I can't believe it's September already, this year is flying by. But September it is, so time to reveal the theme for this month, which will be Love, Sex and Relationships.
Coming up this month will be my take on various love, sex and relationship themed topics, plus all your monthly favourites. Check in on the 6th for your chance to have your say!
As always, I am looking for guest posts for this month. Got something to get off your chest? An opinion to share? Your true love story? Anything love, sex or relationship themed will be welcome. Check here for more details and how to submit a post.
I'm really excited about this theme. When first considered it, I was in two minds whether or not I would be able to find enough to talk about to fill a month, or whether to go for a two week theme. When I really thought it through, I realised, like most things, I actually have a lot to say :)
If you have anything in particular you would like me to write about this month, don't be shy, let me know either in the comments, or via email.
Monday, 31 August 2015
Thought Of The Day - Week 16
Welcome to this week's thought of the day round up!
Monday
Sometimes, only ice cream will do
Tuesday
Love will always beat hate!
Wednesday
Is the glass half empty or half full? Ever consider it's neither, it's the perfect amount, just in the wrong size glass?
Thursday
If there's something in your life you don't like, don't moan, change it!
Friday
Challenge yourself everyday - if it's too easy, it's probably not worth having!
Saturday
When things fail to go to plan, change the plan!
Sunday
Make time for people who matter to you, otherwise one day, when you need them most, they won't be there!
Which one is you favourite? Let me know in the comments :)
Sunday, 30 August 2015
Guest Post: Blogging By The Calendar by Anne Goodwin
Today is a guest post from Anne from Annethologist (link at the end). If you haven't had a chance to visit Anne's blog yet, here is a little more about her!
Anne Goodwin writes fiction, short and long, and blogs about reading and writing, with a peppering of psychology. Her debut novel, Sugar and Snails, was published last month by Inspired Quill.Anne's post has some great ideas about how to use holidays to promote posts. Read on, and all shall be revealed!
Blogging by the calendar: making use of national and international commemorative days by Anne Goodwin
If you’re a blogger, and active on Twitter, you’re probably
aware of the value of using hashtags to promote your posts. But have you
thought about scheduling your posts to coincide with the plethora of commemorative
days on the national and international calendar? If you do a special post for Christmas,
Valentine’s
Day or the annual carnival in your hometown, you’re halfway there. But
there are lots of lesser known “international something days” you could blog
to, each with their Twitter hashtag to introduce you to other fascinating posts
on the theme as well as providing a vehicle to promote your own. With a blog
about reading and writing, peppered with psychology, let me show you some that
I’ve drawn on, and if these don’t grab you there are plenty more out there that
might.
International Women’s Day on 8th March is
probably the easiest for me to blog around: this year I wrote about
my five favourite heroines from my recent reading and even included a poll
where my followers could vote for their own favourite. I’ve also done World
Book Day on 6th March – although, given the nature of my blog,
perhaps not as often as I ought. A more obscure one, although definitely worth
publicising, is Moebius Awareness Day on 24th January to highlight
the neurological condition in which children are unable to smile; I’d been so
moved by their plight I’d written a short story on the subject, so my Smile Please!
was an obvious next step.
You can still join in the commemorations even for posts
published on a different day. I try to remember to promote my
review of Peter Matthiessen’s novel, In
Paradise, on International
Holocaust Remembrance Day on 27th January, and of Eve
Makis’ The Spicebox Letters on 24th
April, Armenian
Genocide Remembrance Day. If these don’t fit with your blog, there are over
forty other United
Nations International Days marking important aspects of humanity to draw
on. A potentially jollier one is World
Tourism Day on 27th September although, being me, I’ve managed
to put a serious slant on my post on this theme.
September’s a busy month for writerly special days: with National Punctuation Day in
the US on 24th, and International
Translation Day on 30th (the feast day of St Jerome, translator
of the Bible). But my focus this year will be on World
Suicide Prevention Day on 10th September, as my recently
published debut novel features a suicidal child.
If all this seems a bit heavy, let me introduce you to my
favourite: World Toilet Day
on 19th November. Don’t be shy, access to safe and hygienic toilets
is one of the most important health and human rights issues of our time. It’s
also where you’ll find the most entertaining, moving and uplifting blog posts
ever, as supporters and activists mine their creativity to draw attention to
the theme. I showcased
my favourites in my post last year, prompting another
blogger to challenge her followers to compose tales of toilets
in exactly 99 words.
If you care about connecting, then don’t overlook these
commemorative days. Use the hashtags and you’ll discover more about the
subject. If you’re lucky, you’ll commandeer other bloggers to share your
enthusiasm for the cause. And for most of these special days you can download a
badge to brighten up your post. What’s not to like?
Great advice or what! Time to show Anne some love. Visit her blog, follow her on Twitter, and of course, leave her some comments below! And don't forget to check out her book!
Anything Goes Linky Week 12
I will be adding pinnable images to my #AnythingGoes Pinterest board, check it out here www.pinterest.com/randommusings29
If you are new to linkys, Becky at Cuddle Fairy has written a fantastic guide on how to link your posts, which you can read here: http://www.cuddlefairy.com/the-linky-guide-1/
There seems to be some confusion about the "name" part of the linking up process. This is the name of the post (or the name you want displaying) rather than your name.
How it works
1. Link up to 3 posts, old or new, per week
2. Please add my badge to any linked up posts - copy and paste the code below into the HTML section of your post.
3 Please read and comment on at least 2 other posts, but feel free to do as many as you want to! The more you share the love, the more love you will get back!
4. To keep up to date with what's happening when, feel free to follow me on Twitter @randommusings29
Saturday, 29 August 2015
Guest Post: Blogger Life by Hannah Drilon
Today's post is a guest post by Hannah from Hannah Drilon blog (link at the end). The post is all about Hannah's life as a blogger. I hope you enjoy it!
Blogger Life by Hannah Drilon
Hey, it's Hannah
Drilon! And I just want to share with you some of the most epic moments I've had
since I started blogging.
As you may know, blogging is not easy. If you got no goals and insincere intentions, you're gonna get nothin' running. As a blogger, I've experienced those times when I didn't know what to write anymore. It even felt like something's pushing me to quit this past time hobby, but after the long run, I learned to love what I do. You see, blogging is not only about writing, it also takes a lot of hard work and dedication. When I entered the blogging world, I also entered a world of opportunities to showcase what I've got and discover others who also pass the same path I am treading in.
This post is dedicated to all who think blogging is an easy job, because in reality, it isn't. Consistency is very much an important aspect in the blogging world.
For the meantime, I want to show you some epic moments I've had as a blogger.
1. Setting Up my Weblog
This is very much the first part I had to endure before I had my blog posts. As a perfectionist type of person, I often had problems with the layouts and the headers of my blog. One mistake makes me repeat all of the process again, which caused me headaches all the time. After a few months, I got to finalize the theme of my website and the types of posts I want people to see.
2.Writing a blog
This is of course, the heart of what I'm doing, the blog! At first, I really had no idea of what to write and include in my site. I had lots of brainstorming to do just thinking about a certain topic. I'm not a professional blogger but one thing I did, was to read other articles and blogs and get inspiration from it. There, I knew what to write.
3.Messed Up Blog Schedules
When many things are coming to my mind, I often mess up with my schedule. Today, I want to write this, tomorrow this but I never get things done. Then I stumbled into a lot of blogging advices and came across a topic about blog schedules and how it helps. Finally, I learned that having a blog calendar can really help me do things on time.
4.Social Media Feeds
Of course, because I wanted to add traffic to my website, I had to make different social media pages/accounts for my blog, to promote what I write and get people to read it on a regular basis. This is not an easy task because I had to keep tweeting, gramming and posting just to give more updates to my audience. Being a blogger does not only mean being a writer. It takes a blogger to be a social media expert, sales representative, technician, general manager and all. Hard work it is!
5.Guest Blogging
Because I wanted to promote my blog, I had to write guest blogs for other websites so that I can get more followers. Albeit not being an easy job, I had to meet the deadline and fit in their topics so that everything will work out the best. And finally, it's my time to look for guest bloggers too!
So here it is, I'm telling you, blogging is not easy job,but giving my time and effort, I learned to love this field that I've joined in. It's not always nice and neat but everything will be worth it when you see your readers appreciating what you write and when you've got traffic in your very own blog.
As you may know, blogging is not easy. If you got no goals and insincere intentions, you're gonna get nothin' running. As a blogger, I've experienced those times when I didn't know what to write anymore. It even felt like something's pushing me to quit this past time hobby, but after the long run, I learned to love what I do. You see, blogging is not only about writing, it also takes a lot of hard work and dedication. When I entered the blogging world, I also entered a world of opportunities to showcase what I've got and discover others who also pass the same path I am treading in.
This post is dedicated to all who think blogging is an easy job, because in reality, it isn't. Consistency is very much an important aspect in the blogging world.
For the meantime, I want to show you some epic moments I've had as a blogger.
1. Setting Up my Weblog
This is very much the first part I had to endure before I had my blog posts. As a perfectionist type of person, I often had problems with the layouts and the headers of my blog. One mistake makes me repeat all of the process again, which caused me headaches all the time. After a few months, I got to finalize the theme of my website and the types of posts I want people to see.
2.Writing a blog
This is of course, the heart of what I'm doing, the blog! At first, I really had no idea of what to write and include in my site. I had lots of brainstorming to do just thinking about a certain topic. I'm not a professional blogger but one thing I did, was to read other articles and blogs and get inspiration from it. There, I knew what to write.
3.Messed Up Blog Schedules
When many things are coming to my mind, I often mess up with my schedule. Today, I want to write this, tomorrow this but I never get things done. Then I stumbled into a lot of blogging advices and came across a topic about blog schedules and how it helps. Finally, I learned that having a blog calendar can really help me do things on time.
4.Social Media Feeds
Of course, because I wanted to add traffic to my website, I had to make different social media pages/accounts for my blog, to promote what I write and get people to read it on a regular basis. This is not an easy task because I had to keep tweeting, gramming and posting just to give more updates to my audience. Being a blogger does not only mean being a writer. It takes a blogger to be a social media expert, sales representative, technician, general manager and all. Hard work it is!
5.Guest Blogging
Because I wanted to promote my blog, I had to write guest blogs for other websites so that I can get more followers. Albeit not being an easy job, I had to meet the deadline and fit in their topics so that everything will work out the best. And finally, it's my time to look for guest bloggers too!
So here it is, I'm telling you, blogging is not easy job,but giving my time and effort, I learned to love this field that I've joined in. It's not always nice and neat but everything will be worth it when you see your readers appreciating what you write and when you've got traffic in your very own blog.
It's A Blogger's Life with Kate from Pouting In Heels
Welcome to the It's A Blogger's Life interview series.
As you may have seen, I posted a list of some of my favourite blogs at the start of the month, and what it is I love about them. Check it out here, you will definitely find some amazing new blogs to follow if you missed it first time around. I asked some of the amazing bloggers if they would be willing to take part in this series and introduce themselves to you and share a little of their blogging wisdom.
I was so happy at the responses I got to my request - it really does go to show the strength of the blogging community and how bloggers help each other out.
Thank you to everyone who responded, and thanks to each and every one of you on that list for consistently publishing beautiful and inspiring posts that keep me coming back for more.
Anyway, enough from me, over to the interview.
Today we have Kate from Pouting In Heels.
1. Tell us a little about yourself
Hello! I'm Kate, a professional blogger and mum to one, my daughter Elsie. Besides blogging, I also work as a freelance journalist, PR and copywriter.
I run two blogs – Pouting In Heels (lifestyle & parenting) and To Dream Of Dresses (a style blog with soul). You can also catch me writing for The Huffington Post occasionally too.
I'm an ordinary, working mum, just trying my very best to create an extraordinary and fulfilling life!
Erm... passionate, caring and freedom-loving! (Is that four?!)
7. What are your top 3 blogging essentials?
A brain full of creative ideas, time (!) and my trusty and fabulous Macbook Air.
8. What would be your dream blogging assignment and why?
I've had some fabulous blogging assignments already but my dream one would be to collaborate with a brand which is also passionate about helping women and improving their lives.
So for example, working with a beauty brand like Dove or a charity like Refuge would be perfect for me. (I really hope they're listening! ;-) )
9. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you choose and why?
Such a tough question but it would probably have to be Rome, just because it's my favourite city in the world. I love everything that it has to offer, but particularly the ancient history and the food.
10. Where can we find you?
Pouting in Heels, my parent and lifestyle blog, To Dream of Dresses, a style blog with soul, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and my YouTube channel.
Show Kate some love - visit her blogs, follow her on social media and of course, leave her some comments below :)
Thank you so much Kate for taking part!
As you may have seen, I posted a list of some of my favourite blogs at the start of the month, and what it is I love about them. Check it out here, you will definitely find some amazing new blogs to follow if you missed it first time around. I asked some of the amazing bloggers if they would be willing to take part in this series and introduce themselves to you and share a little of their blogging wisdom.
I was so happy at the responses I got to my request - it really does go to show the strength of the blogging community and how bloggers help each other out.
Thank you to everyone who responded, and thanks to each and every one of you on that list for consistently publishing beautiful and inspiring posts that keep me coming back for more.
Anyway, enough from me, over to the interview.
Today we have Kate from Pouting In Heels.
1. Tell us a little about yourself
Hello! I'm Kate, a professional blogger and mum to one, my daughter Elsie. Besides blogging, I also work as a freelance journalist, PR and copywriter.
I run two blogs – Pouting In Heels (lifestyle & parenting) and To Dream Of Dresses (a style blog with soul). You can also catch me writing for The Huffington Post occasionally too.
I'm an ordinary, working mum, just trying my very best to create an extraordinary and fulfilling life!
2. Why did you start blogging?
I got into blogging originally when I left full time employment to go freelance and started blogging about my freelancing journey.
I soon realised that people really enjoyed my posts and so a short while after, I decided to set up a 'proper' blog 'Pouting In Heels' (away from my professional site) to talk about everything that is important to a modern woman and I've never looked back
3. What is your blog about?
Pouting In Heels is a lifestyle and parenting blog so as you'd expect it covers everything from motherhood to beauty, however I'm also incredibly passionate about helping women to feel better about themselves and each other.
This is what I really try to do on the blog, though writing honest pieces about being a modern woman and everything that this entails.
4. What are the long term goals for your blog?
To increase
my audience, to help / inspire more women to feel good about themselves and to
look at extending the Pouting In Heels brand with books, podcasts and quite
possibly, even a shop!
5. Any tips for bloggers?
Every blogger is different and offers something unique, but if I could give only one piece of advice, it would have to be this: keep things real and always be authentic.
Don't fake it. Don't pretend to be something you're not. Find your voice and own it with pride, and people will come.
6. Describe yourself in 3 wordsI got into blogging originally when I left full time employment to go freelance and started blogging about my freelancing journey.
I soon realised that people really enjoyed my posts and so a short while after, I decided to set up a 'proper' blog 'Pouting In Heels' (away from my professional site) to talk about everything that is important to a modern woman and I've never looked back
3. What is your blog about?
Pouting In Heels is a lifestyle and parenting blog so as you'd expect it covers everything from motherhood to beauty, however I'm also incredibly passionate about helping women to feel better about themselves and each other.
This is what I really try to do on the blog, though writing honest pieces about being a modern woman and everything that this entails.
4. What are the long term goals for your blog?
5. Any tips for bloggers?
Every blogger is different and offers something unique, but if I could give only one piece of advice, it would have to be this: keep things real and always be authentic.
Don't fake it. Don't pretend to be something you're not. Find your voice and own it with pride, and people will come.
Erm... passionate, caring and freedom-loving! (Is that four?!)
7. What are your top 3 blogging essentials?
A brain full of creative ideas, time (!) and my trusty and fabulous Macbook Air.
8. What would be your dream blogging assignment and why?
I've had some fabulous blogging assignments already but my dream one would be to collaborate with a brand which is also passionate about helping women and improving their lives.
So for example, working with a beauty brand like Dove or a charity like Refuge would be perfect for me. (I really hope they're listening! ;-) )
9. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you choose and why?
Such a tough question but it would probably have to be Rome, just because it's my favourite city in the world. I love everything that it has to offer, but particularly the ancient history and the food.
10. Where can we find you?
Pouting in Heels, my parent and lifestyle blog, To Dream of Dresses, a style blog with soul, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and my YouTube channel.
Show Kate some love - visit her blogs, follow her on social media and of course, leave her some comments below :)
Thank you so much Kate for taking part!
It's A Blogger's Life: My Answers
Welcome to the It's A Blogger's Life interview series.
As you may have seen, I posted a list of some of my favourite blogs at the start of the month, and what it is I love about them. Check it out here, you will definitely find some amazing new blogs to follow if you missed it first time around. I asked some of the amazing bloggers if they would be willing to take part in this series and introduce themselves to you and share a little of their blogging wisdom.
I was so happy at the responses I got to my request - it really does go to show the strength of the blogging community and how bloggers help each other out.
Thank you to everyone who responded, and thanks to each and every one of you on that list for consistently publishing beautiful and inspiring posts that keep me coming back for more.
It was suggested to me that I should answer the questions I set too, so here goes!
While I would categorize it as a lifestyle blog, it doesn't have any one topic. I have monthly themes, but I also blog about whatever takes my fancy on the day!
4. What are the long term goals for your blog?
To keep building my readership, and continue to grow. Making some money along the way wouldn't hurt either, although I am not currently actively seeking sponsored posts.
5. Any tips for bloggers?
I have ran a blogging theme this month, so yes, there are a lot of tips to read through. Top of the list would be this: be yourself, everyone can spot a faker and it's just awkward.
6. Describe yourself in 3 words
Loud, opinionated, loyal.
7. What are your top 3 blogging essentials?
My schedule, Tweetdeck, Pic Monkey
8. What would be your dream blogging assignment and why?
I would love to do some travel reviews. If any travel companies are reading, feel free to send me on holiday :)
9. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you choose and why?
New York - I love the energy, people and general hustle and bustle, and living here is on my bucket list for sure.
10. Where can we find you?
You can find me here: Twitter Bloglovin Pinterest and Instagram Please do stop by and say hi!
As you may have seen, I posted a list of some of my favourite blogs at the start of the month, and what it is I love about them. Check it out here, you will definitely find some amazing new blogs to follow if you missed it first time around. I asked some of the amazing bloggers if they would be willing to take part in this series and introduce themselves to you and share a little of their blogging wisdom.
I was so happy at the responses I got to my request - it really does go to show the strength of the blogging community and how bloggers help each other out.
Thank you to everyone who responded, and thanks to each and every one of you on that list for consistently publishing beautiful and inspiring posts that keep me coming back for more.
It was suggested to me that I should answer the questions I set too, so here goes!
1. Tell us a little about yourself
I'm Debbie, I'm 33 and I'm from North East England. I blog here! I love reading and writing and I'm currently working on my first novel.
I'm Debbie, I'm 33 and I'm from North East England. I blog here! I love reading and writing and I'm currently working on my first novel.
2. Why did you start blogging?
I started blogging to find my voice, and along the way I fell in love with it.
3. What is your blog about?I started blogging to find my voice, and along the way I fell in love with it.
While I would categorize it as a lifestyle blog, it doesn't have any one topic. I have monthly themes, but I also blog about whatever takes my fancy on the day!
4. What are the long term goals for your blog?
To keep building my readership, and continue to grow. Making some money along the way wouldn't hurt either, although I am not currently actively seeking sponsored posts.
5. Any tips for bloggers?
I have ran a blogging theme this month, so yes, there are a lot of tips to read through. Top of the list would be this: be yourself, everyone can spot a faker and it's just awkward.
6. Describe yourself in 3 words
Loud, opinionated, loyal.
7. What are your top 3 blogging essentials?
My schedule, Tweetdeck, Pic Monkey
8. What would be your dream blogging assignment and why?
I would love to do some travel reviews. If any travel companies are reading, feel free to send me on holiday :)
9. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you choose and why?
New York - I love the energy, people and general hustle and bustle, and living here is on my bucket list for sure.
10. Where can we find you?
You can find me here: Twitter Bloglovin Pinterest and Instagram Please do stop by and say hi!
It's A Blogger's Life with Pen from The Single Swan
Welcome to the It's A Blogger's Life interview series.
As you may have seen, I posted a list of some of my favourite blogs at the start of the month, and what it is I love about them. Check it out here, you will definitely find some amazing new blogs to follow if you missed it first time around. I asked some of the amazing bloggers if they would be willing to take part in this series and introduce themselves to you and share a little of their blogging wisdom.
I was so happy at the responses I got to my request - it really does go to show the strength of the blogging community and how bloggers help each other out.
Thank you to everyone who responded, and thanks to each and every one of you on that list for consistently publishing beautiful and inspiring posts that keep me coming back for more.
Anyway, enough from me, over to the interview.
Today we have Pen from The Single Swan.
My mac book. A bit of time. A glimmer of an idea. Wine is good but not essential.
8. What would be your dream blogging assignment and why?
Goodness me. I have never done a blogging assignment. I am quite enjoying this interview. Does that count as an assignment?
9. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you choose and why?
I would live exactly where I am. I enjoy and indeed need to have my family and some friends nearby. That always has been important to me but is more so than ever at the moment. That is not to say that I wouldn't like to live and experience different cities and cultures. I have lived abroad before and loved it. I am a city girl. I can't really be doing with animals and fields and such like. It is the bustle of big cites, the diversity of culture and the aesthetics of the art and architecture of the city that I like.
10. Where can we find you?
My blog, on Twitter, or via email.
Show Pen some love - visit her blog, follow theron social media and of course, leave her some comments below :)
Thank you so much Pen for taking part!
Stay tuned for more It's A Blogger's Life - next up is Kate from Pouting in Heels tomorrow.
As you may have seen, I posted a list of some of my favourite blogs at the start of the month, and what it is I love about them. Check it out here, you will definitely find some amazing new blogs to follow if you missed it first time around. I asked some of the amazing bloggers if they would be willing to take part in this series and introduce themselves to you and share a little of their blogging wisdom.
I was so happy at the responses I got to my request - it really does go to show the strength of the blogging community and how bloggers help each other out.
Thank you to everyone who responded, and thanks to each and every one of you on that list for consistently publishing beautiful and inspiring posts that keep me coming back for more.
Anyway, enough from me, over to the interview.
Today we have Pen from The Single Swan.
1. Tell us a little about yourself
I am a newly single mum in my mid-thirties with a son who is under one and a cat who is just over three. I live in London and I work full time.
2. Why did you start blogging?
My blog evolved out of my attempts to manage my upset, bitterness, disappointment and at times my desperation as I went through a break-up with my now ex-partner.
3. What is your blog about?
It is about my journey, from the beginning or thereabouts, as a single mother. To date, I have mainly written about my relationship breakdown and have used it to collect my thoughts. Going forward I would imagine it will contain a lot more about the co-parenting challenges that I am facing and family mediation which we are just about to embark upon.
Therapy, community, discussion.
5. Any tips for bloggers?
Write for you and about things that you feel strongly and passionate about. My favourite blogs are those that are honest and clearly written from the heart. The words just flow and you almost feel that the writer has an imperative to write and feels a great sense of relief when they finish a blog post. You can sense this in a blog post. These are my favourites.
6. Describe yourself in 3 words
Anonymous, relieved (that I am no longer in an unhappy relationship) proud (of myself for having the courage to end it.
7. What are your top 3 blogging essentials?I am a newly single mum in my mid-thirties with a son who is under one and a cat who is just over three. I live in London and I work full time.
2. Why did you start blogging?
My blog evolved out of my attempts to manage my upset, bitterness, disappointment and at times my desperation as I went through a break-up with my now ex-partner.
I found
that locking myself in my bedroom (whilst he was downstairs) and writing down
my feelings, just in a word document, was a good way of getting things off my
chest. It helped me to construct my thoughts about how and why I felt he
was being unfair in a calm, logical, rational and justified way. After
about a month, I found that I had about 20 or so word documents on my computer
just recording what he had said, what he had done, what his family had done and
how I felt about it. It was really cathartic.
These word
documents morphed into my blog because I felt that I needed something to document
my journey as a single mother, something to refer back to at difficult times to
see how far I have come and re-calibrate myself when I am going through
difficult times. My blog posts help me to remind myself of my vision
and what I am seeking to achieve for our son and for myself long term.
Many of
the word documents from the very beginning haven't been published and probably
never will be. A lot of them are incoherent and emotional rants. You
wouldn’t want to read them and I don’t really want to publish them.
I also
started the blog because I didn't know anyone in 'real' life who was in the
thick of it in exactly the same way as me. I wanted to meet these people and
share these experiences. I am very lucky to have met these people and indeed
many more online. You help to give me a sense of perspective. That is really
important, so thank you.
It is about my journey, from the beginning or thereabouts, as a single mother. To date, I have mainly written about my relationship breakdown and have used it to collect my thoughts. Going forward I would imagine it will contain a lot more about the co-parenting challenges that I am facing and family mediation which we are just about to embark upon.
I might even
attempt to inject a bit of humour into my situation, but don't hold your
breath!
4. What are the long term goals for your blog?Therapy, community, discussion.
I don't
know, in the back of my mind I have half an eye on monetisation and turning it
into something that I can turn into a career. I have a stable job, which I am
good at and a goodish salary and pension. I don’t think that in my current
situation I will be able to give up that reliable monthly income. I therefore
think I would be very unlikely to use my blog as a main source of income. It is
working for me at the moment though. I enjoy it and that is enough. Who knows
what the future holds.
Write for you and about things that you feel strongly and passionate about. My favourite blogs are those that are honest and clearly written from the heart. The words just flow and you almost feel that the writer has an imperative to write and feels a great sense of relief when they finish a blog post. You can sense this in a blog post. These are my favourites.
6. Describe yourself in 3 words
Anonymous, relieved (that I am no longer in an unhappy relationship) proud (of myself for having the courage to end it.
My mac book. A bit of time. A glimmer of an idea. Wine is good but not essential.
8. What would be your dream blogging assignment and why?
Goodness me. I have never done a blogging assignment. I am quite enjoying this interview. Does that count as an assignment?
9. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you choose and why?
I would live exactly where I am. I enjoy and indeed need to have my family and some friends nearby. That always has been important to me but is more so than ever at the moment. That is not to say that I wouldn't like to live and experience different cities and cultures. I have lived abroad before and loved it. I am a city girl. I can't really be doing with animals and fields and such like. It is the bustle of big cites, the diversity of culture and the aesthetics of the art and architecture of the city that I like.
10. Where can we find you?
My blog, on Twitter, or via email.
Show Pen some love - visit her blog, follow theron social media and of course, leave her some comments below :)
Thank you so much Pen for taking part!
Stay tuned for more It's A Blogger's Life - next up is Kate from Pouting in Heels tomorrow.
Thursday, 27 August 2015
Guest Post: My Experience of the Blogosphere by H
Today, I have a guest post for you by H from The Small Things of Life (link at the end) about her experience of the Blogosphere. If you haven't had change to check out H's blog yet, here's a little more about her:
When I first took the leap of faith to start my blog I was absolutely terrified. I have been through a lot with people in my 27 years and putting my writing and thoughts out to the world was so daunting. At first I didn’t have any idea what to do. So I sat down and Googled for days and planned the blog attack. I finally decided that for my brain Blogger was the most sensible place to start so I began my page. I fiddled around with the page for hours possibly even days to get it to look just right.
Hey my name is H and I started my blog The Small Things of Life back in June. My blog is a lifestyle and photography blog but I do the odd beauty post now and then, because who doesn't love make up and amazing smelly face creams etc?! I love sharing my experiences and hope that you guys enjoy reading themNow onto her fab post!
My
Experience of the Blogosphere by H
When I first took the leap of faith to start my blog I was absolutely terrified. I have been through a lot with people in my 27 years and putting my writing and thoughts out to the world was so daunting. At first I didn’t have any idea what to do. So I sat down and Googled for days and planned the blog attack. I finally decided that for my brain Blogger was the most sensible place to start so I began my page. I fiddled around with the page for hours possibly even days to get it to look just right.
Finally I wrote my first post and hit publish and prayed
that it was ok. I decided which social
media sites I wanted to use (Twitter, Instagram etc.) and put myself out there
just a little bit more. I met a few
lovely ladies through Twitter and got chatting.
At first I wasn’t sure what I should say or do but they helped me along
the way. I then got told by one of my
Twitter ladies that there was such a thing as Twitter chats!! I decided which
one and nervously sat in front of my laptop and said hey! I was overwhelmed but the love and support
that there is in the Blogosphere and I never imagined that I would meet such
honest, lovely and welcoming people.
I have met so many lovely people through my blog life so
far and I hope that over time we will become online friends if not real life
friends. I am not very good at meeting
people because of previous experiences but I have managed to persuade myself to
go to Blogstock in a couple of weeks’ time and I will be honest I am absolutely
terrified but I am certain that everyone will be welcoming and I will meet some
of the amazing people I have met online finally in person. Anyone who is thinking of starting a blog or
putting their writing out there I would definitely recommend giving it a go and
just seeing where it takes you.
If you ever want any advice or support, email me at thesmallthingsoflife@gmail.com or
add me on Twitter @TSToflife and I am more than happy to be there and support
you as best I can.
H
Time to show H some love! Visit her blog, or follow her on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. And of course, leave her some comments below :)
It's A Blogger's Life with Angela from Days in Bed
Welcome to the It's A Blogger's Life interview series.
As you may have seen, I posted a list of some of my favourite blogs at the start of the month, and what it is I love about them. Check it out here, you will definitely find some amazing new blogs to follow if you missed it first time around. I asked some of the amazing bloggers if they would be willing to take part in this series and introduce themselves to you and share a little of their blogging wisdom.
I was so happy at the responses I got to my request - it really does go to show the strength of the blogging community and how bloggers help each other out.
Thank you to everyone who responded, and thanks to each and every one of you on that list for consistently publishing beautiful and inspiring posts that keep me coming back for more.
Anyway, enough from me, over to the interview.
Today we have Angela from Days in Bed.
My first goal was to complete the design of my blog and work out my direction. It took many months but everything has finally fallen into place and I have found my spot in the blogging world.
My Second goal is to introduce 2 Linkys to my blog. I have a weekly Linky planned to start this month (August) and hope to build this up over the following months. I also have a Monthly Linky planned to start in September. The details will be revealed in the coming weeks! So watch this space!
My Third goal is to build my Instagram following. I’m only just getting to understand Instagram It’s something I really enjoy posting pictures and so I want to work on this in the near future!
Long Term, I hope to continue building my following. I also plan to try and find some great brands to sponsor the blog and help me with my goal of financially providing for the family.
5. Any tips for bloggers?
Yes, if your thinking of starting out as a blogger, do some research first. In particular how you wish to portray your child online. In today’s world every child has a digital footprint. Some bloggers refer to their child as Monkey or Baby. I call my daughter by her real name as I’m comfortable doing this but not every parent is!
So my first tip would be to start as you mean to go on. Decide what you will and won’t write about in reference to your child and this will save you going through old posts and changing names and details in the future.
My second tip would be to try and avoid comparing yourself to others. Every blog is unique and we all get different deals, products to promote and posts to write.
If I spent my time focusing on what others were doing it would make me feel pretty rubbish. Just be yourself and do your best. Rewards come through hard work. Work hard and good things will happen.
6. Describe yourself in 3 words
Honest, Loyal, Blonde ha ha! It does often take me a few moments to get things! Lol
7. What are your top 3 blogging essentials?
A good Computer
A good Smart Phone
A good set of felt tip pens- as I love to plan and brainstorm ideas visually on paper with my pens.
8. What would be your dream blogging assignment and why?
My dream blogging assignment would be to review an airline in return for flights to my second home New Zealand. I have not seen my friends and family in almost 6 years and I’d love to fly back to New Zealand to my loved ones, to see my parents, my sister and her six kids.
I really cannot afford a holiday like this as I’m saving the pump so Air New Zealand, if your reading this! Please don’t hesitate to DM me. (Wink Wink)
9. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you choose and why?
Where I live in Lancashire. I am living in my dream location. I have lived in New Zealand and Tonga and Yorkshire but I love the little village we live in and this is where I want to live for the rest of my life. It is perfect for us. It would be nice to own a home though in our village- that is the dream!
10. Where can we find you?
Days in Bed blog, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, LinkedIn and We Heart It.
Show Angela some love - visit her blog, follow her on social media and of course, leave her some comments below :)
Thank you so much Angela for taking part!
Stay tuned for more It's A Blogger's Life - next up is Pen from The Single Swan tomorrow.
As you may have seen, I posted a list of some of my favourite blogs at the start of the month, and what it is I love about them. Check it out here, you will definitely find some amazing new blogs to follow if you missed it first time around. I asked some of the amazing bloggers if they would be willing to take part in this series and introduce themselves to you and share a little of their blogging wisdom.
I was so happy at the responses I got to my request - it really does go to show the strength of the blogging community and how bloggers help each other out.
Thank you to everyone who responded, and thanks to each and every one of you on that list for consistently publishing beautiful and inspiring posts that keep me coming back for more.
Anyway, enough from me, over to the interview.
Today we have Angela from Days in Bed.
1. Tell us a little about yourself
My name is Angela, I was born in the UK, but lived in New Zealand for many years. I’ve also lived in Tonga, on the island of Tongatapu in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. I’m a qualified Early Years teacher.
My previous marriage failed due to violence and abuse. I returned to England in 2010 with my daughter Sylvia. She was 18 months old. I remained a single mother for 5 years and got married exactly two years ago to my sweetheart John.
After the wedding (within a week), I collapsed and was diagnosed with adrenal failure. I’ve spent the last two years trying to get well, this is still a work in progress.
I love children, I feel passionate about helping others. I enjoy researching my family history and watching some reality television. I have a dog called Yoda and enjoy going on adventures – when I’m well enough.
My name is Angela, I was born in the UK, but lived in New Zealand for many years. I’ve also lived in Tonga, on the island of Tongatapu in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. I’m a qualified Early Years teacher.
My previous marriage failed due to violence and abuse. I returned to England in 2010 with my daughter Sylvia. She was 18 months old. I remained a single mother for 5 years and got married exactly two years ago to my sweetheart John.
After the wedding (within a week), I collapsed and was diagnosed with adrenal failure. I’ve spent the last two years trying to get well, this is still a work in progress.
I love children, I feel passionate about helping others. I enjoy researching my family history and watching some reality television. I have a dog called Yoda and enjoy going on adventures – when I’m well enough.
2. Why did you start blogging?
I started blogging originally because I wanted to share and record my family experiences and my ideas for teaching and raising kids. In April, I changed the name of my blog to Daysinbed.com as being unwell is a huge part of my life and I wanted to reflect this in my writing.
I also blog so that I can help provide for myself and my family, especially as my husband has given up work to look after me with my physical issues. I want to raise awareness for Adrenal Insufficiency and get well. I need an “Adrenal pump”. The Adrenal Pump is a life saving treatment that would change my quality of life and get me out of the wheelchair. It is not currently available through the NHS but is available if I go private. This is one of my motivations to keep going.
3. What is your blog about?
So my blog is called Daysinbed, a lifestyle blog with a twist. I have three main categories. I write about Parenting and Family, Health and Wellbeing and Home Improvements, DIY, Recipes etc. All of them are based around “Family Fun”.
Most blogs have one niche. I could not choose between the three. I feel passionate about them all.
I have some special feature posts on my blog,
I write The Gratitude Diaries, a weekly blog post about the things I’m grateful for. I also write The Adrenal Diaries and Yoda’s Antics, these are fortnightly posts about the life journey of my puppy Yoda and my journey towards better health.
The Adrenal Diaries is also open to other people with the illness to share their stories of Adrenal Insufficiency.
Some people are not aware yet but I have recently had a major change to my blog. Daysinbed gained a new contributor! – my sister Doctor Deborah Brunt.
Deborah is a Doctor who has specialised in paediatric health and nutrition. She is a mother of six and is currently on maternity leave, home schooling her children.
This is the perfect addition to Daysinbed. I write about parenting and family fun as a mother and teacher and I share my experiences of health. Deborah is writing about Health and wellbeing as a Doctor and plans to share her experiences as a mother too!
We are both really excited about the blog and the term Daysinbed really does suit us both, as I spend days in bed as a patient and my sister usually spends days as a Doctor helping people out of bed.
4. What are the long term goals for your blog?I started blogging originally because I wanted to share and record my family experiences and my ideas for teaching and raising kids. In April, I changed the name of my blog to Daysinbed.com as being unwell is a huge part of my life and I wanted to reflect this in my writing.
I also blog so that I can help provide for myself and my family, especially as my husband has given up work to look after me with my physical issues. I want to raise awareness for Adrenal Insufficiency and get well. I need an “Adrenal pump”. The Adrenal Pump is a life saving treatment that would change my quality of life and get me out of the wheelchair. It is not currently available through the NHS but is available if I go private. This is one of my motivations to keep going.
So my blog is called Daysinbed, a lifestyle blog with a twist. I have three main categories. I write about Parenting and Family, Health and Wellbeing and Home Improvements, DIY, Recipes etc. All of them are based around “Family Fun”.
Most blogs have one niche. I could not choose between the three. I feel passionate about them all.
I have some special feature posts on my blog,
I write The Gratitude Diaries, a weekly blog post about the things I’m grateful for. I also write The Adrenal Diaries and Yoda’s Antics, these are fortnightly posts about the life journey of my puppy Yoda and my journey towards better health.
The Adrenal Diaries is also open to other people with the illness to share their stories of Adrenal Insufficiency.
Some people are not aware yet but I have recently had a major change to my blog. Daysinbed gained a new contributor! – my sister Doctor Deborah Brunt.
Deborah is a Doctor who has specialised in paediatric health and nutrition. She is a mother of six and is currently on maternity leave, home schooling her children.
This is the perfect addition to Daysinbed. I write about parenting and family fun as a mother and teacher and I share my experiences of health. Deborah is writing about Health and wellbeing as a Doctor and plans to share her experiences as a mother too!
We are both really excited about the blog and the term Daysinbed really does suit us both, as I spend days in bed as a patient and my sister usually spends days as a Doctor helping people out of bed.
My first goal was to complete the design of my blog and work out my direction. It took many months but everything has finally fallen into place and I have found my spot in the blogging world.
My Second goal is to introduce 2 Linkys to my blog. I have a weekly Linky planned to start this month (August) and hope to build this up over the following months. I also have a Monthly Linky planned to start in September. The details will be revealed in the coming weeks! So watch this space!
My Third goal is to build my Instagram following. I’m only just getting to understand Instagram It’s something I really enjoy posting pictures and so I want to work on this in the near future!
Long Term, I hope to continue building my following. I also plan to try and find some great brands to sponsor the blog and help me with my goal of financially providing for the family.
Yes, if your thinking of starting out as a blogger, do some research first. In particular how you wish to portray your child online. In today’s world every child has a digital footprint. Some bloggers refer to their child as Monkey or Baby. I call my daughter by her real name as I’m comfortable doing this but not every parent is!
So my first tip would be to start as you mean to go on. Decide what you will and won’t write about in reference to your child and this will save you going through old posts and changing names and details in the future.
My second tip would be to try and avoid comparing yourself to others. Every blog is unique and we all get different deals, products to promote and posts to write.
If I spent my time focusing on what others were doing it would make me feel pretty rubbish. Just be yourself and do your best. Rewards come through hard work. Work hard and good things will happen.
6. Describe yourself in 3 words
Honest, Loyal, Blonde ha ha! It does often take me a few moments to get things! Lol
7. What are your top 3 blogging essentials?
A good Computer
A good Smart Phone
A good set of felt tip pens- as I love to plan and brainstorm ideas visually on paper with my pens.
8. What would be your dream blogging assignment and why?
My dream blogging assignment would be to review an airline in return for flights to my second home New Zealand. I have not seen my friends and family in almost 6 years and I’d love to fly back to New Zealand to my loved ones, to see my parents, my sister and her six kids.
I really cannot afford a holiday like this as I’m saving the pump so Air New Zealand, if your reading this! Please don’t hesitate to DM me. (Wink Wink)
9. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you choose and why?
Where I live in Lancashire. I am living in my dream location. I have lived in New Zealand and Tonga and Yorkshire but I love the little village we live in and this is where I want to live for the rest of my life. It is perfect for us. It would be nice to own a home though in our village- that is the dream!
10. Where can we find you?
Days in Bed blog, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, LinkedIn and We Heart It.
Show Angela some love - visit her blog, follow her on social media and of course, leave her some comments below :)
Thank you so much Angela for taking part!
Stay tuned for more It's A Blogger's Life - next up is Pen from The Single Swan tomorrow.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)