do interviews with other bloggers. Instead of Blogger Interview, I'm not naming those posts "Blogger Spotlight". My next blogger spotlight is on a blogger who I happened to come upon on and I immediately wanted to do a blogger spotlight on.  Her name is Becca and her blog is called "My Life As A Chronically Ill Young Adult". She is a young adult who was born with Tretralogy of Fallot, Pulmonary Atresia and Pulmonary Hypertension. I wanted to give her a blogger spotlight as I thought she is such a strong person and I wasn't aware of what Tretralogy of Fallot, Pulmonary Atresia and Pulmonary Hypertension, so I thought I would ask her if she could explain them to me and then write this post to bring awareness. If you would like to check out her blog, you definitely should. It is located here. 

Q: Can you please explain what Tretralogy of Fallot, Pulmonary Atresia and Pulmonary Hypertension are?

A: Tetralogy of Fallot is actually 4 different defects in the heart. One is a whole in the heart. (VSD) Second, pulmonary stenosis. Third, Right ventricular hypertrophy and fourth is an over-riding aorta.

Pulmonary Atresia is the narrowing of the Pulmonary Arteries leading away from the heart and to the lungs. Mine are so tiny that they almost don't exist.

Pulmonary Hypertension is actually a lung disease (mine is caused by the Pulmonary Atresia). PH is high blood pressure in the arteries of your lungs. Most people don't have any pressure in the arteries of their lungs, my pressures are at 90.

Q:What made you start writing a blog?

A: I have always loved writing. I couldn't do sports or be very active when I was young (still can't), so writing became a great coping mechanism for me. When I was in high school I realized that a lot of what I was feeling, I bet a lot of other chronically ill people felt too. I wanted them to know that they weren't alone.

Q:What advice would you give to someone else who has Tretralogy of Fallot, Pulmonary Atresia, Pulmonary Hypertension or a different disease?

A:On the medical side of advice, I'd tell them to listen to their doctors. Take your medicine. If you want to have a good quality of life (or as good as it can get), you have to work at it. On the more emotional side, I would tell you to join FB support groups for people who have your illness, find a camp for people who have your illness and if you're young enough, go as a camper and if you're too old; go as a counselor. The community for your illness is going to help you out so much. I went to camp at 7 years old and I have had friends for 17 years who have been there for me every step of the way.

Q:Do you have any favorite quotes?

A: "Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is facing a battle in which you know nothing about." - T.H. Thompson and John Watson.

Q:How long have you been blogging?

A: Since my senior year of high school. This January it will be 6 years.

Q:What do you like to do beside blogging? Any hobbies?

A: I love reading. I also perform American Sign Language to music. I do a lot of arts and crafts as well. For Halloween I made all my own Halloween decorations (potion bottles, spell books) and since my whole family loves reading, I make a lot of bookmarks. I've sold a few of my things as well, but not enough to say I do it as a business. More just for fun. I also plan monthly event for local young adults who have Congenital Heart Disease like myself.

Thank you Becca for letting me interview you and explaining to me what Tretralogy of Fallot, Pulmonary Atresia and Pulmonary Hypertension are and allowing me to help bring awareness to them if people aren't familiar with them. Also, if you would like to check out her blog, click here

<3 Amanda 

Blogger Interview: Ginger Fox

The next blogger interview I have for you guys is with Imogen and she's from the United Kingdom. Her blog is called Ginger Fox located at https://ginger-fox.com/. You should definitely check out her blog. She blogs blogs about life, food and beauty. 

Q: What is the meaning behind your blog name? A: Ginger Fox is a totally random name that stuck in my head one day and just fit perfectly with what I wanted for my blog. I’m a natural redhead and foxes are one of my favourite animals so it just seemed perfect!
Q: What made you decide to start blogging? A: I suffered with anxiety for years, since I was about 13 years old. After a tough time in high school and college, and with many sessions of counselling under my belt- I began my Chemistry degree in Manchester. The first year went fairly well, but the last 2 years really got to me mentally. I would make excuses to my parents of why I didn’t have lectures that day- or why I was coming home at 1pm rather than 5pm. I actually sort out help for my anxiety, but I didn’t complete my degree. Blogging caught my attention because it was something I could do from the comfort of my own home, away from people and it was a platform that I could spill my heart and soul into. I had been reading and watching Zoella for a few months and I just thought if she can do it, so can I. I began my blog in January and it has been the best decision I have ever made! I get to share tips, recipes and talk about everything I love with my readers and I have connected with so many people throughout my time blogging. I’ve even been able to help some of my family and friends get into it as well!
Q: What do you blog about? A: I blog about everything I love. In short: Beauty, Food and Lifestyle. My blog initially started as more beauty based but the lure of food blogging was way too strong to resist!
Q: How long have you been blogging? A: I have been blogging since the start of January.
Q:What do you like to do beside blogging? Any hobbies? A:I love photography: whether it be food, landscape or wildlife. I love to write, and am currently working on my first romance novel. I also love to sing. Singing has been my favourite thing to do since practically out of the womb, so I have to say that’s my top hobby!
Q: Have you had writer’s block? What did you do? A: I have had writer’s block many times! The main thing I try to do to get over it is get myself out and about, clear my head and get myself on Pinterest! Pinterest is my favourite social media and it has given me a huge amount of inspiration over the months I’ve been blogging!
Q: What’s one thing you want your subscribers to know? A: I want my readers to know that they can do anything if they put their mind to it. There’s no point spending your life doing something which doesn’t make you want to wake up at 5am each morning like its Christmas morning. Live your life the way you want to live it, anything is possible if you have a passion for it!
Q: Where do you see your blog in 5 years? A: I hope to be blogging full time from home (I work full time in Marketing currently), sharing my passion with my readers and hopefully helping them on the way to living the life they’ve always wanted.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their blog? A: Don’t over think it. If you have ideas, and the ability to write them down, then just go for it! When I first began my blog, I published my site by accident whilst I was still working on the design and content. But honestly, I’m so glad that I did because otherwise I might not have made the leap for a lot longer. So as long as you’ve got a story, just dive right in and you won’t be disappointed, I promise.
Q:Do you have any other social media sites? A: My social media accounts are: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gingerfoxblog/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel Twitter: https://twitter.com/Imiiix Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/imogen1994/ Bloglovin’: https://www.bloglovin.com/people/imogenbethclegg-18237539 Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/101510180414625975796

Thank you again, Imogen for allowing me to interview you! Also,again you should definitely check out Imogen's blog at https://ginger-fox.com/.

Blogger Interview: Marriage and a Baby Carriage

Hi guys,my next blogger interview is with Brittanie and she's the one behind the blog called Marriage and a Baby Carriage. She's from Oregon, and she's married and her husband and her have an adorable little son. You should definitely check out her blog, especially if you're into interior design like she is. You can check out her blog at http://www.marriageandababy.com/.


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

Blogger Interview: Candy's Farm House Pantry

My next blogger interview is with Candy from Candy's Farm House Pantry. You should check out her blog as she has a lot of great recipes!

(Interview took place 5/25/2016)


Q: What is the meaning behind your blog name?
A: My name is Candy. We live on a farm and grow most of what we eat. Our farm fills our pantry shelves. Candysfarmhousepantry was born.

Q: What made you decide to start blogging?
A: Family, friends encourage me to share my knowledge. I travel and give free classes on how to can, dehydrate, make laundry soap, master mixes etc. People were asking for information and recipes. If I can encourage people to grow, store and cook their own food and stay out of the stores. I have accomplished my goals.

Q: How long have you been blogging?

A: About 1 1/2 years

Q: What do you blog about?

A: Mostly cooking from scratch recipes, gardening, canning, dehydrating, crafts, making own cleaning supplies, laundry soap.

Q: Have you had writer’s block? What did you do?

A: I have a ton of old recipes from my mother to use and reading others blogs will spark an idea.

Q: What do you like to do beside blogging? Any hobbies?
A:Love antiques, making all kinds of crafts, reading

Q: What is your favorite recipe?
A: Cheese cake recipe my mother always made. I even made a scrapbook page from her recipe card she used.

Q: What’s one thing you want your subscribers to know?
A:I appreciate the time they take to read and respond back to something I have blogged about. Makes my day!

Q: What do you want your readers to take from your blog?

A: A person can save time, money, eat healthier by growing their own food, preserving and cooking from scratch. There are time saving way to do all of this. I love to cook once and eat at least twice from what I have fixed. Learning skills that have been forgotten or lost along the way.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their blog?

A: Don't get discourage. Join some great blogging groups, reach out and ask questions. Most people are willing to help. It isn't about the money or numbers (that is all nice) about you sharing.

Q: Where do you see your blog in 5 years?

A:Hopefully a strong successful blog reaching out to thousands of people, teaching them one recipe at a time.

Q: Do you have any other social media sites?

A: www.pinterest.com/candysfhp www.facebook.com/candysfarmhousepantry twitter.com/candysfhp

Thanks again Candy for letting me interview you!

<3 Amanda

Blogger Interview: Camilla Sorum

Today my blogger interview is with Camilla. She is a blogger from Spain and her blog's name is Camilla Sorum She's also a mother to two adorable little girls.You should really check out her blog by clicking here if you want to read a great blog!

Q: What is the meaning behind your blog name?
A: My blog name is simply my name (camillasorum.com) as it is about me and my life.

Q; What made you decide to start blogging?
A: I have always loved writing. Back in the days I studied journalism and did some freelancing. You might not believe it, but my passion was covering motor sport events. I usually keep a journal, or just write when I'm sad or frustrated about something. I've been wanting to start a blog for a while, but been to skeptical. Thinking "who's gonna read it", "what should I write about" and how scary it is to share so much in public. But I love writing, and I finally decided to just go for it.

Q:What do you blog about?
A: I mainly blog about my life. I left Norway two years ago and people were shocked that I dared to just move abroad with two young children. I share some stories from my past, some every day life, some special events pr thoughts that I have on different subjects. I also promote stuff or people that inspires me.

Q: How long have you been blogging?
A: I have been blogging only for a few months.

Q:What do you like to do beside blogging? Any hobbies?
A: Beside blogging I'm very busy. I work 30 hours per week. I'm a full time student and I'm currently alone with my two little girls, so at the moment my free time mainly goes to activities with them. I like handcraft and make baby clothes, rugs or pictures. I'm also very creative and like drawing, coloring and painting. Interior is one of my passions, so I always come up with some changes around the house. Another hobby of mine is animals. We recently adopted a kitten from a rescue organization and are currently waiting to adopt a dog from another. I love dog training and have had dogs most of my life. I'm also hoping to start horse riding again as I haven't since we came here. I really miss it! Other than that I love fashion. I like putting pieces together, dressing up and testing new looks. I like being both in front of and behind the camera. It's so many beautiful locations here, so I try to take some pictures whenever I can.

Q: Have you had writer’s block? What did you do?
A: So far I didn't have a writer's block, although I do spend a lot of time planning my posts. Sometimes I make it very simple, other times more complicated. Sometimes it takes me very short time and other times I need more. My advice to others with blocks would be to think about what you like or are passionate about. If the theme is interesting to you it's easier to write about it. Make a list and write down some simple words and ideas. Go from them and plan weekly. You don't have to plan the whole blog or even a full post, just make sure you have some ideas ready for the times you struggle to write.

Q: What’s one thing you want your subscribers to know?
A: -I want my subscribers to know that I'm available. I take criticism, questions, thoughts, ideas and comments positively. I get a lot of private messages with all kind of questions from people worried to ask me in public. Don't be! I answer absolutely everyone, and if I find it too personal or if it's something I wanna keep private, that's what my answer will be. We can always get better, nobody's perfect, so I'm always open for suggestions, ideas and thoughts of my blog.

Q:How do you balance being a mom, wife and blogger?
A:  Sometimes the balance is hard to find. I'm not a wife (yet), but I have an amazing boyfriend. He's working somewhere else this summer, so it's very difficult to find time to see each other. That balance we can't find, but knowing it's temporary gets us through it. When my girls are in school I use all my free time to practical stuff, doing everything I need before my work day starts. If I have some quiet time at work I take notes for my blog or work on social media. Between end of school hour and bedtime it's all about the kids. Cooking dinner, doing homework, taking them to activities and so on. I always have a book in my bag, so whenever I find some time when the girls are busy I can do some studying. After bedtime I clean up, do some work around the house before I do what I need with my blog and social media. It's unbelievable how much time it requires. When I'm finished I have some alone time before I go to bed myself. The weekends usually gives me some time for blog and studies as my girls are usually quite busy. It's a busy lifestyle, but that's how I like it. I'm very structured and effective and I like organizing. I always plan my days well, although I do get tired of it sometimes. I think it's important to plan some dead time where you can just drop everything and relax. I'm not very good at that.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their blog?
A:  If you have just started a blog, don't forget why you did it! Make sure that you post regularly. You may not always have time or creativity, but the majority should definitely be something related to your blog theme and something you made an effort for. It will take time to get readers and build up an audience, it will take time to learn and it will take time to get used to. Just keep it up and you will get there.

Q:Where do you see your blog in 5 years?
A: In five years I see my blog as I see it now. I write for myself, I write because I love it and because it gives me a lot. I can never forget that. If the day comes where I stop doing it for myself I will stop. I hope that others like it too and wants to read it, that I can live off it someday, but that's not why I'm doing it.

Q:What do you want your readers to take from your blog?
A: I want my readers to see me through my blog. I never post anything without personality. I do however want my readers to realize that my blog is not all of me. I don't share everything. I hope my readers find some motivation, some joy, some thoughts or just a good laugh from it. That what I share means something to someone. I have done amazing things, I have proven so much to myself by leaving everything behind and starting a new life. I want my readers to believe that they can make a change, that it's not scary to start over and that even through hard times there is also good.

Q:Do you have any other social media sites?
A: I have Instagram: camillasorum, Twitter: camilla_sorum, Tumblr: camillasorum, and a public page on Facebook: Camilla Sorum Blogger. I can be contacted through any of them.

Again, you should really check out her blog, here if you want another great blog to read. Thanks again, Camilla!

<3 Amanda 

Blogger Interview: Onlygirl4boyz

I decided to post another blogger interview. This interview was with Hava at Onlygirl4boyz located here. She is a wife and a mother to 3 cute little boys. She blogs about homemaking, recipes, saving money, and relationships! You should check her blog out.

 Q:  What is the meaning behind your blog name?

A:Onlygirl4boyz- because I am the only girl in my house.  I  have 3 boys and a fantastic husband

Q: What made you decide to start blogging?

A: . There are so many things I want to share with a larger audience concerning lessons I've learned about friendships and marriage to recipes and tips on frugal living.

Q: What do you blog about?

A: I love to cook so I share recipes and meal planning tips, advice on friendships and marriage and, many of the tips I've learned on how to live on one income and save money as a stay at home mom.

Q: How long have you been blogging?

A: I just started a few weeks ago and it's going well so far.

Q:What do you like to do beside blogging? Any hobbies?

A: I help my sister with her successful real estate business, and I am a full- time stay at home mom.

Q:Have you had writer’s block? What did you do?

A: Not yet I haven't but, I've done a few sessions of just brainstorming and writing out a ton of topics and topics I would like to write on so that I could go back to that when stumped and I keep an ongoing lists I add to throughout my day.

Q:What’s one thing you want your subscribers to know?

A: My heart is to truly help them and make their lives simpler, easier and happier and I'm dedicated to doing that.

Q:  How do you balance being a mom, wife and blogger?

A: I use naptime and bedtime consistently.  I stick with an early bedtime for all of my kiddos and get right to work when they are asleep which gives me about 3 hours at night and 1-2 during the day.

Q:.  What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their blog?

A: Research, Research, Research.  Learn as much as you can before you start and, constantly learn looking up ways to have a successful blog.  There is so much information out there that can help you be successful.  Also, start writing content and keep writing as much as you can.  Create a schedule and stick to it.

Q: Where do you see your blog in 5 years?

A: . With many followers, evolved, and making a full-time living.

Q: What do you want your readers to take from your blog?

A:  How to live simpler, how to save their family money and how to strengthen the relationships that they have

Q: Do you have any other social media sites?

A: Yes Instagram: Onlygirl4boyz and then I have an official site on Facebook for my website as well. 

Again if you're looking for a blog about  homemaking, recipes, saving money, and relationships or just want to check out a new blog,you should check out her blog. Thanks again Hava for letting me interview you and help promote your blog.

<3 Amanda 

Blogger Interview: Cullom Corner

The blogger that I interviewed was April and her blog is called Cullom Corner, which you can go check out here. She is a high school social studies teacher from Alabama. She has great teacher posts.

Q:What is the meaning behind your blog name?

 A:My blog name is Cullom Corner, which is my last name. I liked this idea because it encompassed both myself and my husband. I thought it well exemplified the idea of it being our “little corner of the world” and expressing our ideas on things. 

Q:   What made you decide to start blogging?

A: I have dealt with a tremendous amount of health problems in recent years. As a result of this, I spent lots of time on the Internet looking for time-saving tips and ideas for the classroom. I found some that helped me but overall, I noticed that no one was really focusing on the things I wanted them to focus on. Luckily my health has improved and is under control now so I thought after starting my Teacher Pay Teacher store that blogging was the next step. 

Q: What do you blog about?

A: I blog about education issues. Right now with the summer time, I’m focusing more on summer tips to help teachers and students. However, I plan to start focusing more specifically on time-saving techniques and ways to make a teacher’s life easier. This will include everything from classroom décor to making grading faster. There is a lot out there for elementary teachers but I teach high school so I would like to offer suggestions for other secondary teachers.    

Q:  How long have you been blogging?

A: I actually started blogging in 2009 when my husband and I got engaged. I originally used this blog to chronicle my engagement, wedding, & early married life for my friends and family. However, I recently (in April 2016) decided to change the focus to education.    

Q: What do you like to do beside blogging? Any hobbies?

A: I love to spend time with my husband watching our favorite television shows, like Castle, Brooklyn 99, and Angie Tribeca. I am kind of obsessed with working on my Teacher Pay Teacher store. It has become my “baby” and I just love creating new products. I also enjoy doing activities like Zumba and walking at the park with friends.  

Q:   Have you had writer’s block? What did you do? 

A: Since I haven’t been blogging long, I haven’t experienced this. I have SO many ideas in my head right now so that is the bigger problem for me. I’m trying to prioritize and sort all the ideas that pop into my head for blog posts! 

Q: What’s one thing you want your subscribers to know?

A:  As I move into doing more of a focus on time-saving tips & making life easier for teachers, I want them to know that I am a full-time classroom teacher that knows exactly what they are going through. I teach 10th & 12th grade Social Studies from 7:30-3:00 every day and I know how valuable time is for teachers. I have dealt with chronic illness that has inhibited my ability to do my job so I realize that sometimes life just doesn’t work the way it is supposed to work. We can all use a little help to make our life easier whether you are dealing with chronic illness, a divorce, moving houses, problems with your children, or just trying to have a life outside the classroom. Teaching is not easy and taking tips and ideas from someone doesn’t mean you are weak or a bad teacher. It actually means just the opposite! You are smart enough to realize your limits and allow someone to help you, which will ultimately improve your teaching.  

Q:  How do you balance being a teacher, wife and blogger?

A: It is definitely hard but I am very blessed to have a supportive husband and family. My husband is actually planning to go back to school in the fall to get his master’s degree so I figure we will spend a lot of time “together” while working on our laptops. 

Q: What made you decide to become a teacher?

A: I have to admit that I really don’t know how to answer this question because I have ALWAYS wanted to be a teacher. From an early age, I would teach my stuffed animals and my younger sister. I would come home from school and teach my sister what I had done that day, which is why I still take credit for her being the Valedictorian of her senior class. She was the only Kindergartner learning multiplication tables and cursive writing!

I originally wanted to teach choir but my parents tried to make me realize that schools usually only have one choir teacher so I might want to find myself something else to do on top of music. They never told me NOT to be a music teacher but they suggested I get an additional certification. Ultimately, I didn’t end up doing anything with choir. I was blessed to have several great social studies teachers in middle school and during that time, a librarian at my local library suggested that I read a historical fiction book entitled, The Last Silk Dress, by Ann Rinaldi. My dad is a HUGE history buff and I started to realize that I absolutely LOVED history. As a result, I decided to go into Social Studies. 

Q:  What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their blog?

A: Since I am new myself, I think the biggest thing is to learn everything you can. Get in a Facebook Blog Support Groups and read the advice others are giving. Ask questions. Read other people’s blogs as well. Obviously as an educator, I recognize the need for education in all aspects of life, blogging included. 

Q:   Do you have any other social media sites?

 A: Here are my sites: 

•  My TpT Store
•   Facebook page
• Facebook Group, Teacher Time – for Christian public school teachers that want to support one another.
•  Pinterest
• Twitter
• Instagram

Again, you should check out April's blog by clicking here. Thanks again April for letting me interview you!

<3 Amanda