hayleythrills: behind the blog

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Behind The Blog: Diligent Joy

Today, we get to go behind-the-scenes with Abby. She's a woman of many things: Mother, wife, pen pal (she's had one for almost 20 year!). She chronicles her life with her husband, daughter and two dogs on her blog, and I was so excited to learn that we share the same birthday! I hope you enjoy reading her story. And as always, I'd love to feature you and your blog, so feel free to email me (mellow1422 [at] aol)... Quick facts Name...Abby Adams Birthday...Aug 4 (same as President Obama!), 1983 Where are you from...Salt Lake City, Utah 3 words that describe you...happy, hopeful, loving Occupation...Daycare owner and piano teacher Blog: <a href="http://www.joyfullyabby.blogspot.com/">Diligent Joy</a> When did you start your blog...I signed up for Blogger in early 2010. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKERu0dZCUZ7aCE0THJwwQdVYvSTpdHlG0U4cqeULFyoXeWAQHnYBCPDExxgr_vkN2PykRZFkLCe_M3lVYMQ6Cqf0yn0s5JXJiSOaQv6jf1tch8AiUEqbvDMCWFessmQtHNWopmH-anLo/s1600/01.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729394869692317074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKERu0dZCUZ7aCE0THJwwQdVYvSTpdHlG0U4cqeULFyoXeWAQHnYBCPDExxgr_vkN2PykRZFkLCe_M3lVYMQ6Cqf0yn0s5JXJiSOaQv6jf1tch8AiUEqbvDMCWFessmQtHNWopmH-anLo/s400/01.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a>What inspired you to start a blog? I love photography but hate scrapbooking. I heard that you could print your blog and thought it would be the perfect way to document my <a href="http://www.joyfullyabby.blogspot.com/search/label/Harper%20Jane">daughter's life</a>. I had no idea that it would turn into such a wonderful and challenging journey. What do you love the most about blogging? Does anything about it stress you out? I really enjoy writing and always have (I was the 3rd Grade Creative Writing Award recipient, you know). I love having a place, other than my own personal journal, to write freely. Blogging has encouraged me to challenge myself as a writer, and I'm thankful for that. I also love the fact that blogging has inspired me to become a better photographer (I just purchased my first DSLR and can't wait to use it!). I also love writing about beauty and beauty products. I have a series called <a href="http://www.joyfullyabby.blogspot.com/search/label/Beauty%20Aisle">The Beauty Aisle</a> (all about hair, makeup, and skin care) that is really fun for me. Nothing about blogging stresses me out. However, I can see how reading other blogs could become stressful because we have the tendency to compare ourselves to others. I try to avoid that by appreciating the talents (writing, crafting, parenting, photography, etc.) of others instead of wishing I had them, too. I'm never going to turn an old t-shirt into a purse, and that's okay! We all have something unique to bring to the blogging world, and I love that. If you had to describe your blog in one sentence, what would you say My blog is about me, my family, the beauty products that I love and my commitment to be happy every day, even when it's difficult -- thus, the name Diligent Joy! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9N8OcCTnOxFVBkn81r4HEyMgvX0RVcFOfdmjvYRO3U0iZLqi03yNxRRulGC7y-c6voCxCgonJ1smKo-DtJFgNxOEKuln13oqI5PS9Rl4t-ds6r-0XxOsuljija4nksiN6HfhyphenhyphenA-UwoQ/s1600/02.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729394866516427538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9N8OcCTnOxFVBkn81r4HEyMgvX0RVcFOfdmjvYRO3U0iZLqi03yNxRRulGC7y-c6voCxCgonJ1smKo-DtJFgNxOEKuln13oqI5PS9Rl4t-ds6r-0XxOsuljija4nksiN6HfhyphenhyphenA-UwoQ/s400/02.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a>What has blogging taught you? There are a lot of amazing people in the world. There are a lot of people out there who are doing/writing/creating wonderful things, and I like knowing that I have access to them at all times. I like knowing that I don't have to rely on traditional media for my daily glimpse into the world beyond Salt Lake City. Blogging has expanded my mindset and has been a reminder to me of how diverse (and extraordinary) the world is. What advice do you have for new bloggers? People have told me that they tried to blog but couldn't figure it out. New bloggers just need to be patient. Learning a platform like Blogger is like learning a new computer program. It takes a little time and the more you do it, the easier it becomes. Also, new (and old) bloggers should never try to imitate other blogs. The key, I think, is to find your own unique voice and use it. <div align="center"> </div><a href="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13494500/13494580_87e3_625x625.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com/13494500/13494580_87e3_625x625.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 588px;" /></a>Where do you see yourself and your blog in 5 years In 5 years, I'll be in my early 30's. My daughter will be in school (sniff sniff). My husband and I will be home owners, and I might have to finally face the fact that I am an adult (I still feel like a kid). I'm not sure if we will have more children at this point, but I am hoping to do a lot of traveling in the next few years. I'm also planning on becoming a certified yoga instructor and teaching piano full time. I don't really have a plan for my blog. I'd like to see it grow. People tell me that my blog inspires them, and I love that. It's what keeps me blogging. I'd like to have a bigger audience and hopefully inspire more people. What has surprised you the most about blogging? Before I blogged, I had no idea how vast the blogging world really is. I thought that blogging was for moms, crafters and political enthusiasts. I never knew that someone like me would fit in so well. I didn't know that this whole other culture existed. I didn't know about giveaways or sponsors or even guest blogging. Getting to know bloggers from all over the world has been a great experience, and I still find myself being surprised at just how many blogs there are out there.

Behind The Blog: Diligent Joy

Today, we get to go behind-the-scenes with Abby. She's a woman of many things: Mother, wife, pen pal ( she's had one for almost 20 y...

8:33 AM

Behind The Blog: Because of Madalene

Christina of <a href="http://becauseofmadalene.blogspot.com/">Because of Madalene</a> is a woman after my own heart. As she says, her family and friends have always called her an "old soul" for her love of scrapbooking, crocheting and playing Bunco. Check out her story, and as always, I'd love to feature you and your blog, so feel free to email me (mellow1422 [at] aol)... Quick facts Name...Christina Birthday...January 3 Where are you from...Southern California Three words that describe me...Passionate, methodical and artsy Occupation...Retail manager Blog...<a href="http://becauseofmadalene.blogspot.com/">Because of Madalene</a> When did you start your blog...October 2011 <div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7189/6815641886_c3edf5d7d0.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7189/6815641886_c3edf5d7d0.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 453px;" /></a>What inspired you to start a blog? It was a good excuse to get back into the artsy side of life that I lost touch with simply due to life getting in the way. And it turned into something so much more! Dedicating this open-book diary to my Great Grandmother Madalene inspired me to not lose sight of the things that really matter...like good food, family and fun hobbies! What do you love the most about blogging? Does anything about it stress you out? Due to all the family recipes and stories I've shared on the blog, I adore the deeper connection it has allowed me to have with my loved ones. It often triggers old memories from my mom that I am so excited to learn and share through the blog. Blogging is a full time job! Wanting to stay dedicated, it sometimes can be stressful to find time to blog every day, especially since I already have a full-time job and a busy life. If you had to describe your blog in one sentence, what would you say <a href="http://becauseofmadalene.blogspot.com/">Because of Madalene</a> is a blog about family history, delicious food, fun crafts and life lessons. What has blogging taught you? It has taught me how much potential I have to explore other creative avenues in life, like writing and cooking. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK7ZA33RIM9MqOt_46ts_aWYqrrAy1eAHWqcQEu_k6QBnFsljcJ9xwKgxjUMwoGlucTNT7OVYcXl1yu9bN573LI8S2d3AVnQSrY9l6ZhO2SEvGpZXZwaTThjzwSPofiFxrFFGZE-5pEEc/s1600/a2.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717165211583589666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK7ZA33RIM9MqOt_46ts_aWYqrrAy1eAHWqcQEu_k6QBnFsljcJ9xwKgxjUMwoGlucTNT7OVYcXl1yu9bN573LI8S2d3AVnQSrY9l6ZhO2SEvGpZXZwaTThjzwSPofiFxrFFGZE-5pEEc/s400/a2.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a>(Christina with her my mom, sister and nephew) What advice do you have for new bloggers? Keep it up! Stay dedicated and loyal to your blog. If you are committed, only good things can follow. Where do you see yourself and your blog in 5 years? I plan to continue to share my family stories and recipes, but also hope the love I've found in blogging can lead me into a creative career I adore doing. What has surprised you the most about blogging? I never realized how ginormous the blogging community is. I've learned so much from others about their thoughts on life and experiences. It really has opened my eyes to a different networking world that I've unexpectedly come to love.

Behind The Blog: Because of Madalene

Christina of Because of Madalene is a woman after my own heart. As she says, her family and friends have always called her an "old sou...

8:08 AM

Blog redesign: The official unveiling

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicw15wlISu0kNrGlKqxxlLEseC5kYrkqY5PaCy0nc58Z_ZwMDdQmTEHaQTLLA9lkIj8fc_aenXqbtmHDBXZ7-18aesGv2S0PKE3M-BhAeIyFRyvS23wUVlfiEcwKwYIoZ8jz8IJceaBPg/s1600/blog.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698694561966862050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicw15wlISu0kNrGlKqxxlLEseC5kYrkqY5PaCy0nc58Z_ZwMDdQmTEHaQTLLA9lkIj8fc_aenXqbtmHDBXZ7-18aesGv2S0PKE3M-BhAeIyFRyvS23wUVlfiEcwKwYIoZ8jz8IJceaBPg/s400/blog.png" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 141px;" /></a>This afternoon, I am so excited to officially unveil my new blog design. For the last month, I've been working with Heather of Viva La Violette. She's been helping me transform my vision for So About What I Said, and I'm in love with the way everything turned out. I was going for a fresh, crisp, clean and modern look...what do you think, friends? Some important things to bring to your attention... *You can now follow So About What I Said on <a href="http://facebook.com/soaboutwhatisaid">Facebook</a>. *You can now see my pretty finds on <a href="http://pinterest.com/melissablake/">Pinterest</a>. *You can always follow me on <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/melissablake">Twitter</a>. With the new blog design, I thought it would be the perfect time to look back over the past year... <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1oWZ4D54yVO40yaO6Nz2Cj6bp2NEsIYcJSv8LAIgBiDPi3g7i0Y8KzrWCQoQBosJNQBIRUN7-jT8QJbiDF7sApSs3I_wPwR6wj0UnFsidy6Q8JrJApo5Q2-tHSBxrcSZ7kHmoG4gvXcE/s1600/aa.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698685844058582562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1oWZ4D54yVO40yaO6Nz2Cj6bp2NEsIYcJSv8LAIgBiDPi3g7i0Y8KzrWCQoQBosJNQBIRUN7-jT8QJbiDF7sApSs3I_wPwR6wj0UnFsidy6Q8JrJApo5Q2-tHSBxrcSZ7kHmoG4gvXcE/s400/aa.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwF-euhSwPn1Wsz3bwwol3wVqEK1S_zVv_imTfSb0BAic2zUkS3FXRXjeebZ83AnDarZAC9ptCMrn0JxMtN5p11XzpBR3tAbERBMHX1QSo-JhSG0GZqe_7Lp6gsVW2dYovVYSU2cWvdU/s1600/aa2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698685844607299282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwF-euhSwPn1Wsz3bwwol3wVqEK1S_zVv_imTfSb0BAic2zUkS3FXRXjeebZ83AnDarZAC9ptCMrn0JxMtN5p11XzpBR3tAbERBMHX1QSo-JhSG0GZqe_7Lp6gsVW2dYovVYSU2cWvdU/s400/aa2.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" /></a>I surpassed 100 <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/Letters%20to%20my%20future%20husband">Letters To My Future Husband</a>, and discussed everything from my <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/09/letters-to-my-future-husband-letter-134.html">high-strung nature</a> to <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/11/letters-to-my-future-husband-letter-142.html">that one moment</a> when I realize I am head-over-heels in love with Mr. Melissa Blake. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoVf_yTGZoYX8vc0yRncGyOfibQQ8BTAs2uxHMP5tRJE8zTMLHAn8ezXbCOavspbsPv4MCtua2z07IBvfV2wYUt-f4MhlJ9LIGnjoJWp3Z0En1yDuJ0hBIIp5yFNknMq5EDq87K95bw1k/s1600/aa4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698685840083217458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoVf_yTGZoYX8vc0yRncGyOfibQQ8BTAs2uxHMP5tRJE8zTMLHAn8ezXbCOavspbsPv4MCtua2z07IBvfV2wYUt-f4MhlJ9LIGnjoJWp3Z0En1yDuJ0hBIIp5yFNknMq5EDq87K95bw1k/s400/aa4.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a>We chatted and mused over <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/Love%20Lounge">Love Lounge</a> topics, like <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/09/love-lounge-do-you-believe-in-fate.html">believing in fate</a>, <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/09/love-lounge-what-do-you-love-about.html">what we love about being single</a> and the <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/09/love-lounge-upside-of-unrequited-love.html">upside of unrequited love</a>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIF3pYtdfRBHjPac2BZcJjb-muvez8rE01SQeGtlUttDj9ovyJtvSSXXxDMhq8WQWHYvl2UYXCcc_vMbsN0mX5YaHukaW5bdkQKa12ii-xrHiK4nQ9Uexk_0C-GFbhPOXym72o7KDMQ00/s1600/aa3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698685839896770050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIF3pYtdfRBHjPac2BZcJjb-muvez8rE01SQeGtlUttDj9ovyJtvSSXXxDMhq8WQWHYvl2UYXCcc_vMbsN0mX5YaHukaW5bdkQKa12ii-xrHiK4nQ9Uexk_0C-GFbhPOXym72o7KDMQ00/s400/aa3.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 270px;" /></a>We schooled those silly boys with each <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/Memo%20To%20Men">MEMO TO MEN</a>, covering topics like <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/12/memo-to-men-your-cheating-heart.html">the dangers of a cheating heart</a>, <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/11/memo-to-men-assertive-women-rock.html">assertive women</a>, <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/11/memo-to-men-curse-of-nice-guys.html">the curse of nice guys</a> and a little thing known as <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/10/memo-to-men-little-thing-called-r-e-s-p.html">R-E-S-P-E-C-T</a>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPr54fpgg0CwbqRlYVuAJTPlphMLUIvCS7yiZC2uLx4mOxq46ZmMrh2v_wpYuPq3W58Nv0KgCxFLVV08my0e-UhVByoNRP-evkREmU_vk82XIdLP7x9XKYbGkSM95K1EM3oZlTorcTio/s1600/aa8.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698685125641382338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPr54fpgg0CwbqRlYVuAJTPlphMLUIvCS7yiZC2uLx4mOxq46ZmMrh2v_wpYuPq3W58Nv0KgCxFLVV08my0e-UhVByoNRP-evkREmU_vk82XIdLP7x9XKYbGkSM95K1EM3oZlTorcTio/s400/aa8.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 279px;" /></a><a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/childhood%20week">Childhood favorites</a>, like <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/10/childhood-toys-and-games.html">board games</a>, <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/12/adorable-stuffed-animals.html">stuffed animals</a>, <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/10/do-you-have-nicknames-for-your-siblings.html">sibling nicknames</a> and <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/10/what-were-your-favorite-television.html">television shows</a>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8mBaBHI_EYRiOLLFAAx7_ZSjLAeZl11UtYEUf4e8KqXlUu7mMJ_3p5g1dYbAOVuYQ8qqefRZV8YEnhAT_jOcRHAx-GkafEme2a81cltyHgB4DDJlUN40CB9FISTUwTXQ32s_VIVWtVh0/s1600/aa9.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698685126196879842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8mBaBHI_EYRiOLLFAAx7_ZSjLAeZl11UtYEUf4e8KqXlUu7mMJ_3p5g1dYbAOVuYQ8qqefRZV8YEnhAT_jOcRHAx-GkafEme2a81cltyHgB4DDJlUN40CB9FISTUwTXQ32s_VIVWtVh0/s400/aa9.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a>I used <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/daily%20affirmation">Daily Affirmations</a> -- like my love of the <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/07/daily-affirmation-41.html">Beatles</a> -- to combat my depression. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYTg3W9C50YD3U_Wh_ND9cOJULkIl5YZ1jGiYwGz9ml8LMLfrYS5YpvBNuZUEm8jxEkBx_PgCZsCZsaAKrsBFX-YjdmuUO32CBZUwDQRMUNIyj7zVcZYEKl6Ck3xsyioALmFn4X4QuyIE/s1600/aa10.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698685125220205330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYTg3W9C50YD3U_Wh_ND9cOJULkIl5YZ1jGiYwGz9ml8LMLfrYS5YpvBNuZUEm8jxEkBx_PgCZsCZsaAKrsBFX-YjdmuUO32CBZUwDQRMUNIyj7zVcZYEKl6Ck3xsyioALmFn4X4QuyIE/s400/aa10.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 238px;" /></a><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5314/5915754102_e3594d517f_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5314/5915754102_e3594d517f_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 602px;" /></a>We oohed and ahhed over <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/dream%20home">Dream Homes</a>, like <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/09/dream-home-nantucket-cottage.html">Nantucket cottages</a>, <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/08/glass-tree-globes.html\">glass tree globes</a>, <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/09/dream-home-framed-butterflies.html">framed butterflies</a>, <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/07/dream-home-secret-passages.html">secret passages</a> and a house with an <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/06/dream-home-indoor-pool.html">indoor pool</a>! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWxSTCFP3Abe9jVOrGnP8qStqw2JKy6JQKipS9136HWpwxlu09ssTzExxwQR_lwdYjHmIEM1CK4v_OuEiDuP0_xnYotdVK7jEwx81Wu67sPUym-x7Aq798e0ktA2Mprg6q1Gp9SjfYKo/s1600/aa11.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698684311229015570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWxSTCFP3Abe9jVOrGnP8qStqw2JKy6JQKipS9136HWpwxlu09ssTzExxwQR_lwdYjHmIEM1CK4v_OuEiDuP0_xnYotdVK7jEwx81Wu67sPUym-x7Aq798e0ktA2Mprg6q1Gp9SjfYKo/s400/aa11.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6576wB2TyU6FuV0yKcmY-SrebXKZ49dPQJFJyCwXhBcqH5xKSmX3dHx-oYAihRm0TWIVO7L8AJBJInR7nA5BXDIXK0moLQnFnR-ZzcXILIcvY6U8YQbVY07Le3Pcw1V7L7N9BXF05gNE/s1600/aa3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698692324416073858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6576wB2TyU6FuV0yKcmY-SrebXKZ49dPQJFJyCwXhBcqH5xKSmX3dHx-oYAihRm0TWIVO7L8AJBJInR7nA5BXDIXK0moLQnFnR-ZzcXILIcvY6U8YQbVY07Le3Pcw1V7L7N9BXF05gNE/s400/aa3.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 263px;" /></a><a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/dream%20vacation">Dream Vacations</a>, like <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/09/dream-vacation-san-francisco-fog.html">San Francisco</a>, the <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/11/dream-vacation-tunnel-of-lights.html">Tunnel of Lights</a>, <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/10/dream-vacation-reading-hotels.html">reading hotels</a>, <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/07/dream-vacation-clifftop-towns.html">clifftop towns</a> and <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/06/airport-bars.html">airport bars</a>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHEhUgCNn-xj7vF0V0OfbcF-jM94aZ1oTVupiAhN841vHE5sHk1TNJELlLl3gFBPctgC-JmuQZbGmqzQwGh3ev8u9DrN1myiKLqdMFQlMmecCOlpU66vUuOh3DShsh28AwREDaPjUHzM/s1600/aa12.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698684312939570242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHEhUgCNn-xj7vF0V0OfbcF-jM94aZ1oTVupiAhN841vHE5sHk1TNJELlLl3gFBPctgC-JmuQZbGmqzQwGh3ev8u9DrN1myiKLqdMFQlMmecCOlpU66vUuOh3DShsh28AwREDaPjUHzM/s400/aa12.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrs78Cnebi-hpmUz6OnrDbtLgPwEBlD6j3J2_R0wm8e2BoXFI9El3XeUPzRHMu5svTvQ8iS2pNy6dvv7hZYott4E3FHKu4_PpBbpVYn9-_MFHj9-5g2r7kduFCJ6iRUPwUA7Sqkw4hfrg/s1600/a13.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698692333393366306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrs78Cnebi-hpmUz6OnrDbtLgPwEBlD6j3J2_R0wm8e2BoXFI9El3XeUPzRHMu5svTvQ8iS2pNy6dvv7hZYott4E3FHKu4_PpBbpVYn9-_MFHj9-5g2r7kduFCJ6iRUPwUA7Sqkw4hfrg/s400/a13.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 374px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-jGse_k2o2nXppGYSLBCprkcEFDrTSUAlCpaB16sMyB2GVn80fBLiiEeGzoPRm-r6iNrpwHmIeKm_YVPstRa9wL8S_zbsCJqqCYgVeqGcUIgMMdoI4bWfh7RPoRlDqXXjQuiWkrBmUxQ/s1600/aa2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698692325115539746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-jGse_k2o2nXppGYSLBCprkcEFDrTSUAlCpaB16sMyB2GVn80fBLiiEeGzoPRm-r6iNrpwHmIeKm_YVPstRa9wL8S_zbsCJqqCYgVeqGcUIgMMdoI4bWfh7RPoRlDqXXjQuiWkrBmUxQ/s400/aa2.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 364px;" /></a>We got our shopping on with amazing <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/etsy%20love">Etsy finds</a>, like <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/09/etsy-love-miniature-car.html">miniature cars</a>, <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/08/etsy-love-state-prints.html">state prints</a> and <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/08/etsy-love-dogs-wearing-bowties.html">dogs wearing bowties</a>. <div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6195/6080560691_f06afe1374_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6195/6080560691_f06afe1374_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 517px;" /></a><div align="center"> </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPUhKMstrhCOmZvj_1Bxp3JmnSS_5DsTrLejKGGgIcpooo0G6qouymzSMBa369opz0unD5kndQacFiDf2Hnw3owbYsKD2IwH-NAolmIXZ1glbylhgPVNPjOR-IXbIMMS56Q9EwR_Xofs/s1600/aa15.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698684309303822306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPUhKMstrhCOmZvj_1Bxp3JmnSS_5DsTrLejKGGgIcpooo0G6qouymzSMBa369opz0unD5kndQacFiDf2Hnw3owbYsKD2IwH-NAolmIXZ1glbylhgPVNPjOR-IXbIMMS56Q9EwR_Xofs/s400/aa15.png" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" /></a><div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7029/6597493745_faa3ce2937_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7029/6597493745_faa3ce2937_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 480px;" /></a><a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/fashion">Fashion</a>, like <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/08/fashion-friday-flowers-in-your-hair.html">flowers in your hair</a>, <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/10/lets-talk-glasses.html">glasses</a>, <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/09/do-you-have-tattoo.html">tattoos</a> and <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/12/fashion-friday-new-years-eve-style.html">sparkly holiday shoes</a>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhppO8GlLenhCJf5ecZqAn93pWmyjCTogK1NVQNHhVgZeo4hTa3KTLD_neqcQQb78jAQG15LWg_wHJE3VF06GASHYLwD8IsrhfaLuFLwfp00oSDRzFhyKYDT0qEgLR7YTwwY5HODwk0I/s1600/aa.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698698310658878994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhppO8GlLenhCJf5ecZqAn93pWmyjCTogK1NVQNHhVgZeo4hTa3KTLD_neqcQQb78jAQG15LWg_wHJE3VF06GASHYLwD8IsrhfaLuFLwfp00oSDRzFhyKYDT0qEgLR7YTwwY5HODwk0I/s400/aa.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 286px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbzKoyTVAS1CwDC0T2ueBAkhRhVBHGMriX1CtsC5b7c3gqN_DiRE45cqevo1T_Ecl8zqsv-INtYL_DAFFs6YlaSVi8-Qov-e3evoyb2Hzz-AzhDTKmdQ1SLvqTDg1iDr_aHEPHmH1i7pw/s1600/aa2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698698311669836274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbzKoyTVAS1CwDC0T2ueBAkhRhVBHGMriX1CtsC5b7c3gqN_DiRE45cqevo1T_Ecl8zqsv-INtYL_DAFFs6YlaSVi8-Qov-e3evoyb2Hzz-AzhDTKmdQ1SLvqTDg1iDr_aHEPHmH1i7pw/s400/aa2.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" /></a>Awesome <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/design">design</a>, like <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/10/minnesota-lakes-logos.html">lake logos</a>, <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/10/wedding-invitations.html">wedding invitations</a>, <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/07/typography-love.html">typography</a>, <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/06/geography-magnets.html">geography magnets</a>, <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/09/missed-connections-art.html">Missed Connections</a> and <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/11/holiday-cards.html">holiday cards</a>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRS_MVTtNE75q6xF7deHN03vsKXfSTQzTfUo1YB7LAsJQVmBlog1mkH8yz_IDq0Fz-kt2ltLOXiMbT5cAUXFDnkEI6m-8qVvEonX-IhOjkf_enrvJ50_raEMI9swa3u7XIeEW520W6cc8/s1600/aa4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698692321773335266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRS_MVTtNE75q6xF7deHN03vsKXfSTQzTfUo1YB7LAsJQVmBlog1mkH8yz_IDq0Fz-kt2ltLOXiMbT5cAUXFDnkEI6m-8qVvEonX-IhOjkf_enrvJ50_raEMI9swa3u7XIeEW520W6cc8/s400/aa4.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 362px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGn6lQEXfPZie1R2HIV6Q1YvvH0sTh_i8QFWvwOCwmZufQN-CEq55T_G_B8UXnjwspyJWVTIDc5wpPn1OCSBHP7xJR6dtLe4pObI9mVTxqXfKGCNQsS41wVa5EnOjQIcH2MeIef9Vz2k/s1600/aa5.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698692319468616962" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGn6lQEXfPZie1R2HIV6Q1YvvH0sTh_i8QFWvwOCwmZufQN-CEq55T_G_B8UXnjwspyJWVTIDc5wpPn1OCSBHP7xJR6dtLe4pObI9mVTxqXfKGCNQsS41wVa5EnOjQIcH2MeIef9Vz2k/s400/aa5.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a>We enjoyed <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/food">food</a> virtually, like <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/09/pumpkin-pie-bars.html">pumpkin pie bars</a>, <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/09/girl-scout-cookies.html">Girl Scout cookies</a> and <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/10/smores-in-jar.html">s'mores in a jar</a>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh63RlQD7RFmzIKzpxGNPAyvN60GafZsr2EUd8qay-rXOLcQWfFyLSDZZ10QohAiPb1DaL4umo6hBVtAdyRaIxaXHXdMYTWyYkD7xCn5vCp2fLpWg01E3dhpgOKCLRI4TUUy2E6HX2hInk/s1600/aa17.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698684302204534498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh63RlQD7RFmzIKzpxGNPAyvN60GafZsr2EUd8qay-rXOLcQWfFyLSDZZ10QohAiPb1DaL4umo6hBVtAdyRaIxaXHXdMYTWyYkD7xCn5vCp2fLpWg01E3dhpgOKCLRI4TUUy2E6HX2hInk/s400/aa17.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMAEqMDv48mmIfycPoHY6j-hs32MS68VXzVWCNHE1sakNa4dFDKRJO5PEvBnOxl8V8TgYkabxKkn8elBlVG3uHhXEqCTVZD-hZgd0rLogms1v2HqFBZfE4jAIpQK1LEZ5h6IA4CUjOjU/s1600/aa18.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698684303530677778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMAEqMDv48mmIfycPoHY6j-hs32MS68VXzVWCNHE1sakNa4dFDKRJO5PEvBnOxl8V8TgYkabxKkn8elBlVG3uHhXEqCTVZD-hZgd0rLogms1v2HqFBZfE4jAIpQK1LEZ5h6IA4CUjOjU/s400/aa18.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 368px;" /></a>We fell in love with all things <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/Weddings">wedding</a>, like this <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/09/swedish-wedding.html">Swedish wedding</a>, this <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/10/zipline-bride.html">zipline bride</a>, <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/06/retro-bridal-portraits.html">retro bridal portraits</a> and <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/07/engagement-rings.html">engagement rings</a>. <div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6011/6009270538_7725bb9eb7_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6011/6009270538_7725bb9eb7_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 533px;" /></a>I celebrated my <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/08/my-30th-birthday.html">30th birthday</a> in August with a wonderful <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/08/birthday-photos.html">surprise party</a> (Thanks, Mom...)! And of course, I wrote about my <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/Disability">life with a physical disability</a>. We also enjoyed the seasons with <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/fall%20fashion%20trends%202011">Fall Fashion Trends</a> and the <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/Holiday%20gift%20guide%202011">Holiday Gift Guide 2011</a>. And toward the end of the year, I launched several new series, including <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/behind%20the%20blog">Behind The Blog</a>, <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/fashion%20friday">Fashion Friday</a>, <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/would%20you%20rather">Would You Rather</a> and <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/peek%20inside">Peek Inside</a>. Whew! Looking back, it's been a busy year, hasn't it, friends? I'm so excited about what's ahead in 2012, aren't you? And I'm especially excited to share it with you...my wonderful, amazing, fantastic, strong readers! I've loved getting to know you! xoxo P.S. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the new blog design, too! :)

Blog redesign: The official unveiling

This afternoon, I am so excited to officially unveil my new blog design. For the last month, I've been working with Heather of Viva La ...

12:20 PM

Behind The Blog: My Saving Grace

Today, friends, we get to know Grace, who reminds me a lot of myself when I was 20. She's a fantastic writer, and, like, me, isn't afraid to admit that she is a bit socially awkward. Check out her story, and as always, I'd love to feature you and your blog, so feel free to email me (mellow1422 [at] aol)... Quick facts Name...Grace Dale Martin Birthday...May 8th Where are you from...Illinois Word that describes me...Loyal Occupation...Copy Editor Blog...<a href="http://www.emmygmartin.blogspot.com/">My Saving Grace</a> When did you start your blog...September 2011 <div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7150/6704264511_6fa3a6185e_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7150/6704264511_6fa3a6185e_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 533px;" /></a>What inspired you to start a blog? I have always enjoyed writing, but lately it had been losing some of its sparkle. Why write if no one is ever going to read it? So I joined the school paper, where I met Melissa and <a href="http://www.jhaish.blogspot.com/">Jessi</a>, who are both amazing bloggers themselves. When I started second semester of working on the paper, they started in with the, "You should get a blog!" They finally convinced me to start, and now that I've started, I'm addicted. What do you love the most about blogging? Does anything about it stress you out? I love seeing the number of page views go up. It really means a lot to me that someone, anyone, is looking at my blog and the things that I write and the pictures that I post. I also love that not all of my views come from the United States and that it isn't just friends and family looking at my blog. I have people from several different countries looking at my blog. I'm always stressed about what I'm going to write about next. I don't know if I'm quite comfortable yet saying exactly what I think or how I feel. I know that I'm always stressed about trying to make the grammar and punctuation completely error-free. I know that all of this will get easier as time goes on. After all, it has only been a few months. If you had to describe your blog in one sentence, what would you say My blog is completely random. I'm still trying to find exactly what it is that I want7 to share. <div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7022/6704264489_66f360b957_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7022/6704264489_66f360b957_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 600px;" /></a>What has blogging taught you? It shows me just how much growing I have to do as a writer. When I read finished blog posts, I always find ways that I could have made them better. I never thought that blogging would take so much forethought and effort. I find myself working really hard to come up with the right thing to say. What advice do you have for new bloggers? Don't be afraid to start! I was, and now I can't imagine not blogging! Where do you see yourself and your blog in 5 years? I hope that I can be more open and honest in my blog about what I think. I think that my blog will help me feel more secure and open with my own opinions, and that it will help me figure out who I am. What has surprised you the most about blogging? How much work and thought I've put into it! Now that I have a blog, I constantly think about what I'm going to blog about. Or I'm composing blogs in my head about ideas that I've already had. I keep lists! Blogging is crazy-addicting.

Behind The Blog: My Saving Grace

Today, friends, we get to know Grace, who reminds me a lot of myself when I was 20. She's a fantastic writer, and, like, me, isn't a...

11:00 AM

Behind The Blog: That's What She Said

Friends, today we get to know Kathy, a self-proclaimed animal lover and Harry Potter enthusiast who will talk your ear off about both subjects. As she says, "I'm a total nerd and proud of it. I love math." Check out her tale, and as always, I'd love to feature you and your blog, so feel free to email me (mellow1422 [at] aol)... Quick facts Name...Kathy Schneider Birthday...February 23 Where are you from...Maryland 3 words that describe you...Nerdy, Excitable, Loyal Occupation...I'm currently looking for a job. Blog: <a href="http://www.katherinehschneider.com">That's What She Said</a> When did you start your blog...May 2011 <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hvbZr54UFGn35X-iwEsrlTKkq8orxt-IHqGi5So1aKXbL0WP_3HBUgOADjTvMTP3Eebb170PqWwp4W_vQh2FqiCCqBrgr5xO00J-r26cRtz4-2RtjonS1d0L1TOTFek9sZXWV0XclB2n/s1600/aa.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690512426018653986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hvbZr54UFGn35X-iwEsrlTKkq8orxt-IHqGi5So1aKXbL0WP_3HBUgOADjTvMTP3Eebb170PqWwp4W_vQh2FqiCCqBrgr5xO00J-r26cRtz4-2RtjonS1d0L1TOTFek9sZXWV0XclB2n/s400/aa.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a>What inspired you to start a blog? I initially started a blog as a place for me to share what I was up to and what I was thinking with friends and family that I don't get to see that often. I love writing, so this became a great place for me to express myself. What do you love the most about blogging? Does anything about it stress you out? I love having an outlet to express myself and new friends from around the world. Blogging doesn't really stress me out, although sometimes it can be frustrating when I really want to blog about something in my life, but can't because I know that the people I want to complain about might be reading it. If you had to describe your blog in one sentence, what would you say Kathy talks about reading, writing, Harry Potter, animals, her family and life in general. What has blogging taught you? I have met so many wonderful people through blogging that like me for who I am, so I've learned that I don't have to put up with the people in my life who won't accept me unless I change for them. I like who I am more than I ever have, and I have all my blogging friends to thank for that. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZG9bsyoLx50LLSTdLm35uRAuI111m6SGz35jAxbxD5gjpNbWLHCamQR4LxyOC7J9Onj-Y33874z7WHmCtfLETpzT-3R3QvhjSmtXX0E0uu-Vtk5QXsAQ3zg74c_CuvDJsPCkPZi63AfG/s1600/aa2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690512418524718514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZG9bsyoLx50LLSTdLm35uRAuI111m6SGz35jAxbxD5gjpNbWLHCamQR4LxyOC7J9Onj-Y33874z7WHmCtfLETpzT-3R3QvhjSmtXX0E0uu-Vtk5QXsAQ3zg74c_CuvDJsPCkPZi63AfG/s400/aa2.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a>What advice do you have for new bloggers? Write about what you want to write about. If you just write about things that you think will make your blog popular, you won't get much out of it. And don't be afraid to comment. When I started, I was always nervous about commenting for the first time on someone's blog because I was afraid they would be like, "Who the heck is this person?", but I've never actually met a blogger who was ever upset about getting a comment from a new commenter. Where do you see yourself and your blog in 5 years? I honestly have no idea. I'm sure I'll still be blogging about books and TV shows and Harry Potter and my family. Although by then, I assume my family will include some children of my own. What has surprised you the most about blogging? How wonderful the blogging community is. I've never met a group of people who are more accepting and caring. When I started blogging, it was for my family. I never expected to make so many friends through blogging, but I am so happy that I did. P.S. Want to discover more awesome blogs? Catch up on all the <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/search/label/behind%20the%20blog">Behind The Blog</a> interviews! :)

Behind The Blog: That's What She Said

Friends, today we get to know Kathy, a self-proclaimed animal lover and Harry Potter enthusiast who will talk your ear off about both subjec...

11:00 AM

Behind The Blog: I Look Good Today

You might remember the lovely Jamie when she <a href="http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2011/08/guest-post-husband-friend-and-soulmate.html">guest posted</a> over the summer. She's giving us an even bigger look into her life and blog today. I hope you enjoy it, and as always, I'd love to feature you and your blog, so feel free to email me (mellow1422 [at] aol)... Quick facts Name...Jamie Birthday...April 24 Where are you from...Tampa, Florida 3 words that describe you...Positive, driven and compassionate Occupation...Public Relations Specialist Blog: <a href="http://ilookgoodtoday.com">I Look Good Today</a> When did you start your blog...April 12, 2011 <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOq9e0gL0xHawC6Na97f6X6tX2ds3cWgMfM4yGbeutlW-yO9q825GJkoQPTxEtVSS6RTOoAxIheWH6DORj6my4GQ4_Msr_y3nCK43gYu5Yn5PG8C15Jh0tM0vsjxRHEgB4_imOoOwyRNr/s1600/01.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683806158950635954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOq9e0gL0xHawC6Na97f6X6tX2ds3cWgMfM4yGbeutlW-yO9q825GJkoQPTxEtVSS6RTOoAxIheWH6DORj6my4GQ4_Msr_y3nCK43gYu5Yn5PG8C15Jh0tM0vsjxRHEgB4_imOoOwyRNr/s400/01.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a>What inspired you to start a blog? There are a number of reasons that I started <a href="http://ilookgoodtoday.com">I Look Good Today</a>. For years I have been an avid blog follower. I kept thinking to myself, “I can do that.” Probably the biggest reason, though, for me is that I wanted to connect with people. I wanted them to see that just because you might have a physical disability doesn’t mean you cannot accomplish your dreams. I wanted to be an inspiration to people to never give up. I want my readers to think, “Hey, if she can do it, so can I!” What do you love the most about blogging? Does anything about it stress you out? I love getting to interact with so many wonderful people that I would have never had the chance to meet if it were not for my blog. I especially love it when I get an email from a reader telling me that something that I wrote really resonated with them. It’s all about making that connection! If you had to describe your blog in one sentence, what would you say? If you are a lover of fashion, makeup, decorating and food and feel empowered when you leave, then this is the blog for you! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJYoTsK3HwoZPayf3HIAkWwaJle75Li1VZI6AMyR3lFDs7UdSWEZtTjx3ClQjwDu4eyl4t9BZvPAj-LnTJxC72xzvjkSThOZk4ZhdF-DY4s2_jiQto7kO3SktRL50o1qcTUL40NtoAcX_/s1600/02.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683806153399361378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJYoTsK3HwoZPayf3HIAkWwaJle75Li1VZI6AMyR3lFDs7UdSWEZtTjx3ClQjwDu4eyl4t9BZvPAj-LnTJxC72xzvjkSThOZk4ZhdF-DY4s2_jiQto7kO3SktRL50o1qcTUL40NtoAcX_/s400/02.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a>What has blogging taught you? I have heard and read this from so many bloggers, but it is so true...being yourself is the key. Your readers want to get to know you. It is amazing how you can really touch people’s lives by just being yourself! What advice do you have for new bloggers? Don’t worry about the numbers. Initially, I worried about how many followers I had. I judged the success of my blog with how many people signed up to follow it. In time, they will come. The most important thing about blogging is to enjoy it. Where do you see yourself and your blog in 5 years? Five years is a long time away. I know there will be many new and exciting adventures awaiting me, and I can’t wait to take my blog and its followers along for the ride. I’m hoping to actually have the I Look Good Today book out on shelves for my followers to connect even more with me. What has surprised you the most about blogging? People’s comments. I never expected to get the kind of response I have from my followers. With every new comment I get, my excitement for blogging builds. I love each and every one!

Behind The Blog: I Look Good Today

You might remember the lovely Jamie when she guest posted over the summer. She's giving us an even bigger look into her life and blog t...

10:45 AM

Behind The Blog: The Dandy Bohemian

Friends, we've got a double dose of blog goodness this week! Today, we get the inside scoop from Wendy, an East coast gal who has an eye for vintage and is a self-proclaimed incurable romantic. Ahhh, a girl after my own heart! Check out her tale, and as always, I'd love to feature you and your blog, so feel free to email me (mellow1422 [at] aol)... Quick facts Name...Wendy Birthday...October 30 Where are you from...Born in New Jersey, reside in Florida (dream of moving to New York) 3 words that describe you...strong, flaky, positive Occupation...Owner of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MomsVintageFinds?ref=pr_shop">MOM's Vintage</a> on Etsy Blog: <a href="http://thedandybohemian.blogspot.com/">The Dandy Bohemian</a> When did you start your blog...September 1, 2009 What inspired you to start a blog? I started my first blog about 7 years ago on AOL after running across a featured blogger. I was so taken with how she shared her life in words and photos that I decided to start my own. What do you love the most about blogging? Does anything about it stress you out? Love the most: The creative outlet that blogging offers, inspiring people, the sense of community. Stresses me out: Mean comments (not to be confused with constructive comments). Personally, I haven't had to deal with any on my blog, but when I see them elsewhere it brings me down. If you had to describe your blog in one sentence, what would you say? <a href="http://thedandybohemian.blogspot.com/">The Dandy Bohemian</a> is a reflection of my love of clothes, design, food and good old-fashioned romance. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7aPxn8Way5QyUd-ilDiEOvCrUn3IQJRFIgwhNPym5rNGDGLDPG_YUClqq5ekcX13ddnSnL4_52wr8nSlBptJFr7c3Z6zfAw6k5l-T46n10UdarGHgevBn7yjwWDGnyU7Pc5TPbtvePha/s1600/01.bmp"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677861315088859202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7aPxn8Way5QyUd-ilDiEOvCrUn3IQJRFIgwhNPym5rNGDGLDPG_YUClqq5ekcX13ddnSnL4_52wr8nSlBptJFr7c3Z6zfAw6k5l-T46n10UdarGHgevBn7yjwWDGnyU7Pc5TPbtvePha/s400/01.bmp" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 302px;" /></a>What has blogging taught you? Wow, good question! Blogging has taught me the most important person I need to please concerning my blog is me. What advice do you have for new bloggers? Post about what you love. When visiting someone's blog, take the time to actually read what they've written. Where do you see yourself and your blog in 5 years? A blogging sensation. Joking...kind of. Seriously, I hope that in 5 years, my blog will be a reflection of my happiness and successes. What has surprised you the most about blogging? The friends I made through my very first blog. After all these years, happily, we are still a part of each other's lives.

Behind The Blog: The Dandy Bohemian

Friends, we've got a double dose of blog goodness this week! Today, we get the inside scoop from Wendy, an East coast gal who has an eye...

9:13 AM

Behind The Blog: Delighted Momma

Today, Lindsay takes us behind the scenes of Delighted Momma, her blog about her life and everything in it that makes her happy, especially being a wife and mother. Lindsay is one of the sweetest bloggers out there, and I hope you enjoy reading her story. And as always, I'd love to feature you and your blog, so feel free to email me (mellow1422 [at] aol)... Quick facts Name...Lindsay Birthday...August 9 Where are you from...Southern California 3 words that describe you...passionate, wife and mother Occupation...Esthetician Blog: <a href="www.delightedmomma.com">Delighted Momma</a> When did you start your blog...I started it in February 2011 <div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6112/6372657369_941c4a3f99_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6112/6372657369_941c4a3f99_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 470px;" /></a>What inspired you to start a blog? I have always been the type of person who has a million ideas going through my head at any given moment, and I wanted to have a place where I could share them. My hope was to inspire other women to feel confident that they could also create and do things that they may have never tried before. What do you love the most about blogging? Does anything about it stress you out? I love that it is a creative outlet that keeps my imagination young and constantly flowing. Hmmm, the only thing that stresses me out is sometimes there is not enough time in the day to do all that I would like to do with my blog. If you had to describe your blog in one sentence, what would you say? Empowering women and mothers to do it themselves. <div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6031/6372657387_b8d2c4d9a0_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6031/6372657387_b8d2c4d9a0_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 601px;" /></a>What has blogging taught you? That I am more creative than I thought I was! ;) What advice do you have for new bloggers? Do it for you and write about what makes YOU tick. Be authentic. Don't get caught up in numbers and how many people comment on your blog in the beginning. It takes time, and try to remember it is marathon not a sprint. Where do you see yourself and your blog in 5 years? I would hope my blog as well as my family will expand in the next 5 years which will provide new adventures that I will share with my readers. What has surprised you the most about blogging? How many other wonderful and inspiring women are out there..its unbelievable.

Behind The Blog: Delighted Momma

Today, Lindsay takes us behind the scenes of Delighted Momma, her blog about her life and everything in it that makes her happy, especially ...

8:30 AM

Behind The Blog: La Petite Choue

I first came across Kate's blog <a href="http://lapetitechoue.blogspot.com">La Petite Choue</a> a few months ago and immediately fell in love with it. Her eye for style, design and all things pretty is just so infectious that it jumps through the computer screen and makes me smile. Plus, she describes herself as a "roller-skater and ice-cream connoisseur." I'm sold! Enjoy the interview, and as always, I'd love to feature you and your wonderful blog, so feel free to email me (mellow1422 [at] aol)... Quick facts Name...Kate Sullivan Birthday...September 26, 1981 Where are you from...I grew up in a small fishing town on the water in Marblehead, MA. Occupation...I'm a theater director & producer by day, interior design and fashion enthusiast by night! Blog: <a href="http://lapetitechoue.blogspot.com/">La Petite Choue</a> When did you start your blog...I started my blog in May 2009 <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMHGrqzXd6YVwUhBz_r5p-0uBiSwUuKuVxMhkx5nDe9VSlhpu6j_r0rctNA9x4CeJC0Ew1vQ191jdc6rWn1VWlFlDuGThgnW7FzUkR5EVHkQgnXk0WS72Smw52_fmp3pRVSxGbCmFjNoz/s1600/01.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676012380039629778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMHGrqzXd6YVwUhBz_r5p-0uBiSwUuKuVxMhkx5nDe9VSlhpu6j_r0rctNA9x4CeJC0Ew1vQ191jdc6rWn1VWlFlDuGThgnW7FzUkR5EVHkQgnXk0WS72Smw52_fmp3pRVSxGbCmFjNoz/s400/01.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 270px;" /></a>What inspired you to start a blog? I started my blog because I was constantly emailing my friends bands they would like, songs they should listen to, recipes they should try, books they should read, decoration ideas they'd love. I decided to stop sending dozens of emails a day and just put all the cool stuff I was finding on the Internet onto one site and they could check it out when they felt like it! What do you love the most about blogging? Does anything about it stress you out? I love blogging because it allows me each day to be creative no matter what else I'm doing. I love sharing thoughtful messages, inspirational ideas and sources of creativity with others. I am so inspired by other blogs, and it feels good to contribute to the blog world! And I don't let it stress me out. My blog is for fun only; it's not a business. If there's a day I don't feel like posting, I don't force it. If you had to describe your blog in one sentence, what would you say? <a href="http://lapetitechoue.blogspot.com">La Petite Choue</a> is the creative space of Kate Sullivan; Francophile, roller-skater and ice-cream connoisseur. <div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6234/6353956193_96ea430a71_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6234/6353956193_96ea430a71_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 264px;" /></a>What has blogging taught you? Blogging has taught me a lot of things, things as simple as how to use Photoshop, how to put together a guest post for someone else, how much to post to keep myself fulfilled and happy and how much is too much. I've also met a lot of great people out there in blogland. And ultimately at the end of the day, if I'm ever feeling crappy, I find that reading others blogs or working on my own always makes me feel better. What advice do you have for new bloggers? My advice for new bloggers is to keep at it. People get discouraged when you don't have a lot of hits or followers at the beginning. But if you keep writing about what you are passionate about, others will keep reading. It does take time and patience, but hang in there! It gets better. Where do you see yourself and your blog in 5 years? I'm not sure where I see the blog in 5 years. It will be interesting to see how my taste has changed, though. I can't wait for that! What has surprised you the most about blogging? I think what surprised me most about blogging is how much hard work it is! Sometimes I post something that takes 5 minutes, but usually thoughtful blog posts can range from 45 minutes to a few hours. I've learned some shortcuts in the past few years, but it still can be challenging if my mind is not focused. Thanks so much for the great peek into your blog, Kate! xoxo

Behind The Blog: La Petite Choue

I first came across Kate's blog La Petite Choue a few months ago and immediately fell in love with it. Her eye for style, design and al...

11:20 AM

Behind The Blog: Sweet Posy Dreams

Today's story is from Lynette of <a href="http://sweetposydreams.blogspot.com/">Sweet Posy Dreams</a>. She's one of those bloggers that you can always turn to for inspiration, and like the name of her blog, she's as sweet as can be. Read on to learn more about her, and as always, I'd love to feature your story, so feel free to email me (mellow1422 [at] aol)... Quick facts Name...Lynette Birthday...November 13 Where are you from...I was born in Germany. My father was in the army. so we moved around some while I was growing up, but I am primarily a Southern girl. We lived in Tennessee and Georgia when I was in elementary school, then back to Germany. My father retired from the military when I was ready to start sixth grade. We moved back to Tennessee, where my mother was from, and lived in the hills outside Nashville. It was a beautiful place to grow up, with hills, woods and streams – a place where deer would occasionally graze in our yard. I moved to the Midwest to go to graduate school, left briefly to teach at North Carolina State University, returned to get married and settled down in Illinois. Three words that describe you...Cooperative yet stubborn. My family says I'm creative, quirky, kind, fun, funny and honest. I notice no one mentioned smart or beautiful or quick-witted. Hmmm. Sometimes I think the three words that describe me might be “hard to please.” Occupation...Freelance editor and writer Blog: <a href="http://sweetposydreams.blogspot.com/">Sweet Posy Dreams</a> When did you start your blog...I started my blog on August 26, 2011. <div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6055/6329068858_d2e771dd06_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6055/6329068858_d2e771dd06_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 434px;" /></a>What inspired you to start a blog? A number of things changed in my life this past summer. First, I lost a long-time editing client. When I say long-time, I mean a 20-year-client. I had done proofreading and editing for this large consulting firm for many years, sticking with them through two company mergers/acquisitions. I managed a pool of freelancers for the company, assigning and distributing work, creating invoices – in general, working as an unofficial, on-demand employee. Then the company decided to switch to a purely automated editing software. Boom. Goodbye, nice to have known you. Second, a member of my family was diagnosed with a very serious illness. This made me begin to take stock. What is really important? What are my goals? Third, we sold a home that had belonged to my husband’s uncle, and his grandparents before that. A piece of family history was lost, but we gained a truckload of family heirlooms that we don’t have room to keep. Again, this has been a catalyst to think about what is important. How important are material possessions? What possessions have value and why? My husband and I have always been sentimental about family possessions. We have an attic full of items from parents, grandparents and our own things and our kids’ childhood possessions. We realized that possessions can become a burden. Culling is in order! This led me to open a vintage shop on Etsy. What do you love the most about blogging? Does anything about it stress you out? I felt like I need to explore who I am and where I’m going. I think the blog helps me with this, but mostly it gives me a creative outlet, and in a funny way, is a spur to try new things and to do things. This comes, in part, from reading other women’s blogs. There are so many creative ideas out there! These women are amazing, and their stories can be inspiring and heart-breaking and funny and sometimes just mundane. But even when posts are mundane, they take me outside my own little world to a nationwide, worldwide world. Reading blogs helps open my eyes. And blogging really can begin to feel like a community of supportive and very interesting friends. If you had to describe your blog in one sentence, what would you say Sweet Posy Dreams is about an ordinary life and a woman trying to make the ordinary fun. What has blogging taught you? Blogging has taught me to look for the wonder and joy in the everyday. Blogging and reading blogs has taught me that our everyday lives are unique, and there is much to learn from others and a little to teach to others. <div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6045/6329081422_5870ced010_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6045/6329081422_5870ced010_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 512px;" /></a>What advice do you have for new bloggers? I don’t mean to sound like a Nike ad, but my advice to new bloggers is to just do it. Don’t worry about whether your blog looks “just right” or whether your photos are perfect. Read other blogs, learn from them, but just write and photograph what feels right to you. Enjoy your own blog, have fun with it and most likely others will enjoy it too. Where do you see yourself and your blog in 5 years? In five years, I hope I am still writing my blog and that it evolves as I grow and change. I hope in five years that I have a secure niche in the blogging world, and have increased my readership and the number of comments by readers. What has surprised you the most about blogging? I’ve been surprised by both how much fun blogging is and also by how difficult it sometimes is to think of something new to blog about! Happy early birthday, Lynette!!! Here's to a great day!! :)

Behind The Blog: Sweet Posy Dreams

Today's story is from Lynette of Sweet Posy Dreams . She's one of those bloggers that you can always turn to for inspiration, and li...

10:15 AM

Behind The Blog: Dancing Branflakes

Today's story is from Tiffany. Her blog <a href="http://dancingbranflakes.blogspot.com">Dancing Branflakes</a> was one of the first blogs I ever read, and her enthusiasm for life (and of course dancing!) shine through in every single post. She's the sort of bloggers you feel like you could have a cup of coffee with, and there would never be a lull in the conversation. I hope you enjoy getting to know her, and as always, I'd love to feature your story, so feel free to email me (mellow1422 [at] aol)... Quick facts Name... Dancing Branflake Birthday... July 17 Where are you from... California 3 words that describe me... Happy, determined, passionate Occupation... Dancer/Dance Teacher Blog... <a href="http://dancingbranflakes.blogspot.com/">Dancing Branflakes</a> When did you start your blog... I have no idea. I think maybe two years ago? Please add unorganized to my list of three words haha. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dBl27_ctyd09hvTQNTU-5bHLrHrvE8zfyDkUJC4183QnEPrqCqy7dn4lW2vcUo9oFOV-ZuiEceABjklZzGBpdXG5IK2avvq5hxCuM7dWhHAjRDuqtxeF3FYXZ2Lbt23Qi6f3ou8SyIhs/s1600/aa2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669830496638175474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dBl27_ctyd09hvTQNTU-5bHLrHrvE8zfyDkUJC4183QnEPrqCqy7dn4lW2vcUo9oFOV-ZuiEceABjklZzGBpdXG5IK2avvq5hxCuM7dWhHAjRDuqtxeF3FYXZ2Lbt23Qi6f3ou8SyIhs/s400/aa2.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" /></a>What inspired you to start a blog? I wanted to share my love of dance with others. I thought, "There must be tons of people who love dance and love hearing about dance, right?" So I started blogging about rehearsals and performances. I still do, but I found that just blogging about other things like food and style was a good way to show that although dancers love to dance, we are also passionate about everything else in our lives. It's a nice way to balance out the intensity of the dance world. What do you love the most about blogging? Does anything about it stress you out? I love that blogging can transport a person into another place. When people visit my blog, I want it to be a visceral experience where they can feel noticeably happier and inspired. It is a place for daydreamers. The only thing that stresses me out is if I feel like I've offended someone in some way. I want people to come to the blog and enjoy and not feel uncomfortable. If you had to describe your blog in one sentence, what would you say If you like dance, food and daydreaming, then you've come to the right place. <div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6114/6300373611_f4fe0b19b1_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6114/6300373611_f4fe0b19b1_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 482px;" /></a>What has blogging taught you? Not to be competitive. I am one of the most competitive people I know, but with the blog, I just learned that you can't be because then that takes the fun out of it. It's actually the one area in my life where I'm not trying to be the best but just trying to be me. What advice do you have for new bloggers? Have patience, and be nice. Where do you see yourself and your blog in 5 years? I have a lot of things on the horizon: life changes, challenges and new adventures. I plan on taking my blog and my wonderful followers on those new adventures with me. What has surprised you the most about blogging? I thrive on comments. I feel like I get to know people who are way more inspired and creative on a topic than I am. I learn more from comments about a post than I do from blogging about it myself. That's why I often leave a blog post with a question; the answers are always surprising! [Top photo by Susan Yee and bottom by Tom Huynh]

Behind The Blog: Dancing Branflakes

Today's story is from Tiffany. Her blog Dancing Branflakes was one of the first blogs I ever read, and her enthusiasm for life (and of ...

9:00 AM

Behind The Blog: The Musings of a Wannabe Star

Friends, today's story is from <a href="http://www.jhaish.blogspot.com/">Jessi</a>, one of my favorite young writers and bloggers. She wears her heart and opinions on her sleeve, something I find incredibly refreshing, and isn't afraid to not go with the crowd. I'd love to feature your story, so feel free to email me (mellow1422 [at] aol)... Quick facts: Name... Jessi Haish Birthday... December 2 Where I'm from... Illinois 3 words that describe me... Honest, Quirky, Loving Occupation... Movie theater manager Blog... <a href="http://www.jhaish.blogspot.com/">The Musings of a Wannabe Star</a> When did you start your blog... November 2009<div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6215/6273772577_585965ae9d_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6215/6273772577_585965ae9d_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 533px;" /></a>What inspired you to start a blog? Melissa did! I was just starting college, and she was my newspaper adviser. She knew how much I loved writing, so she showed me her blog (the first blog I ever read! ), and then pushed me to start my own. I'm so glad she did because I love it! What do you love the most about blogging? Does anything about it stress you out? I love being able to reach people with my writing. I love interacting with other bloggers - bouncing around ideas, giving advice, leaving comments... The only thing about it that really stresses me out are anonymous commenters. They aren't all bad, but sometimes they can be vicious! Once I was told by an anon that they hoped I would get hit by a drunk driver. It's crazy how tough people feel when they can hide behind anonymity. If you had to describe your blog in one sentence, what would you say? "Oops I overshared...again." My blog is a way for me to explore the journalism world that I want to break into, but at the same time, I can be very over-the-top honest. Sometimes it comes back to kick me in the butt, but I think it's always worth it to be honest. What has blogging taught you? Blogging has taught me that anyone can blog - literally anyone - but it takes a lot of dedication and hard work to actually keep it up. Blogging has also taught me a lot about myself. If I go back through old posts, I am constantly surprised about how much I have grown, not only as a writer, but as a person. <div align="center"> </div><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6117/6273771431_1a60376030_o.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6117/6273771431_1a60376030_o.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 533px;" /></a>What advice do you have for new bloggers? Don't give up. It may seem like you're talking to yourself, but someone is always reading. Be patient. It takes time to get your name and your blog out there. But don't stop. Someday, you'll be glad you kept working hard. I was blogging for a year and only had about 20 followers, then one day I was miraculously Blog of Note! Just keep trying, and you'll get there. Where do you see yourself and your blog in 5 years? In 5 years, I'll be done with college and hopefully working as a writer, whether on the Web or in the print industry. I think my blog will be a little more refined by then. Definitely still "life, love, and music," but even more me. I'm excited to see where my blog takes me. What has surprised you the most about blogging? All the cool people I've met. I now have regular blogging "friends" that I talk to through email, blog comments and Twitter. I wish I knew them in real life! You can meet some really great people if you take the time to step away from your blog and explore others. It's amazing all the things you'll learn and all the people you'll meet. Blogging is a beautiful thing.

Behind The Blog: The Musings of a Wannabe Star

Friends, today's story is from Jessi , one of my favorite young writers and bloggers. She wears her heart and opinions on her sleeve, so...

9:45 AM

Behind The Blog: Color Issue

My friends, there are so many amazing blogs out there in the blogosphere, aren't there? Every blog tells a story, so I thought it would be fun to take a peek at the people behind-the-scenes with a new feature: Behind The Blog. I'd love to feature your story, so feel free to email me at mellow1422 (at) aol (dot) com. First up: Aarean's story... <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_51DAJZQMvonP-8BY_jEZQdHDAXTVvnzOw_T4EVpiJrYDTft2T-Sak2zMS89jjGg1RvFeQzhyQSs-mouZ-o65QYLdtsdUgBmU49zhnjuyW0cdan-a5b3KE1M3ukjb20vTgO1otIoHnG8/s1600/aa.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664445879708424898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_51DAJZQMvonP-8BY_jEZQdHDAXTVvnzOw_T4EVpiJrYDTft2T-Sak2zMS89jjGg1RvFeQzhyQSs-mouZ-o65QYLdtsdUgBmU49zhnjuyW0cdan-a5b3KE1M3ukjb20vTgO1otIoHnG8/s400/aa.png" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 0px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 115px;" /></a>Hi, there. My name is Aarean (pronounced air-ee-un), and I am the editor/designer of a new blog called <a href="http://colorissue.blogspot.com/">Color Issue</a>: A blog completely inspired by color! Most of my favorite things are based around color...sunsets, a fantastic outfit, fruit; it all comes down first and foremost to COLOR. I remember back when I was in first grade; it was the first day, and the teacher asked the class to share their name, favorite food and favorite color. So it was my turn and I announced, "I'm Aarean. Favorite food pizza (like every first grader!) and my favorite color is either coral or a shade lighter than magenta". My teacher giggled. I told my mom about that, and surprisingly, she giggled too! Her reply? "That's great honey, but why didn't you just say orange or purple? That is pretty much the same color as what you said?" I remember thinking to myself that my mom was crazy...purple is not the same as a shade lighter than magenta, and orange is most definitely not the same as coral! I laugh when I look back at this memory because I realize my passion for color started so young. <a href="http://s1117.photobucket.com/albums/k588/jergs923/?action=view&current=1.jpg"><img src="http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k588/jergs923/1.jpg"></a>Almost 10 years ago when I went off to college, I knew I wanted to major in something that dealt with color. I ended up graduating in creative advertising and minoring in graphic design. As of last year, <a href="http://ladittadesign.blogspot.com/2011/06/oh-i-heart-giveaways.html">my designs</a> are being sold throughout every Deseret Bookstore which is so exciting! As a freelancer, my style is based on color and detail, but still remaining simple and clean. I took this style of mine and incorporated it into The Color Issue Blog. It has been a long time in the making, and it has finally come to pass! <a href="http://colorissue.blogspot.com/">Color Issue</a> is a blog to inspire people through color. It is an online journal of sorts consisting of things that I love and that I wish to share with others! From nature to food to fashion to art and photography...color is everywhere. It is one of the key components to making this life so beautiful! It is truly a passion of mine, always has been and always will be. So, I figured I'd share that love--everyone needs a little extra color in their life! "Colour is a basic human need...like fire and water, a raw material, indispensable to life." --Fernand Leger [Graphic and photo by <a href="http://colorissue.blogspot.com/">Aarean</a>]

Behind The Blog: Color Issue

My friends, there are so many amazing blogs out there in the blogosphere, aren't there? Every blog tells a story, so I thought it would ...

9:07 AM

hayleythrills