Do you think she's a terrible mom or is she innocent?

When I do my posts on my blog, I like to keep them funny and entertaining. There's enough sadness in the world already, so I like to give readers something to make them smile first thing in the morning. Today, I need to tell you about something not funny and something that will make you think the next time you make an important decision to do with your kids.

This morning while checking my email, I came across an email from Brain, Child Magazine. They were offering me a special on advertising for their magazine, so I decided to check it out to see what this magazine was all about. While clicking through the web pages, I came across their content page which lets you read some of the articles in their magazine. They seemed pretty interesting and while I made mental notes to come back and read some, this one particular title caught my eye; Guilty as Charged, her biggest crime was trusting her own parenting, by Bridget Kevane.

Curiosity got the best of me and I ignored the fact that I really didn't have the time to read anything right now and that I needed to get my post up. I couldn't help it. I kept reading and all the while going, oh my gosh. This article turned out to be about a well educated mom of three, who made a decision as a mom and this decision turned out to be debatable whether it was a right decision or not. You see, she decided to drop her twelve year old daughter and her same aged friend off at the mall with a three year old, seven year old and eight year old. She was tired and wanted to get some rest and figured that with their babysitting training, a cell phone with them and the fact that they weren't going to be there very long, that they would be ok. Unfortunately, the Bozeman Gallatin Valley Mall didn't agree with her.

Now, you need to go read this article (cause you know you want to see what happened) and please, please, please come back here and tell me if you would drop your kids off at a mall unsupervised and think nothing of it. Or, give me your opinion on what verdict you would give her if you were on the jury. Or, faced with the same dilemma, what would you do? Or, darn it, just comment something about it, I'm dying to find out what you think! (Anonymous comments are fine!) :)

Words With A Blogger Wednesday

Words With A Blogger Wednesday

I guess that I am still busy with things around here. Did you know that it's takes alot of time to design a print magazine? Ok, Ms. Vain here thought that she could whip one up just like that, but you know what? YOU CAN'T. So, I've been trying to keep up with other stuff too and when I was throwing things behind the couch while cleaning, I stubbed my toe on a box. After swearing just a tiny bit, I let go of my throbbing big toe and picked up the box to see what it was. When I realized what it was, I was all like, CRAP! There in my hand was the book that I was supposed to mail Andrea from Creative Junkie. I'm so sorry, blogging buddy! I really am bad about getting things out in the mail-really bad. In fact, I think I lost a good friend over a delayed package awhile back. I think I might have some underlying post office phobia that I'm so not consciously aware of that I must sleepwalk and hide packages in the middle of the night. So, I am going today-really-and mailing it. I hope you can forgive me!

Now, on to this week's blogger...

This week I really wanted to do my own "words" of a blog that I love. She's much too "famous" to talk to me-it hurts me to know that I'm not in the A-list of bloggers to bump email elbows with like PW, Dooce and apparently this lovely blog, Bakerella .

So alas, I must write from a far...

I hope she doesn't mind that I talk all great about her and show some of her fabulous photos. Do people get mad when you write nice things about them? I wouldn't. Please write nice things about me some day, ok?

I'm sure alot of you have heard about this delicious blog-and Bakerella. She's been on Martha Stewart and got to go to PW's ranch and bake. Yep. She's famous. Amongst other yummy dishes, she makes these wonderful cupcake pops and mini cakes that I think is her signature item.

Aren't these so cute?

My favorite thing in the whole wide world-Hello Kitty.

These were made for "fighting cancer" project.

Here is another scrumptious looking treat-can you tell I have a big sweet tooth?

If you love her blog so much that you want to tell the whole world about it, she sells shirts and other apparel with her blog's name on it and they are quite cute. I wish people would wear a shirt with my blog's name on it too-would you?

If you want to know more about her and wonder if she would ever write you back, I'll save you the heartbreak and give you a bit of info that I've paid important people to find out. Ok, this is actually on her blog:

About Me
I enjoy baking and creating sweets for others to enjoy. In 2007 I took a cake decorating class that really sparked my interest. Since then I've been trying to improve my decorating skills. I hope to learn as much as I can about baking and decorating and then share it with you along the way.

Now that I've got you slobbering, go visit her blog and try to make some of her creations and then mail them to me so I can taste them. Please don't wait a year though like I would-they might not taste as good.

Kids say the darnest things

I ran into an old friend at the mall the other day while shopping with my four year old, Emily. My friend was asking her different questions and was amazed how grown up she was.

She was asking her the usual, What's your name? How old are you? How high can you count? Etc, etc.

Then, she asked what her whole name was. Emily answered, "Emily Moody."

My friend laughed and ask what her middle name was. Emily stopped a minute and put her finger to her chin and tapped it a couple times and then blurted out, "Little Shit!"

I laughed and bent down so I was at eye level with her and corrected her with, "No, Emily. Your middle name, not your NICKNAME."

Stopping and smelling the roses

After lightening my work load a bit, I decided that I would take a day off and do absolutely nothing but relax. I napped, I spent time with the kids, read my favorite blogs, ACTUALLY WATCHED TV, and did a little writing-because I enjoy that. I did do one act of working, I cleaned my daughter's room. This I had to do, because it was really starting to look like a junk yard and every time I walked by it, I cringed and if I needed to go in it, I feared of breaking a limb. I guess you can say I enjoyed it because I make her help me and we spend time together and afterwards, she's so excited because SHE CAN ACTUALLY WALK IN IT AND PLAY. This benefits me too because then she's gone for hours playing with toys that she had forgotten about under the mounds of clothes and other toys thus, allowing me to have time to myself. Time To Myself- I like the sound of that.

Today, I'm going to get back to a more regular routine with getting that #$%& book completed. The hubby promised pizza and a dvd tonight-it's even a chick flick-so I'm excited about that. I know. I know- how pitiful. I remember the days of anticipation of going on a hot date to a fancy restaurant and tickets to some fancy play. Now, I get all tingly over a slice of take out pizza. Oh, how things have changed.

Introducing, Wedding Bliss Magazine

Today will not be Words With A Blogger Wednesday.

Instead, today will be Words With A Very Tired Lady Wednesday.

After many long weeks, I've finally finished the online version of my new baby, Wedding Bliss Magazine.

My end goal will be to fill it with the local flavor of the Quad Cities to attract local advertisers and to showcase my photography business. The print version will entail most of that and the online version will still include helpful ideas for everyone too.

I've decided to do the print version bi-monthly for now and see how that goes. I just received samples from a printing company to decide on the size, texture and page count. I'll be excited to see it when it's done!

So, if you get a chance, please go visit just to say "hi" while I go back to bed and sleep until next Thursday.

Next, I'll start wearing granny underpants

With all the 'burning the candle on both ends' going on, I've been kind of slacking when it comes to my appearance. I used to not leave the house unless my makeup was perfect and would never wear sweats to the store. Lately though, it's been just too easy to go out in what I was wearing around the house. Makeup? Well, maybe I won't run into anyone I know. How does my hair look? Well, I'll just throw it up in a ponytail. It finally hit me like a brick when I started to notice that OTHER people were noticing...

You know when you've been slacking in your appearance when...

You run into a relative you haven't seen since before your youngest was born and they comment on how cute she is and how she looks just like her DAD.

You've waited so long to color your hair that if you stand in just the right light, they look like shiny highlights.

The checkout guy that used to give you all the coupons so you don't have to cut them out, starts conveniently "loosing" them.

The cashiers start asking if your four year old is your oldest daughter's daughter.

The undercover employees looking for shoplifters start following you around.

Your husband who usually NEVER cares what you wear when you go out, starts asking.

Needless to say, I should be getting back to normal here soon since I should be done with my online version of my wedding magazine tomorrow and then will be down to doing the page layouts for print. Wish me luck!

Saturday Shopping- Eco Store

I don't know if you are one that has jumped on the "Green" or Eco-Friendly bandwagon yet, but I'm trying. I've been stocking up on those reusable shopping bags and I recycle. I didn't think about my household products not being environmentally friendly until I started noticing other blogs writing about the Eco Store Every time I saw a review, I became more curious. So, I decided to contact this company and find out about their products.

I read about how Eco Store makes plant and mineral based, Household Cleaning, Baby and Personal Care Products that contain No Nasty Chemicals. Eco Store offers Baby Care products, Bath & Body products, Hair, Household, & even Pet Care products. They sounded like a great company and I wanted to try some products! So, I asked if I could review some products too and let my readers know about them. They said, "Sure!" Well, actually sent an email and I received the Manuka Honey and Kelp soap and the Hypoallergenic Shampoo for pets.

When I opened the soap, I was all like "OOHH" over the smell. It works great too and I even love the look of the soap-very hip and modern looking. The pet shampoo was even better. If you are an avid reader, then you know I've had problems keeping the dogs from smelling. This shampoo didn't have a strong scent but it did make them very fluffy and it was gentle on Bella's skin which is a little sore from her little flea problem.

So, get on board with going green and try these awesome products!

Saturday Shopping-No Throw

Ever since my grandbaby was able to hold a bottle or toy, he discovered early on the game of throw-the-object-overboard-and-wait-for-some-dummy-to-give-it-right-back-to-you. If you have a baby, then you know just what I'm talking about.

I recently came across a solution to this "problem" and even though it's not as fun for baby, it's great for big people's backs.

It's the No Throw. The No Throw was invented by twin sisters when they were faced with the same challenge, toddlers who love to throw their sippy cups. It is a Velcro tether strap that attaches the bottle/sippy cup to the stroller, highchair, carseat, wherever your child is seating. The No Throw is perfect for any bottle size; the Velcro ensures a tight fit every time.

They have totally cute designs and are perfect for boys or girls. We were sent the green with zoo animals-Zach loves the zoo, so this was perfect!

Now, the fun part-they want to giveaway one to one of my readers!

Here are the rules:

Go visit them and come back and tell me which one you absolutely love and need to have.

Make sure you have a way for me to contact you and keep checking back to see if you won.

If you want extra entries, you can always follow me, subscribe, and/or twitter about it. (separate comments for each)

Contest ends a week from today: July 25th.

Bye, bye, Bella

Dear Bella,

Yesterday I got the news that Jess, your mama, found a place that takes big dogs like you. When I asked how sure she was about moving there, she said about 99%. I jumped for joy and did cartwheels in the living room, not caring if I knocked over our big screen tv or the fine crystal we got from Aunt Sally.

It's not that I don't love you or your shedding fur that finds it's way into our food, bathtub, garage, furniture and earlobes. Or, that no matter how many baths I give you, you still make our house smell like a pound. Or, that you've brought four thousand fleas into our house, making my ankles into scratching posts. Or, that our dog food bill tripled since you've moved in and our poor Chihuahua has lost three pounds and is so skinny, we step on her because we don't see her.

No, I do love you even though you have brought utter chaos to our house. You are a good dog and you guard our house from strangers with your terrifying roar. You "sit", "lay down", and "shake" for our pathetic enjoyment and you come in handy on walks when we want to get back the neighbor that lets their dog poop in our yard.

I will probably miss you and don't worry, I will come visit you. I will listen to all the "Bella Stories" about how you got into the garbage, or how you ate that $10 steak that some poor fool left on the counter. Then, I will come back to my fur, flea, poop and dog smell free home and do another cartwheel.

Love, Your Temporary Mama

Words With A Blogger Wednesday

Words With A Blogger Wednesday

Yeah! I have yet another blogger willing to walk on the wild side and be featured on my blog!

This week's blogger is:

Amy from

Random Thoughts

When Did you start blogging? July 2006…my three year bloggy anniversary is next week.


Do you make money from your blog? Nope. I wouldn't be against it, it’s just not in the cards right now.

How frequently do you post? I try to post a few times a week. Daily doesn't work for my schedule, but occasionally I’ll post two times in a day.

Do you have a favorite blogger(s) that you just can't live without reading? I love mamarazzi. ( http://www.mamarazzi.org/ ) They are so funny in a snarky sort of way. I have friends blogs that I check (they are on my dashboard and on my sidebar on my blog)

Have your readers influenced you in any way? Not really. I do love comments though. It helps to keep me going to know that people actually care what I have to say.

Has blogging changed your life in any way? Not really. I enjoy sharing what’s going on, without sharing too much. My immediate family all have “nicknames” so that things stay a little more private, while still allowing me to share my stories.

What do you do when you get writer's block? Cry. LOL. No really, if I can’t think of anything to blog about I have a list of “suggested topics” or I’ll go read others blogs. If I really can’t come up with anything, I don’t blog until I do.

Any other advice you might have for newbie bloggers? Write your blog your way. If you can only blog once a week, then that’s okay. If you blog every day, that’s okay too. My blog doesn't necessarily have a “theme”, hence the name Random Thoughts, but I know some other bloggers like to keep things related. If you ever get to the point where you feel like you are forcing it, step back, take a break and then come back to it later.

Even more conversations with a four year old

Emily: "Mom, why am I the only cute one around here?"

Me: "Hey, now."

--------------------

Dad: "Emily, get back in bed NOW!"

Emily: "Dad, you're a "bleep, bleep" and a "bleep, bleep" !

Me: "Who's been letting her watch shows with cussing again?"

------------------------

Emily: "When I grow up, I'm marrying "Freddie" from iCarly."

Me: "That's fine, but he'll probably be a washed up, alcoholic, has-been childhood actor with no money. I hope we have room in the basement for you two to live with us."

Emily: "Umm, ok. Can I have a cookie now?"

-----------------------

Emily: "Why did Daddy buy you something yesterday and not me?"

Me: "Because he bought you something the day before and sometimes Mommy needs presents too."

Emily: "No you don't, you're a MOM."

Me: "Hey, now."

Feeling like Stretch Armstrong

If there was one thing that I would love to control in my life, that would be time. There is never enough of it for me and especially when I have deadlines. Those deadlines creep up on you and before you know it, there they are, crawling up your back and biting you on the shoulder. That's whats been happening to me but I probably deserve it since I always bite off more than I can chew.

Here is my list:

-I want to have my wedding magazine published and ready online by the last week of July.

(this is just a sample cover-yes, that's me and my husband on the bottom of the page)

-Interview local wedding vendors so I have content for my magazine.

-My book is still in its editing stage and due in September to go to print in October.

-I have a wedding in August to shoot and I still need to order another lens, go out and check out the church and get to practising with that new lens that I haven't ordered yet.

-Visit my bloggy friends and catch up with commenting so they don't abandon me.

-Post more often on my own damn blog.

Could I have anymore on my plate? Oh yeah. I also have to fit in a very important task of BEING A MOM into all of that too.

Maid-rites and sparklers

I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July. Our celebration was quiet except for the boom and bang of fireworks in the sky. We did the usual and went to my mom's to cookout, light sparklers, and watch all the neighbors' fireworks all around us. I wondered with the economy problems, if there would be very many people buying them this year, but it seemed to not effect anyone and it even seemed like there were more than usual.

We were busy running back and forth whenever we heard a bang to catch a cool display and we all agreed that next year we were going to bring a chainsaw and cut down all the trees that blocked our view. It was an usually chilly night too, which was so strange since usually we're dying of a heat stroke. We all had sweaters on and blankets over the little one and all the while I'm thinking, is this July?

I'm always excited every year for my children to see all the brilliant and colorful fireworks just as when we were little and we loved to just sit there for hours going, "oooh!" and "aaah!" This year, it was a fight to stay outside. All the adults were like, let's go see some more! All the kids, down to even little Zach, were like, let's go inside.

It came down to this:

Emily: "Ok, Mom. We'll watch one more then it's time to go."

Me, after a big red, white and blue firework went off: "Wow! Wasn't that cool?"

Emily: "Yeah, that was great. Now, let's go."

Next thing you know, she'll be telling me that Santa Claus isn't real!

Heart Breaker

I finally got mama to bring grand baby to the park to get some photos taken before there's snow on the ground which, by the looks of how summer's going, may be any day now.
So, we took some all around the park.

Some on the bench...

Some by a brick wall...

Some by the pretty flowers...


And some greenery backgrounds...

As I always say, "Ladies, hide your daughters-this one's a heart breaker."

ds

Words with a Blogger Wednesday

Words with a Blogger Wednesday

I have someone who wants to play! Modern Mom from

How to survive Life in the Suburbs

She has an awesomely cool blog and I love the title and header. Sounds like a tv comedy-was there a show called that? Anyway, here she is and she's ready to reveal her blogging secrets to you.

Tell us about yourself:
I am a Mom to two gorgeous girls, and a wife to the true love of my life. I gave up a career I absolutely adored working with children with special needs and their families, to stay home with my family and embark on this crazy adventure of parenting in the Suburbs of Ontario Canada. This is the toughest and most rewarding job I have ever had and I would not change a thing.

When Did you start blogging?

My Hubby was out of town for business for two weeks in January. I needed an adult to talk to and ended up starting a blog instead!

Do you make money from your blog?
No.

How frequently do you post?
I usually post 3 - 5 times per week. Whenever the mood strikes. I'll admit I'm finding it a bit harder to find the time now that the kids are home for summer vacation and there are so many wonderful things to keep us busy.

Do you have a favorite blogger(s) that you just can't live without reading?
I don't think I could pick just one or two. I have quite a few blogs that I check in on every single day. Some I admire for their quick wit. Others for their brutal honesty and raw emotion, and still some blogs just for a peek into their everyday in a different place. I'm finding no matter where you live we all have an awful lot in common.

Have your readers influenced you in any way?
I try not to let readers influence me. To be honest, when I started blogging I didn't think I would have any readers at all! Now I love every single one of them..no really I do:)
I have kept my name and hometown a secret. No one in my life knows I blog (except my Hubby) and I hope to keep it that way. This way I can be totally honest about my experiences and share my thoughts without fear of reprimands!

Has blogging changed your life in any way?
It has become my new obsession. I will check on my blog before my e-mail. Even catch myself reading blogs instead of the local paper. Loving it!

What do you do when you get writer's block?
Take a day off. Try not to think about it. I started this blog for me. A place to write down my thoughts and because my Hubby was always telling me I needed to do more writing. He thinks I'm funny and I love him for that.

Any other advice you might have for newbie bloggers?
I feel like I'm a newbie so would gladly take advice from anyone else! Ha. If I had to give any...I guess I would say write about what you love and write from the heart. Those are the blogs I love to read..those are the thoughts I love to share.

Thanks so much!

I need awesome and cool bloggers!

Comment to me and let me pick your nose-err, I mean your brain!

Some more crap about me

I've been tagged by Random Thoughts!

A little about me.

The Rules:
1. Respond and rework; answer the questions on your blog, replace one question that you dislike with a question of your invention, add one more question of your own.
2. Tag other people.

The Questions:
What is your current obsession? I'm starting a wedding magazine that will be both online and print.
What are you wearing today? black sweats and a brown tshirt-does that match?
What’s for dinner? Probably tacos
What would you eat for your last meal? Lobster, salad, a Pepsi, and chocolate cake for dessert.
What are you listening to right now? Dora on the tv.
If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go? Europe to visit Germany and France again.
What language do you want to learn? French
What do you love most about where you currently live? close to family
What style is your current home decorated in? contemporary? I don't really have one style.
If you were a time traveler what era would you live in? 80's for sure!
What is your favorite color? toss up between red and black
What is your favorite piece of clothing in your own wardrobe? sweats
What were you doing ten years ago? Manager of a restaurant.
If you had $300 now, what would you spend it on? a new lens!
What are you going to do after this? going for a morning walk with the kids to the park.
What are your favorite films? funny ones and chick flicks
Your favorite books? suspense novels
Do you collect anything? bills-haha. When I was a little girl, I would collect horse statues.
What makes you follow a blog? Lots of great photos.
What artist has the most songs on your ipod? I don't own an ipod and Im not really into music but my phone mostly has Hannah Montana songs on it for Emily.

Ann's Question:
What makes you comment on a blog? If it's something funny or amazing.
Amy's Question:
What is your favorite thing to do when you have some free time? Write!
Anissa's Question:
As you know I homeschool -- If you could would you? Yes, I would and I probably could right now but I'm afraid of not being able to teach them all they should learn.

Tonya's question:
What is a talent you wished you had? to be able to sing.

Amy's question:
What is your favorite Michael Jackson song? I've been singing all of them all day long since it's like the media is playing something all the time these days, but I have to say Thriller is my fav.

Lynn's question:
There's been quite a few Celebrity deaths lately and it got me thinking. Though they are shocking and sad none of them have really affected me much. What is the one celebrity death that will really devastate you, if any? I would have to go with Farrah-that already affected me.

Aim's question:
You've just been given six months to live...what do you do with it? Spend alot of time with my kids, go to Disney World, just do what makes me happy, teach my kids all that I can and tell them that I will come back and haunt them if they aren't good.

Tess's question:
Which famous blogger, Dooce or Pioneer Woman, would you be if you could? I would be PW-definitely.

Ok, my tags are:
Buckeroomama
and
A Nut in a Nutshell

Happy 4th and Saturday Shopping

Have to start out by saying, Happy 4th, everybody!

Now, on to Saturday Shopping!

This week's product is another parenting book, Sixty Second Parent, The Triumphant Child.

I think I've found THE manual for first time parents. This book comes from the website, Sixty Second Parent. This book is a guide to raising 2-4 year olds and they cover every topic that deals with these ages. If you have a child(ren) between these ages or one on the way, you need to get this book and have it handy because you will want to refer to it on a daily basis. The first section of The Triumphant Child has different sections for each age group and breaks that down to the different parenting tips, social development and uses real parent-child stories. The other parts of the book break down to Parenting, Routines, Challenges, Changes-divorce, moving, etc., Fears and even Media suggestions.

A very important book to have for any parent and you definitely need to visit their website, which has a mountain of information, recommended toys and books to raise a "Triumphant" child!

Can I lick your face?

The grand baby had his first chocolate wafer...

Even though he has no teeth yet, he manages to find a way to eat anything chocolate.

He definitely shares his nana's love of chocolate-I just knew he was one smart cookie.

Have you been waiting?

I wanted to announce the winner of my Flat Belly Diet Book today since yesterday was the last day for the contest when I realized that I never listed when the contest would end-silly me!
So, the contest ended yesterday-yeahhh! Yes, I'm a dork.

And the winner is..................................
Andrea from
The Creative Junkie
Soooooo, come get your prize, fellow blogger dude!

Words with a Blogger Wednesday

Words with a Blogger Wednesday

You may of noticed that last week I did not post a blogger interview. I didn't abandon this post. It's not that I couldn't find any awesome unique blogs, it's just that I didn't have anyone wanting me to give them some awesome publicity-free publicity. Can you believe it? I think that since there are so many spammers out there that people just don't believe that there are still nice people out there in Internet Land that just want to be your friend and help you out-just because.

So, I've decided that instead of just leaving it blank, I will STILL promote that wonderful blog I found, even if they don't answer me back. I'm just helpful like that.

Now this week, I did not have that problem. I found a totally rockin' blogger and she happily agreed to do an interview. Her name is Sara and she is an artist and runs a rockin' business too designing wedding cards, bottles, postcards, etc. with the couple on them.

Look at these illustrations she does!

When I saw her work, it made me want to get married again to my husband just so we could pass out these cards-they are SOOOO cute!

Ok. Ok. I'm shutting up. Take it away, Sara from

StinkerPants Designs Blog

Tell us about your blog and business:

Hi! My name is Sara, and I'm an illustrator. I am also a TV addict, a wannabe organic farmer, a total computer nerd, a chicken wrangler, a cat petter, a burgeoning cook and a dog chaser-after.

My business has three parts: my custom illustration (for weddings, bar mitzvahs and babies), a greeting card line, and artwork for kids (most recently, I finished an alphabet poster). I feel super blessed to be able to be creative on a daily basis--plus, I get to interact with really fun people from all over the country, too, which is awesome.

My blog is a personal blog with a little bit of business thrown in. I started out by blogging about my wedding, and my posts are now focused on my personal adventures (such as raising chickens), how to run a business, and (every once in awhile) the projects I've completed for my business.

When did you start blogging and your business?

I've had a personal journal for a long time, but I started publicly blogging when I was planning my wedding in 2007. It started as a way to keep track of my ideas, and morphed into something a little more structured. I ended up blogging as Mrs. Cream Puff on Weddingbee.com from 2007-2008, and after that I continued to blog on my own website.

My business also started in 2007, while I was planning our wedding (I had no idea wedding planning would open so many doors for me!). I drew my husband and I in front of the movie theater where he proposed, then posted it on the knot.com's message boards. My fellow brides-to-be really loved it and asked me to draw them!

How frequently do you post?

I aim for every week day, but I have been slacking off a bit. Sometimes blogging ends up taking a backseat to running the business (even though they're one and the same!).

Your blog goes along with your business-do you recommend other business owners to start a blog to help grow their business and why?

Absolutely. My blog is the main entry to my website, according to Google Analytics. I try not to focus too much on my specific business when I post, because I don't think people find it especially fascinating (haha), but I throw in a "finished product" post every now and again. I think it's important to make sure your blog is interesting. If your readers find you interesting, hopefully they'll explore the rest of your website to find out what you do. I also like to ask my readers what they want me to write about, especially if they have questions about how to run a business. These are thing that I would have found helpful when I was just starting out, so I like to help other people.

Have you ever been contacted by the press because they found your blog? What do you do to promote your blog?

Yes! I have been featured on numerous websites that found me through my blog. I am very lucky in that I haven't had to do too much promotion of my blog specifically--a lot of my readers found me through Weddingbee. I have done promotion of my business, and my blog is connected to my business site. I'm not sure how many extra readers I've gotten that way.

Have your readers influenced you in any way with your products/blogging?

Absolutely! One of my favorite things about blogging is that it's interactive--I often ask questions of my readers, and I love to hear their responses. I have also asked them what they'd like to see, products-wise, and I hope to be able to deliver for them. :)

Has blogging changed your life in any way?

Absolutely! Now, if I have any questions I ask my blog readers. They've introduced me to all kinds of fun things (including new kitchen appliances!), and I've made friends online. It is really fun to be able to interact with people from all over the country. When I blogged for Weddingbee, I became mildly e-famous, which was also kind of fun. People recognized me when I was out with my friends or at my old job. It was pretty surreal!

What do you do when you get writer's block?

Unfortunately, I end up slacking off. I wish I had a better answer than that! ;)

Thanks, Sara!!

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