Blogging and Beyond-with Southern Hospitality

I've got another fantastic Blogging and Beyond interview for you today! From time to time, I like to share a little behind-the-scenes glimpse into the lives of some of my favorite bloggers. It's been really fun to learn about blogging and time management from them!

Today's featured blogger is Rhoda from Southern Hospitality.

The beauty of this series is that just about all of the bloggers I have interviewed have sites I found early on. That I am still regularly reading these blogs says a lot about the quality of content these writers are capable of maintaining over the course of several years. Rhoda is no exception!

Southern Hospitality, as the title suggests, is a warm and inviting spot for readers to stop by and find decorating tips, mouth-watering recipes (girl can cook!), and thrifty finds like you wouldn't believe. Rhoda is open and honest and a true lady. If you want to know how to be a gracious blogger, follow her example. I owe many of the things I've learned about blogging etiquette from Rhoda, who was kind enough to give me some tips. Her personal strength and character are to be admired!

Here's what I learned about Rhoda in our Q and A session!

1. Why did you start a blog, and what makes you stick with it?

After being involved with several online decorating forums back around 2000, when blogs came about, I thought it would be fun, so I started on a whim in 2007. I stick with it because it has been so rewarding, all the friendships I've made and the community that has evolved over the last 5 years has been very personally rewarding for me. It also has turned into a business for me, so that aspect takes it to another level. I still love it very much, it has gone to the next level for my business and I am grateful for that.


2. What's one piece of advice you wish someone had given you before you started blogging?

That it takes a lot of time and commitment to make a blog successful. It is hard work, but the rewards are great too. I wish I had been more savvy about technical issues and behind the scenes computer stuff too. That's been a learning experience along the way.


3. The most rewarding project you've completed?

I think the most rewarding DIY project that I've completed was when I ripped the nasty carpet off my old stairs and adding molding, paint, and a jute runner. That one felt so good to get completed and I was very proud of the outcome for not a lot of money.


4. Do you enjoy reading books or magazines? If so, what do you gravitate to when you have spare time?

I love books and magazines. Always have been a decor magazine junkie for many years and love the staples like Better Homes and Gardens, Traditional Home, House Beautiful. I love fiction too and just finished The Help, which I loved very much.


5. Favorite recipe you've shared on your blog?

One of my favorites that I got from a fellow blogger is Lemon Chicken. It's so easy and all in one pan with potatoes and fresh green beans, roasted in the oven. The flavors are delish and it's a great recipe for chicken breasts, which we are always trying to fancy up and make it taste better.

6. How did you get your start as a thrifter extraordinaire?

At least 15 years ago or more, I started going to yardsales and found that they are a great way to find items for my home on the cheap or even clothes and accessories with great name brands. Once you start shopping that way, it's hard to go back to retail. So, I'm definitely a thrifter at heart. I would much rather dig through stuff at a yardsale or thriftstore than hang out at the mall. I have found so many great things at yardsales to repurpose for my home and at least 1/2 of the things in my old house were from yardsales or flea markets. I do think shopping like that adds another dimension to a home. We all love that layered and collected over time look and you can't get that with all new stuff.


7. What do you think it is about "Southern" Hospitality that really stands out?

I hope that it's because Southerners are warm and friendly people for the most part. We do tend to be gracious and friendly and love to tell folks about how great the South is. I've never lived anywhere but the South, so I'm probably biased, but it really is a nice place to live with the warm climate and relaxed way of living. I guess there really is such a thing as Southern charm! We tend to smile and make eye contact and are not stand-offish.


8. Where do you find your inspiration when you are working with a client?

I try to take into consideration their style and what they like in their home before going in a certain direction. I take cues from the rest of their house and what feel they tell me they are going for. Then I try to give them ideas on how to achieve the look and feel they want to create in their home.


9. Best yard sale find you've come across this summer?

I haven't done a lot of yardsales this summer, since I don't need anything else in storage right now. But, I have found a host of great treasures out there over the years. It is always fun to bring home a fun item and work it into my space. I still have a lot of things that I found over the years at yardsales and can't part with them, anything from vintage artwork, to white dishes, to an aqua blue birdcage that I just had to have and still have.


10. How do you balance blogging with your personal life?

That might be the hardest thing that a blogger has to do. As a blogger, we all spend a ton of time online and feel like we are missing out if we are not checking Twitter, Facebook, or emails constantly. Now that I'm blogging fulltime, I'm online even more than ever, but I do enjoy it and still love the community of blogging so much. We are excited about the Haven conference that is coming up next June in Atlanta and I will be spending even more time getting that planned and executed, but it's going to be so much fun that it will be worth the effort spent. I do take breaks during the day and go on trips, so am away from the computer sometimes for a few days, so that helps break things up. Being a blogger makes me feel connected to so many people all over the country, so I never feel alone when I'm online. And I'm single again, so I do have lots of uninterrupted time to spend on blogging. It gives me plenty to do!

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Rhoda, it was such a pleasure to interview you and learn more about you. You are a wonderful presence in the blogosphere!

If you don't already read Southern Hospitality, please stop by and check it out. Be sure to let Rhoda know I sent you!

Blogging and Beyond- with Big Mama

I've got another fantastic Blogging and Beyond interview for you today! From time to time, I like to share a little behind-the-scenes glimpse into the lives of some of my favorite bloggers. It's been really fun to learn about blogging and time management from them!

Today's featured blogger is Melanie from Big Mama.

If you aren't reading Big Mama, then you are really missing out! Melanie, ironically, is not at all Big, but was dubbed "Big Mama" by her daughter during a phase in which "Big" was the highest compliment one might be paid. Melanie's was one of the very first blogs I read when I discovered the world of blogging. It is a delightful mixture of good humor, witty insight, real life, and maybe a little fabulous fashion thrown in. Her husband, P, and their daughter, Caroline, are frequent subjects in Melanie's hilarious posts.

Melanie's humor is what initially drew me to her site, and it has definitely influenced the way I write. It was a pleasant realization for me to learn that you can write about real life in a way that people will relate to you and laugh with you (or at you?). She can take a topic like living in a Melrose Place for the elderly, grocery shopping or a child's birthday party, and weave the story in with side-splitting humor to craft a post that will keep your eyes glued to the screen. No skim-reading. I was so excited to see that Melanie will have the opportunity to share her thoughts on faith, family, and motherhood in her first book that she is busy writing.

Here's what I learned about Melanie in our Q and A session!

1. Why did you start blogging, and what makes you stick with it?

I began blogging as a way to record memories for Caroline. She was about to turn three when I started the blog and she’ll be eight next week. I love having a record of the last five years and I would have never been one to sit and make some kind of scrapbook with fancy scissors and paper.

I stick with it because I love the exercise of writing something everyday. I really think that’s the key. If it were about anything else, I never would have stuck with it over the last five years. Plus, I know that even when I’m writing something that seems totally mundane, I’ll look back someday and be so glad to have the memories written down.

2. What’s one piece of advice you wish someone would have given you before you began blogging?

Don’t put anything out there that you wouldn’t mind anyone finding. I wrote a couple of posts early on that I later went back and deleted. It’s easy to feel anonymous because the internet is so big, but you never know what someone may find. So before you bash the PTA president or your mother-in-law, you may want to rethink that decision and choose your words carefully.

3. How has writing the Big Mama blog changed your life?

It’s hard to even describe all the ways it has changed my life, but the most important thing to me are the relationships I’ve built with people I probably never would have known without the blog. I will be forever grateful for that.

4. How would you describe your personal style?

I really like simple things. I’m not one for a lot of fuss and frills. My personal style would be a cross between a Ralph Lauren ad and Gap back when they used to have cuter things.


5. Favorite place to find affordable, cute accessories?

I really like Charming Charlie. It’s a great place to find inexpensive accessories and I love that the whole store is color-coded.

6. What do you like to do with your girlfriends?

Get together and eat Mexican food. I’ve given and received a lot of free therapy over a basket of chips and a bowl of queso.

7. Any advice for moms of strong-willed girls?

I’m still figuring it out as I go, but the thing I’ve learned it to pick my battles. I’ve found, through A LOT of trial and error, that she will be more willing to go along with what’s really important if I give her freedom to do her own thing on the things that don’t matter that much. This explains why her hair is in her face so much of the time and she has worn the same pair of shorts for the last four days.

8. What do you and P do together for fun?

Our lives get so busy that our favorite thing to do is have a night out somewhere. We love to go out to eat and just spend our time catching up without any interruptions.

9. Favorite guilty pleasure?

Sitting on the couch watching bad T.V. Preferably while eating something involving chocolate and peanut butter.

10. How do you balance blogging and life?

Well, I’m writing this at 12:30 a.m. That’s how I balance. I really try to stay off the computer while my family is around and stick to working on the blog after everyone is in bed or at least settled in for the night. The thing I’ve realized is life goes by fast and I don’t want to miss it because I’m on the computer.

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Melanie, thanks so much for agreeing to let me interview you. I've never interviewed a real, live author...especially one with such fabulous taste in clothes! This was a pleasure.

If you don't already read Big Mama, please stop by and read. Be sure to let Melanie know I sent you!

I hope you'll come back tomorrow to link up YOUR best post of the week to Weekend Bloggy Reading. Recipes, crafts, home decor, book reviews, funny stories, you name it. Come prepared to showcase your blog and find some great weekend reads.

<a href=" http://www.serenitynowblog.com/ " target="_blank"><img src="http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae332/Amanda_SerenityNow/Blog%20Party%20Buttons/WeekendBloggyReading.png" border="0" alt="Weekend Bloggy Reading"></a>

Blogging and Beyond- with Centsational Girl

I've got another fantastic Blogging and Beyond interview for you today! From time to time, I like to share a little behind-the-scenes glimpse into the lives of some of my favorite bloggers. It's been really fun to learn about blogging and time management from them!

Today's featured blogger is Kate from Centsational Girl.

I stumbled across Kate's blog not too long after she started it and was instantly impressed by the way she blended beautifully photographed DIY and decor posts with travel, recipes, holiday tips, crafts, and style. She manages to tie it all together with a sophisticated eye and a great sense of humor.

One of the things I admire about Kate is that while her home looks like it took a million bucks to decorate, she doesn't shy away from thrift shops or a great DIY project. She tackles some truly amazing makeovers on her blog, and she's always willing to share them with readers, offering step by step tutorials so that we can follow along at home!

And without being too sappy, I have to tell you all that I am daily grateful that I have a chance to work with one of the most talented bloggers out there as a Contributing Writer. Kate is as generous, friendly, and fun to work for as she seems on her blog. I am hoping to have the opportunity to meet her in person next summer when I attend the Haven Conference in Atlanta.

Here's what I learned about Kate in our Q and A session!

1. Why did you start a blog, and what makes you stick with it?


I started in early 2009 as a way to document the continuing process of finishing our home remodel, and also as a creative outlet. I've always loved decorating, design, home improvement, and DIY projects. I never dreamed the site would turn into a business, but it has, and I've even closed my small law practice to keep up with it.


2. What's one piece of advice you wish someone had given you before you started blogging?

Be prepared for how all consuming it can be if you're not careful. Reading blogs can be addicting, but writing one can completely take over your life. Between actually doing the projects, photographing them, writing about them, and keeping up with social media, it's a seven day a week "job". I've been much smarter in the past year pacing myself, and even pulling back from too much time spent online. It's important to not let your blog consume your life.


3. The most difficult project you've completed?

Expanding our home five years ago was especially difficult because my husband and I acted as general contractors and managed the entire project, and we had a toddler and newborn at the time. Those were crazy times and we almost lost our sanity. The most challenging project I've blogged about is my staircase, that took many hours to strip and stain, and then install hardwood steps, prime, paint and stain those too.


4. What does your day-to-day "uniform" look like?

I dress for comfort! At home: paint splattered yoga pants and a comfy tank. Out and about: comfortable dark denim capris in summer, jeans in winter, with a v neck tee or sweater. Sketchers or flip flip flops, mostly likely paint splattered as well.


5. Favorite meal to make?

Anything grilled outside, from chicken to fish to steak. We live in our new cabana these days, it's where we relax with family and friends and cook up some great grub!


6. Do you enjoy entertaining? Any advice for young families wanting to entertain on a budget?

I enjoy casual entertaining in the summer and throwing a Christmas party every December. My advice for anyone who entertains is to keep it casual and simple. No need to bend over backwards for your friends, and it helps to ask them to bring something. Laugh and enjoy each other's company, that's what people remember most.

7. When you have a chance to meet up with girlfriends, what do you like to do?

Dine downtown with a great glass of wine and some appetizers, catching up on each other's lives. It's important to take time to hang with your gal pals, they're such a source of strength, inspiration, and humor most of all!


8. Do you have a favorite room in your house? One you'll never show to readers?

Well the one I never show readers is my garage, it's often a disaster with tools and paint projects everywhere. My favorite rooms in my house are my kitchen and my living room, they're both light and bright and make me feel relaxed when I'm in the spaces.


9. Where do you think your love of DIY projects comes from?

I used to see creativity as something of a luxury, and prioritized my law career first. When I started crafting, sewing, constructing, and decorating, it was the one thing I could do to relax and enjoy myself, and also create something with my vision and my own two hands. It became so satisfying, I kept doing it more and more, so I started blogging about it, and now I make a living at it! I consider myself one of the lucky ones.


10. Favorite guilty pleasure?

Chocolate ice cream, a second glass of red wine, and a chick flick movie I've been waiting to see. Do not disturb!


11. How do you balance blogging with your personal life?

Ack, how is that even possible to achieve perfect balance? It's impossible to have perfect balance all the time, it ebbs and flows from times of chaos and clutter to more peaceful moments when everything flows smoothly. I think what's more important is your attitude in those more difficult unbalanced moments when everything is crashing around you. I try (but don't always succeed!) to be graceful under pressure. Life's too short to stress about perfection or dust bunnies.
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Thank you so much, Kate, for taking time out of your schedule to share your thoughts with us.

If you don't already read Centsational Girl, consider making it a daily read. You won't be disappointed!

I hope you'll come back tomorrow to link up YOUR best post of the week to Weekend Bloggy Reading. Recipes, crafts, home decor, book reviews, funny stories, you name it. Come prepared to showcase your blog and find some great weekend reads.

<a href=" http://www.serenitynowblog.com/ " target="_blank"><img src="http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae332/Amanda_SerenityNow/Blog%20Party%20Buttons/WeekendBloggyReading.png" border="0" alt="Weekend Bloggy Reading"></a>

Blogging and Beyond- with Honey We're Home

I've got another fantastic Blogging and Beyond interview for you today! From time to time, I like to share a little behind-the-scenes glimpse into the lives of some of my favorite bloggers. It's been really fun to learn about blogging and time management from them!

Today's featured blogger is Megan from Honey We're Home.

I've always admired Megan's sense of style. Her blog is a delightful mix of design and organization, with some fashion and style every so often. Megan's open and honest posts about her weight loss journey were inspiring to women everywhere. It's hard to not be jealous of Megan: she's a beautiful, successful blogger with a killer house...but her kindness and accessibility to her readers are so endearing. Honey We're Home is a must-read!

Here's what I learned about Megan in our Q and A session:

1. Why did you start a blog, and what makes you stick with it?
When I started my blog, my life was undergoing some major changes. I was a newlywed,  about to have our first baby, and we were in the process of building a home. I would work all day, but couldn't get my mind off of decorating our new home and would lie awake at night full of inspiration and plans. My blog gave me a creative outlet to explore the world of home decor and also a way to connect with other women as I became a stay-at-home mom when my son was born. After a year of blogging, I've grown kinda addicted to it! It's my hobby, passion, and although it sounds corny, I have really met women I know I'll be friends with for life!

2. What's one piece of advice you wish someone had given you before you started blogging?
I didn't realize how much of a time investment it would be. And by that, I mean creating my own posts and reading other blogs! I read a lot of "home blogs" and I feel like I'm stopping by my friends' houses when I read them. I feel bad if I don't visit as frequently as I'd like to!

3. The most difficult part of building a new home?
The uncertainty and lack of experience with so many choices! In my inexperience, I certainly made mistakes, but live and learn!

4. Do you enjoy reading books or magazines? If so, what do you gravitate to?
Love books and magazines both. I read a lot of informative books, like cookbooks, or books on child rearing or photography- whatever I'm interested in at the moment. My favorite magazines are House Beautiful, InStyle, Oxygen, and Oprah.

5. Favorite meal to make?
Right now it's shrimp quesadillas. Super easy.  I buy precooked shrimp and mix with sauteed onion, tomato, Monterray jack cheese and serve with guacamole and sour cream. I just ate that for lunch!

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6. What did you look forward to the most about summer?
Pool and beach time!

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7. When you have a chance to meet up with girlfriends, what do you like to do?
My girlfriends and I are expert chatters! We love to meet up for brunch at our favorite cafe (Empire Cafe) and sip our coffee and talk for literally hours.

8. Do you have a favorite room in your house? One you'll never show to readers?
My favorite room in our house is our kitchen. I dreamed of a kitchen just like the one we have when we built our house. I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome.

9. What does your day-to-day "uniform" look like?
Great question! When I'm not working and now that it's summer, I'm always in shorts and a tank top with flip flops. Totally casual. I love to wear high wedge sandals and don't leave home without my Michael Kors watch!

10. How do you balance blogging with your personal life?
This is the question of life! I try to blog mostly at night after my son goes to bed, but that doesn't leave much time for me and my husband. Luckily, most nights, he's on the computer too so we might be both on the couch, together, but doing our own thing. I try to write most posts for the week over 2-3 days though so that I can have the rest of that time free for other things. If you aren't careful, blogging can overtake your life! There's always an email to answer, a blog you want to catch up with, a post you want to write and you have to just shut it down sometimes. If I get overwhelmed and can't post everyday, I just let it go and get back to it when I can. First and foremost, blogging should be fun:) I always remind myself that it's my hobby and try to keep it in perspective.

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Thank you so much, Megan, for being willing to share with my readers today!

If you haven't "met" Megan yet, please be sure to stop by Honey We're Home and tell her I sent you!

I hope you'll come back tomorrow to link up YOUR best post of the week to Weekend Bloggy Reading. Recipes, crafts, home decor, book reviews, funny stories, you name it. Come prepared to showcase your blog and find some great weekend reads.

<a href=" http://www.serenitynowblog.com/ " target="_blank"><img src="http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae332/Amanda_SerenityNow/Blog%20Party%20Buttons/WeekendBloggyReading.png" border="0" alt="Weekend Bloggy Reading"></a>

Blogging and Beyond-with Tatertots and Jello

I've got another fantastic Blogging and Beyond interview for you today! From time to time, I like to share a little behind-the-scenes glimpse into the lives of some of my favorite bloggers. It's been really fun to learn about blogging and time management from them!

The blogger I am featuring today is Jen from Tatertots and Jello.

I don't know too many people who haven't heard of Jen's fabulous blog, but if you are not familiar with Tatertots and Jello, you're going to want to be...trust me! In addition to posting her own inspiring projects consistently, Jen features other bloggers' work and has started up the following of many a craft/home blogger. Jen's sparkling personality, kind manner, and drop-dead-gorgeous projects have endeared her to readers everywhere. The fact that she is so darn pretty might make you want to hate her a tiny bit, but you can't because she is one of the nicest bloggers you will ever come across.  

Here's what Jen had to say in our little Q and A session:

1. Why did you start a blog, and what makes you stick with it? 
My sister had a blog and she tried to talk me into starting one for quite a while. Then one day I was having a bad day and I started it on a whim.

2. What's one piece of advice you wish someone had given you before you started blogging?
I would say try to think ahead. What are your goals? Is it a personal blog, or something more specific?

3. Your favorite type of craft to work on? 
I love trying new things. And I go through phases. When I first started blogging I was really into Mod Podge, which I still love, but I think now I love fabric projects the most.

4. Do you enjoy reading books or magazines? If so, what do you gravitate to? 
I LOVE to read. I read every day. At lunchtime I have a little "me" time and read a book while I eat lunch and then at night I read before I go to bed.

5. How did you learn to sew, and can you recommend any resources (online or print) for beginners? 
I am still learning. My mom is an excellent seamstress. But growing up I wanted nothing to do with sewing so I never learned. I got a machine almost 2 years ago and I am slowly learning. All of my projects are easy -- anyone could make them. YouTube is a great resource for almost anything, including sewing tutorials.

6. What do you look forward to the most about summer? 
I love sleeping in!! LOL. And I love the warm weather. I wish I lived somewhere that was warm all year round.

7. When you have a chance to meet up with girlfriends, what do you like to do? 
I love going to dinner or lunch with girlfriends and catching up. But I also love shopping!!

8. Best thing about being a stay at home mom? 
I love being home with my kids. Being able to see them when they get home from school. It's so nice and I am so thankful that I am able to do that.

9. Favorite activity to do with your kids? 
I love riding bikes with my kids and reading with them.

10. Favorite guilty pleasure? 
Chips and salsa. And Diet Coke. I am breaking my Diet Coke habit, but I think I will let myself have one every once in a while :)

11. How do you balance blogging with your personal life? 
That is so hard!! I am still trying to figure out how to do that. Last year was a hard one on our family. I worked way too much. I am hoping to get a better handle on it. I think having set work hours and sticking to them is probably the best thing. And when I am with my kids I need to focus on them and not be distracted or thinking about all of the email I need to return - lol.
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Thank you so much, Jen, for being willing to share with us today! Please take a moment to check out Tatertots and Jello when you have a chance. You won't be disappointed!

Blogging and Beyond-with The Shabby Creek Cottage

I've got another Blogging and Beyond interview for you today! From time to time, I like to share a little behind-the-scenes glimpse into the lives of some of my favorite bloggers. It's been really fun to learn about blogging and time management from them!

The blogger we'll be hearing from today is Gina from The Shabby Creek Cottage (the blog formerly known as The Shabby Chic Cottage).

Gina is one of the most open, honest, and humble bloggers in the blogosphere. Not only does she run a successful blog, but she owns a highly successful Etsy shop, Shabby Creek Designs. Gina's beautiful homemade creations have graced the pages of magazines! Her kindheartedness and genuine spirit keep readers coming back, not to mention the fabulous DIY projects and tutorials she writes about.

Here's what I learned about Gina in our Q and A session:

1. Why did you start a blog, and what makes you stick with it? 
I started a blog because I'm a writer (like all educated in it and stuff). I wanted to keep a virtual scrapbook of the changes to my childhood home, and since we aren't quite finished (is anyone ever really finished with a house?) then I keep on blogging.

2. What's one piece of advice you wish someone had given you before you started blogging?
Take good photos. If you look at my early posts, the photos are horrible! I almost wish I could go back in time and retake them...of course our house has changed so much that's impossible - but I did learn how to take good photos eventually and I'm so glad I did.

3. The most difficult project you've completed?
Wow! That's a hard one to nail down... Roofing our house was hard physically. Our guest house was probably the most complex. Our kitchen pushed my patience to the limit. So many down, so many to go!

4. Do you enjoy reading books or magazines? 
If so, what do you gravitate to? I LOVE to read! I love Frances Mayes books, Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series, as well as Sophie Kinsella and many, many more. I love decorating magazines (of course!) - Country Living and Better Homes and Gardens are my classic faves.

5. Favorite meal to make? 
Anything easy? :) I love food, but typically don't cook much southern food. I like almost anything spicy from Mexican food to hot wings - we just love the heat!

6. What do you look forward to the most about summer? 
I love that I get to spend my summers with my girls now. This is Lala's last one before graduating, so we've been soaking up every single minute we can. We love swimming in the creek, just hanging out on the porch swing - we're kinda boring, now that I think about it!

7. When you have a chance to meet up with girlfriends, what do you like to do?
I meet my two best friends every Friday for lunch. We have a great meal, laugh - vent - whatever the day calls for. No dancing or anything crazy - I really am boring :)

8. Do you have a favorite room in your house? One you'll never show to readers?
Hmm.. that's kinda like picking a favorite kid! Right now I'm loving my porch because we spend so much time there. Doing it all by myself from start to finish was kinda cool, too. Mr. SCC helps out in so many projects, it's nice to have a little DIMyself here and here.

The one I'll never show? The junk room! Well... unless we tackle it one day - but I dunno if I can show the before, it's really bad!

9. Where do you think your love of DIY projects comes from?
I love the sense of accomplishment - as well as the savings. We could never pay someone to do all the work we've done to our house. But we also use the projects as a teaching tool for our girls - they learn a new skill with every project, which teaches them that they really can do anything they set their minds to.

10. Favorite guilty pleasure? 
Coffee is my main vice - does that count?

11. How do you balance blogging with your personal life? 
Since our blog is about our main hobby, it's almost like we work all the time. But, we love it! We've been working on our home for years, we are just blessed enough to get to share it with others.
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Thank you so much, Gina, for being willing to chat with us!

If you haven't "met" Gina yet, I hope you'll stop by The Shabby Creek Cottage and let her know I sent you!

Blogging and Beyond...with Beckie

Welcome back to my new Blogging and Beyond series. From time to time, I'll be offering a behind-the-scenes-glimpse into the lives of some of my favorite bloggers, and hopefully we'll learn some more about blogging. Here's to summer and good blog reading!

The blogger we'll be learning more from today is Beckie from Infarrantly Creative.

Beckie is honest, creative, enthusiastic, and is always willing to share; whether it's her own personal story, her blog story, or her awesome craft tutorials. Beckie is also known for her Roadkill Rescue posts...she transforms what some would consider to be castoff furniture into things of beauty!

Here's what I learned about Beckie in our Q and A session:

1. Why did you start a blog, and what makes you stick with it? 

I started blogging almost 4 years ago. I had just moved across the country and it was my way of keeping in contact with where I had just moved from. I thought a blog would be a good idea; that way if people wanted to read they could. If not, I wasn’t inundating them with emails about my family. It started out as a personal blog and then I showed some of the projects I was working on and it evolved from there. I never thought it would become my job. I love inspiring people to create...that is what keeps me going.

2. What's one piece of advice you wish someone had given you before you started blogging? 

Only one? Wow! From the very beginning, I wish I had know to link arms with like minded bloggers and do what you can to help each other build and grow. You can't blog alone. You need others in your corner cheering you on when you hit those walls or become discouraged.

3. The most difficult project you've completed? 

My first project was refinishing all the furniture that had gotten damaged in our cross country move. I had never refinished furniture before and decided to teach myself. I had some very sentimental pieces that I did not want to give up. So I was forced to learn how to make them beautiful again. It was long and laborious but there was such a sense of pride when I was done. The fact that I could restore life to something was very empowering to me. But it probably took me over 80 hours to do!

4. You've been pretty open, sharing about your growth as a blogger. Was it helpful for you to talk about your journey? 

Absolutely. I have such a deep desire for people to see more than just a project on my site. You often forget that there is actually a person behind the project. I think the more people can see who I am and my heart in blogging the more inspired they will be as well. So I try to get personal at times and for people to see my journey and the ups and downs of blogging.

5. Favorite spontaneous thing to do with your family? 

Go to our local icecream stand and get a Snickers, Reese’s Cup, Butterfinger Razzle. We also love making homemade icecream and slushies at home. We enjoy spontaneous sweets!

6. What do you look forward to the most about summer? 

See above!


7. Any tips for readers who want to take on their own Roadkill Rescue? 

Just go for it. When I get something for free or cheap it gives me complete freedom to be creative because there isn’t any expense involved. If it doesn’t work out I can just put it back where I found it. I also love that there is a story behind each piece that I own. I love thinking about my new console table’s former life as a TV and thinking about the joy it brought a family gathered around it. The fact that I could use it in my house as something different makes it unique. You will be so proud of yourself once you get over your fear and just give it a try.

8. Do you have a dedicated space in your home for crafting? 

I do have a studio but I generally take over the house with my projects. However, before the hubby gets home everything is put away. I try hard to only craft during business hours so I don’t take away from my family.


9. Your one must-have tool for crafting or DIYing? 

Spray paint!



10. Favorite guilty pleasure? 

Pedicures!

11. How do you balance blogging with your personal life?

 I set strict guidelines for when I can be on my computer. Since it is my job, it is easy to stay within my business hours. I also am the queen of saying "no." I have learned that you need to have boundaries to be successful and remain sane. So if something doesn’t fit into my schedule or passion points I give myself the freedom to pass on opportunities, even if they are good ones.
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Thank you so much, Beckie, for taking time out to share with us.

If you haven't seen Beckie's blog yet, please stop by Infarrantly Creative and let her know I sent you!

Blogging and Beyond...with Julia

Today marks the first post of my new Blogging and Beyond series. My intent is to offer a behind-the-scenes-glimpse into the lives of some of my favorite bloggers, and to hopefully learn some more about blogging. Here's to summer and good blog reading!

The first blogger we'll be getting to know is Julia from Hooked on Houses.

Her tagline says it all. If you have a love affair with houses, this is the blog for you.

Julia showcases everything from Bad MLS Photos to Celebrity Homes to Beautiful Makeovers and all sorts of other fun features. She has a wonderful sense of humor, and I am forever grateful to her for introducing me to the genius that is Downton Abbey. She also takes time to answer reader questions, and I'm always appreciative of her input.

Here's what I learned about Julia in our Q and A session:

1. Why did you start a blog, and what makes you stick with it?

I had been working as a freelance writer since college--mostly magazine articles and textbook projects. It was a great gig (I could work from home and be with my kids), but I was getting really burned out by the end of 2007. I was working long, crazy hours to research and write about topics that weren't always that interesting to me.

So, in January of 2008, my new year's resolution was to find a way to write about something just for fun, and just for myself. I was trying to sort out what that would be in my journal and wrote, "I'm hooked on houses, so I should start a blog and call it that!" It was like a light bulb went off. I walked straight to my computer and started HoH, without having any idea what I was doing.

I had never seen a design blog. Ever. I had no idea they existed. I had been reading blogs for writers and moms, but not for house lovers. Imagine my surprise to discover that there was an entire community out there of people like me!

What makes me stick with it? Not being able to stop. I love it! In January of 2010, I stopped accepting outside writing projects and became a full-time blogger. It's my dream job.


2. What's one piece of advice you wish someone had given you before you started blogging?

Write as if the whole world is reading.

In the beginning, I had no idea anyone but friends and family would be looking at my blog. I had all kinds of personal information and photos on there because it never occurred to me how public my forum would be.

I had only been blogging for about a month when I mentioned two of my favorite authors and they both sent me very nice emails, thanking me for mentioning their books. This is how I learned about Google Alert! Turns out if you write about someone, they will probably get that alert and see it (so watch what you say--ha).

Three months into blogging, I was mentioned in the London Guardian newspaper as a "Blog to Watch." Suddenly I had hundreds of new readers from the UK. It blew my mind. You really never know who is the world might be reading!


3. Is there a Feature/Series from your blog that you could call a favorite? 

I personally get a kick out of the Funny Real Estate Photos because the reader comments on those are always hilarious. Readers send me so many contenders for that feature each week that I can't use all of them on my blog, so I post the extras on my Facebook Page.

I love writing about the TV and Movie Houses because I'm kind of a research junkie who likes to track the information down. But by far the most popular posts are about Celebrity Houses. People can't seem to get enough of seeing where the stars live!

4. Do you enjoy reading books or magazines? If so, what do you gravitate to?

I love to read. I go to every author reading I can and have collected their autographs over the years. I have my favorite autographs--like those I got from Sophie Kinsella, Madeleine L'Engle, and Elinor Lipman--hanging on the wall of my office.

Now that I'm reading house/design blogs every day, I don't pick up as many shelter mags as I used to. My must-have magazine is actually Entertainment Weekly. I'm a total entertainment junkie, which you can probably tell if you read my blog. I love that EW is informative, fun, and has a sense of humor--three things I want Hooked on Houses to be!


5. Favorite meal to make?

Have you seen the Patricia Heaton sitcom "The Middle"? Whenever her husband Mike brings home bags of fast food, she says, "Thanks for making dinner!" I think they must be spying on my house. Ha. But seriously, I'm not much of a cook, but my husband is. He loves to bake, too. That's what sold me on him in the first place. ;-)


6. What do you look forward to the most about summer?

Using our new sunroom, which we built over the winter. We love it out there! Pics are here.



7. How has adopting a dog changed your family?

We are all so in love with Maizie, our little black and white Shih Tzu, it's crazy. When we adopted her in January, she was in bad shape (starving, with a broken jaw), so it's rewarding just to see her becoming so healthy, happy, and strong.

It's also nice having a little companion by my side while I'm working at home all day. And it's good to have a reason to get out of my office and take a walk every few hours! (You can read her story here.)

8. Do you have a favorite house style?
Beachy. I feature a lot of beach houses on my blog because that's what I'm always drawn to. I would love to have one of my own someday!


9. If you had to choose one celebrity home to live in, which one would you choose?

I love Reese Witherspoon's retreat in Ojai, where she married Jim Toth earlier this year. I especially liked how colorful it was when designer Kathryn Ireland lived there.

10. Favorite guilty pleasure?

Chocolate. Hands-down. I never, ever skip dessert.


11. How do you balance blogging with your personal life?


I'll let you know when I figure it out! Wish I could say something that would make me sound like I've got it all together, but the truth is I spend way too much time on the computer. I'm always amazed when I hear other bloggers say they only work on their blog 2-3 days a week, peek in on Twitter and FB once a day, and never check their stats. I am not that blogger. :)

What I do aim for is to make the most of those times when I don't have any distractions (read: kids). When they're here and want something from me, I try to get up from the computer and give them my full attention as quickly as possible so they don't feel like blog orphans. Yesterday my daughter Lily asked me to play about a dozen different board games with her, and I spent the afternoon doing just that instead of finishing the post I planned to work on. It meant a late night of catch-up for me after the kids were in bed, but it was worth it to have that time with her. I definitely have to be more flexible in the summer when school's out!
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Thank you so much, Julia, for being willing to take the time to share with us!

I hope you'll stop by Hooked on Houses to get your house fix. Please be sure to tell Julia I sent you.

Please come back tomorrow to link up YOUR best post of the week to Weekend Bloggy Reading. Recipes, crafts, home decor, book reviews, funny stories, you name it. Come prepared to showcase your blog and find some great weekend reads.

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