Featured Blogger

Good morning!

It’s no secret I’m a huge fan of Pinterest. Not only are there amazing inspirational photos and ideas, you can also stumble across some amazing websites and blogs! {Note: this can be extremely dangerous when you have an already full blog reader}

A few months back, I was browsing yummy dessert recipes and saw these Mini Butterscotch Graham Pies. These little pies looked delicious, were easy to make and had step-by-step instructions. Imagine my DELIGHT when I went to the direct link and saw LOTS more goodness and pretty eye candy all in one place. Cue in Lil’ Luna.

I have spent countless hours on the Lil’ Luna site, which is run by the incredibly sweet and talented Kristyn Merkley. I recently became a sponsor on her blog and wow, she is amazing. Not only does she run an incredibly successful and beautiful site, she is also the mother to three kids and expecting her fourth! I have no idea how she has time to do all of the projects and recipes AND keep up with little ones. I’m thrilled and honored to introduce you to Kristyn {aka Lil’ Luna}!

Tell us about your blog. When and why did you start it?

I started Lil’ Luna in the summer of 2010 as a place to share some crafts and recipes with my friends and family members who were wanting to know how I made my crafts and wanted my recipes. Never did I imagine that it would turn into a part-time job that I LOVE!!

When you first started your blog, did you have any specific goals or dreams for the future of your blog? If so, what were they?

I really didn’t start my blog as business so I didn’t have goals… after the first year and starting to make a little money I made some goals and continue to make them each year to help the blog grow and develop even more.=

Do you ever find it hard to come up with blog content?

I’m happy to say that I have never found it hard to come up with content for the blog. I just try to think what I’d want to learn how to do or make and do a tutorial and recipe for it. Since there are so many things I still haven’t tried, I have a feeling I’ll have enough content for awhile. :)

Are there particular posts that you enjoy doing more than others?

I have always loved crafting but REALLY enjoy food photography – it is so fun and I have loved learning how to use my camera and try to take pretty pictures.

What has been your favorite blog post {of yours} to date? 

I don’t know if I have one particular blog post that is my favorite, but I have loved the ones where I can be myself and be honest with my readers and share personal experiences. Those are the ones that I feel like get the most comments and the most reader-interaction.

Do you have any advice for people hoping to take their blog to the next level? 

I would definitely say to try and be original!! That is what will get people returning to your blog and new ones coming to check it out. And it’s so important that you just be you and not try to be like another blogger because being unique is the key!

Okay, now onto some fun questions that are non-relevant to blogging…..

If you could spend the day with any celebrity, who would it be? Why?

I would have to say either Josh Groban (love him and his voice) or either James McAvoy (my favorite actor). They are both so talented and I wish we were friends… plus, they’re cute and easy on the eyes. ;)

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? 

I love spending time with the hubby (I promise he’s my #1 guy even after the last question – lol!!) and enjoy watching movies and going on dates with him. I also love spending time with my little family and three adorable kiddos making new family memories!

If you had to choose one color scheme for your whole house, what would it be? 

Eek – not completely sure, but my house colors have always been red, yellow, black and apple green since I’ve been married, and fortunately they are still those colors and I still love them!

Name 5 things that you are most passionate about:

I’m passionate about my faith, my family, being creative, learning and meeting new people!

Okay, now that you have gotten to know this sweet gal, I’m sure you’re dying to check out her amazing site. Be warned: you may not want to head over if you’re hungry or under a time constraint. *wink*

If you are new to Kristyn’s blog {or even a longtime fan}, browse around and let me know what your favorite recipe finds are in the comment section below! There are so many amazing things on her site, I haven’t been able to look at everything!

Hello and Happy Monday!

Oh goodness, words cannot even begin to describe how much I have looked forward to this feature. Recently, after my accident {story here}, I have decided to pursue my dreams and goals and step outside my comfort zone a little more. This particular Featured Blogger post is one of those steps.

For those who follow my blog, you know I’m a huge lover of music. While I don’t discriminate against many genres, I always have a special place in my heart for CCM, Contemporary Christian music. It’s this genre that lifts my spirits and really allows me to worship the Lord. These songs always seem to pull at my heartstrings and so many of the songs relates to where I am.

This month, I am doing a feature with one of my favorite bloggers, who also happens to be famous in the CCM circle. She was part of the group Addison Road, that released multiple records and toured all across the country for a decade. Not only is she extremely gifted musically, she is open and honest and has an amazing personality. I am beyond thrilled to introduce you to Jenny Simmons.

Let’s start off with some blogging questions!  

Tell us about your blog! When and why did you start it?

My husband said, “Jen, you have like 5 million words a day and I can honeslty only listen to about 500,000 of them. You have to start writing. You have to find an outlet.” So I did! He has always encouraged me in blogging- and like many things- I am certain that without his constant persuasion I would have quit a long time ago. Discipline is my weakness, so it’s been quite the gift to have someone who believes in me enough to push me past my own level of discipline. I’ve been blogging for five years now! I’ve never done anything for 5 years!

What inspires you for your posts?

I’m a storyteller. I’m constantly eavesdropping :) Constantly watching little things going on in the world around me that perhaps others don’t pay much attention to. Constantly taking pictures in my head. Constantly drawing spiritual implications out of really mundane things like leaves, clouds, a good meal with friends or an annoyingly long line at Starbucks. I have a deep love for people and nature and I try and capture both through my writing. Telling a story the way it is unfolding in my own head is great therapy for me!

Is there a specific post (of yours) that is your favorite?

I like the post called Line Lover because it describes my favorite part of my job. Another called Daddy.Puppy.Peoples. Because it describes the beauty of my little girl’s heart. And my final favorite is called I Don’t Care, But I Do, But I Don’t. A very transparent blog about listening to criticism and being redirected off myself and back onto Jesus.

Do you read blogs yourself? If so, what are your favorites?

I wish I read blogs, but I don’t! Occasionaly I will read Don Millers, but other than that, I don’t ever think about it. The same way that it doesn’t occur to me to listen to music! So I am a writer of music and stories who doesn’t read many contemporary stories or listen to music!

What is the thing you enjoy most about blogging?

I love the way blogging has allowed me to develop a community of friends all over the world. I’ve actually made life-long friends with some of the people who comment on my blog. We share life together in that strange, on-line, sort of way. I also love that blogging allows me to share my life with people who may have otherwise assumed things about me that are not true. I.E. I am a rich, famous, super-strong Christian girl who has it all together and is generally better than other girls. I am none of those things. I like that through blogging, I can dispel the myth that a person on a stage is somehow any different than the next person. When you have a place to tell stories of normal life: mistakes, pain, triumphs, disasters and mom failures, all of a sudden, you become just another person.

Do you ever find it difficult to be “real” and put yourself out there?

Ha! I didn’t read this question before answering the last one! I’m actually the exact opposite. I find it hard to not bare all to the world. I wear my heart on my sleeve and I am an open book. If anything, the struggle for me has always been not sharing too much and creating healthy boundaries that protect my marriage, my daughter, my friends and family… while also being able to speak truthfully about the events in my life and the way those play our in my heart and soul.

 Okay, now onto some fun questions…..

How did you know you wanted to be a singer?

I still don’t know! I think when you are a little kid, you gravitate towards something that you love. And if you are lucky, you don’t ever have to give that up. I always wrote my own newspapers and charged my parents money to come listen to me sing Amy Grant songs in the bathroom (it has the best acoustics, you know!). I’ve always loved singing.

What has been your proudest moment as an musical artist?

Definitely performing at American Airlines center in my hometown of Dallas, TX. It was a sold out crowd of over 16,000 people and I was very pregnant. As in, my doctor was backstage and I was already dilated! I knew it would probably be the biggest show of my career and even though it was only 4 songs, to be able to do that while being so incredibly pregnant… with all our family and friends there… it was just a dream!

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

What is spare time?!? Get back to me when I don’t have a pre-schooler who has refused to nap her whole life!!! If I do have free time I love reading Foreign Affairs journal. I’m somewhat of a history/policy junkie- the artist who secretly wants to be a diplomat! So I read and hang out with girlfriends and veg out with my husband.

In the past few months, what are some (or one) of the Lord has taught you?

For some time now I have been revisiting Psalm 23. It seems to be with me all the time. The Lord is my Shepherd. That one statement is so rich in love, mercy and commitment. That anyone would choose to be a shepherd- a good shepherd at that- to a slightly lost, helpless, vulnerable little sheep amazes me. And lately I’ve needed to find myself lost in God’s provision all over again. And so I am trying to dwell there- in a place where I am led by the good shepherd.

Name 5 things that you are most passionate about:

My daughter. My husband. South Sudan. World Concern. The people affected by my music, writing and stories

If you could be remembered for anything, what would you want it to be?

That I was a lover. I loved God, people and life. Pretty simple, but it’s all I care about.

While Jenny was in Seattle, I had the great privilege of getting to meet and chat with her in person. Even though she lost her voice and was incredibly sick, she was still so gracious and sweet. Here’s the picture we took together:

A great big thank you to Jenny for taking the time to answer these questions. Now that you see how fun she is, I’m sure you want to follow her too! Here’s where you can find her:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I hope that you enjoyed this feature and either got introduced to Jenny, or learned more about her. I will admit, this has been my favorite blog post to date, and I can’t wait to see what paths the Lord has for me in the future!

Thank you all for visiting {and leaving some blog love}.

Big hugs…..

Hello and Happy 1st day of October!

I am so excited you have stopped by today- it’s time for a new Featured Blogger post! For those new to my blog, on the first Monday of each month, I feature one of my favorite bloggers. When I read blogs, I always enjoy getting to know the person BEHIND the blog. Whether it be a crafty blogger, a lifestyle blogger or a fellow young single gal- I love putting away the formalities and having a “conversation” with a blogger I enjoy.

This month, I’m feature a fellow crafter, but also someone who has become a real life friend. I’ve had the amazing privilege of meeting this person and she is just as sweet in person {okay, maybe ever sweeter} as she is in blog land. Not only have I been able to meet this person, I’ve also had the opportunity to work with her as a guest designer for her company, WPlus9 Design Studio. Beautiful, down to earth and also extremely talented- I’m thrilled to introduce you to Dawn Woleslagle.

Let’s start off with some crafty questions!   

How would you describe your cardmaking style?

Is there an “all over the place” style?  Because I think I’d fit that one perfectly!  I really don’t know that I have a particular style.  I am quite the rebel at heart and hate to be boxed in. I love to challenge myself and absolutely love to learn new things.  So once I get bored with a style, I’ll switch.  Currently, I’m obsessed with all of the textiles and layers incorporated in the shabby-chic style. I know it’s cliche, but for me, crafting really is all about the process.  I don’t really care if the “finished” product looks good as long as I enjoyed the time it took to create it. Some days I may not even end up with a finished project, but man did I have fun playing!

What is your go-to color combination?

I tend to gravitate towards a neutral card base {Oatmeal, white, or kraft} and then add pops of color. Right now I’m using deep red, light blue, and green a lot.

If you could meet anyone in the crafting world, who would it be?

1. My Design Team: I’m going to count them as one.  I would love to meet all of these talented ladies in person.  I can’t even begin to express how grateful I am for these incredible ladies and how much I admire each of them.
2. Jennifer McGuire: Not only is she the most talented woman who seems to never run out of creative ideas, but she seems like a truly kind and generous person.  Did I mention how humble and real she comes across?
3. Karolyn Loncon: Karolyn placed the very first Wplus9 order. I would love to personally meet and thank Karolyn from the bottom of my heart.

What are five things that never leave your craft table?

1. Distress Ink (Fine Linen and Vintage Photo)
2. Scissors/Paper Trimmer
3. Baby Wipes
4. Tape Runner
5. Oatmeal card stock

 Okay, now onto some fun questions…..

Tell us about your blog. When and why did you start it?

I started blogging in March of 2009.  I was a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator at the time and I thought it would be a good way for customers to revisit project ideas.

What has been your favorite part about blogging?

Hands down, all of the wonderful friendships that have been created with such wonderful people that I otherwise would not have crossed paths with.

Are there blogs that you visit on a daily basis? If so, which ones?

I follow blogs through Google Reader, and I subscribe to waaaay too many to list. And yep, I do try to check it everyday.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I am a hair and makeup fanatic. So when I’m not with the family or working, I’m usually watching YouTube tutorials and trying them out. Some of my favorites channels are Pixiwoo, LisaEldridgedotcom, cutepolish, itsjudytime, dope2111, and GossMakeupArtist.

Name 5 things that you are most passionate about: 

1. my family and friends
2. setting a good example for my children
3. learning and sharing – seriously – never.stop.learning. And once you’ve learned it, share it.
4. graphic design and art
5. coffee (there’s always a fresh pot at my house, ask anyone) ;)

Now that you see what a sweetie Dawn is, I’m sure you want to follow her and her company too! Here’s where you can find her:

I hope that you’ll browse Dawn’s blog and other sites- there is so much inspiration and beautiful eye candy! Also, she has release week running right now- beautiful, new products about to be released! :)

Hello and Good Morning!

It’s the first Monday of the month and that means it’s time for a brand new Featured Blogger! This honestly is one of my favorite features to do on the blog. Not only do I get to introduce you all to some of my favorite bloggers, I also get to know these amazing people a little better. Such a win-win in my book!

This month, I’m honored (and excited) to be bringing you one of the sweetest bloggers I’ve interacted with thus far. I found her blog through a blogging network and well, I’ve gone through months and months of her older posts. Each post is so engaging and truly reflects her personality and also her faith.

Please join me in welcoming the ultra sweet Beka Fox!

Tell us about your blog. When and why did you start it?

My blog is a place of inspiration for me. I love all things encouraging, pretty & simple. Blogger does that for me. I’ve been blogging for almost 5 years. I would say that I’ve only FAITHFULLY blogged for 3. :) I started it like any other Momma-2-be….. I was expecting my 1st born & wanted to document it…. or I wanted to talk about the Bachelor or Bachelorette. ;)

What inspires you for your posts?

Life. I truly believe in seeing INSPIRATION everywhere…..  And for me… that is the Bible. Once I read a chapter in the Bible… I come ALIVE.

What has been your favorite part about blogging?

Meeting kind and lovely ladies like Paulina. :) (Instagram really helps me know more about the other bloggers too! Not just in pretty typing.;)) 

Is there a specific post (of yours) that is your favorite?

Oh dear, that’s a hard question. But seriously, I would say…… “Bloom where you are planted”  OR “How to STAY classy while being Single”

Are there blogs that you visit on a daily basis? If so, which ones?  

• Erin. Because she is SO SWEET..just like her blog!
• Ruth at because she is an inspiration to me on parenting, marriage and HOMEMAKING!
• Love because she has a story everyone should read. She is the kindest momma as well!

Okay, now onto some fun questions that are non-relevant to blogging…..

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Most recently, HOOP art…. & my etsy shop to help fund our adoption journey!

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Prince Edward Island. :) I would visit all the places of Anne of Green Gables.

Name 5 things that you are most passionate about:
Worship. Singing (it’s my best way of communicating). My marriage. Parenting. Relationships.

Now that you see what a sweet and fun gal Beka is, I’m sure you want to follow her too! Here’s where you can find her:

Oooooh, and guess what? Beka is offering up a sweet giveaway to go along with this post. Go to her blog and follow her (and feel free to tell her I sent you!) then leave a comment on this post.

Thank you so much for visiting today! Have a great rest of your Monday- I’ll talk with you all soon!

I’m excited about the post I have for you today. It’s time for a brand new Featured Blogger feature! I struggled a bit trying to decide who I wanted to feature this month and then it hit me. A few months back I found a blog that I thoroughly enjoy. I love the variety of the posts and it also includes great information on how to take your blog up a level. Yes, I’m talking about Kira’s blog!

I’ve interacted with Kira on a few different occasions and she is a total sweetheart. You can tell by her posts that she has a real passion for blogging and also helping others with their blogs and DIY endeavors. I must say, I’m just as excited to get to know her as you are.

Ready? Let’s go!

Let’s start off with some blogging questions!  

Tell us about your blog. When and why did you start it?

  Her New Leaf is a blog about DIY and blogging, as well as my life! I chose “Her New Leaf” as the title because I started blogging as I was preparing to move over 3000 miles from Boston to LA; I was turning over a new leaf in my life and started blogging in order to keep in touch with the friends and family I was leaving behind. Over two years, my blog evolved from a personal journal to a place where I share my life and hobbies with my readers all over the world!

What inspires you for your posts?

I find inspiration everywhere! I think that some people get discouraged when reading blogs because they think that their lives aren’t as beautiful or “blog-worthy,” but that’s not true! Learning to look at the little things in my life in a different way and showcasing them in a manner that will be interesting to others is the biggest lesson blogging has taught me.

Are there blogs that you visit on a daily basis? If so, which ones?

I don’t find time to read blogs every day, but I check in regularly on Pugly Pixel, Joy the Baker, The Art of Doing Stuff, Making It Lovely, and A Beautiful Mess.

Do you ever find it hard to come up with blog content?

Everyone suffers from blogger’s block once in a while! I cope by letting myself off the hook – I take a few guilt-free days away and usually come back feeling refreshed!

Are there particular posts that you enjoy doing more than others?

My favorite posts tend to vary from month to month. Sometimes I’ll get super inspired and write a bunch of DIY tutorials back-to-back, sometimes I get into the zone and come up with a whole bunch of blogging tips. My favorite post I have ever written is Ten Things You Might Not Know About Hanukkah (http://www.hernewleaf.com/2011/12/21/ten-things-you-might-not-know-about-hanukkah/). While I usually write about topics I know well, this post really pushed me. I collaborated with my boyfriend to write the post and the process definitely brought us closer together!

Okay, now onto some fun questions that are non-relevant to blogging…..

If you could be a celebrity for one day, who would it be? Why?

Emma Stone! She is totally my girl crush, she’s hilarious and super talented! And I have always wanted to be a redhead.

What are your favorite TV shows?
Oh boy, where do I start? I am a total tv junkie! I love everything from girly dramas like Grey’s Anatomy and Pretty Little Liars to crime dramas like CSI (the original only!) and Rookie Blue to reality guilty pleasures like Project Runway and The Amazing Race to scary, creepy shows like The Walking Dead and True Blood. Just about the only shows I don’t watch are those involving housewives or bachelors!

What do you enjoy doing in your “spare time”?
Mostly I am blogging and crafting, but when I’m not doing that, I like to spend time with friends and explore my city. Right now I live in LA but I’ll be moving to Boston in just a few weeks!

Name 5 things that you are most passionate about:
My family, my boyfriend, working with children, being creative, and sharing my knowledge

I hope that you’ll take a peek at Kira’s blog- there is so much great info along with fabulous DIY tutorials over there!

Hello and Happy 1st Monday of July!

Last month, I started a new series here on the blog where I featured a special blogger. I had so much fun with the post, and while I didn’t get a lot of feedback about it, I’m going to continue the series.

This time around, I thought I would feature one of my sweet crafty friends, Laurie. I had the honor of working with this gal for 18 months and boy, is she a sweetheart! Her work is recognizable in both blog land and in publications. She has a knack for creating CAS (clean and simple) cards that are simply perfection.

Ready to get started? Let’s go!

Let’s start off with some crafty questions! 

What are the next things on your crafting wish list?

Oh my. I would love to have a Silhouette. That would be one fun machine!

What is your go-to color combination?

Well, my go-to has always been Red, Kraft, Black and White. But I am trying to be more colorful recently and use all colors!

Is there a style and/or technique that you find difficult to duplicate?

I would love to be able to create more “vintagey” projects, but for some reason I can’t layer stuff on! I see those projects and I love them but for some reason, I can’t pull it off!

 Okay, now onto some non crafty questions! 

Tell us about your blog. When and why did you start it?

I started my blog on June 21, 2007. I started it because I started selling stamps and making cards. A friend had a blog and she sorta gave me the push and the rest is history. I can’t believe I have been blogging for 5 years! Wow!

Besides crafting, what are some other things you enjoy doing?

I have 2 kiddos and they really fill up my time! We have lots of fun things we do together and as they get older, its fun to go places and see things. I have always loved to travel. So road trips here and there are a necessity for me! I wish I had a money tree so we could go every weekend! I also love to camp, read and cook! OH and I love taking pics for people…not a professional by any stretch of the word, but I do love it!

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? 

Oh gosh. Hmmm…besides Colorado? ha! I would love to go to Ireland someday! And Australia! Those are probably my top 2 destinations on my bucket list!

Name 5 things that you are most passionate about:

1. God. He is first and foremost in my life. I don’t know how I would make it without Him.
2. My family. I love my kids so much! I pray every day that I can be the best mom and wife I can be. Growing kids these days is a hard job and I want nothing more than to raise, smart, respectful and honest people. I take it pretty seriously and want to do the best job I can. Family is so important to me and I have been blessed with a great one!
3. Friends. I have the most amazing girlfriends. We have a great church and the group of girls I have here is wonderful. I know I can lean on them for anything! I am one lucky girl!
4. Papercrafting. When I started scrapbooking back in 97, I remember saying that I would never make cards. Look at me now…sorta hooked! It has been so much fun making and selling cards. Being published several times has been a lot of fun. Its a great hobby and I have made some great friends who live in far off places! I couldn’t have done that otherwise!
5. Being a nurse. I am an RN. I work very part time right now so I can stay home with my kids, but I know one day I will go back to the hospital. I loved taking care of people going through a rough patch. It is such an amazing job.

I know Laurie has a crazy busy schedule and I’m so honored she spent some time with us. Thank you SO much Laurie for taking the time to answer these questions. Now that you see how fun she is, I’m sure you want to follow her too! Here’s where you can find her:

• Laurie’s blog 
• Laurie’s Twitter

I hope that you enjoyed this interview with Laurie. The plan is to do another Featured Blogger post next month. I have a couple ideas on who I want to feature- now I just have to get the courage to email one of the people. Must remember that going outside my comfort zone is a good thing! :)

Happy Monday!

Oh, I am so excited about this post. For about a year, I have wanted to feature some of my favorite bloggers, but was scared to put myself out there. If I did this, then that means these AMAZING people would look at my little blog and well, this terrified me. I’ll be the first to admit, I don’t have the most profound/ interesting/ creative posts. However, as many of you know, my posts show where I am on my journey and let you glimpse into my life. In my attempt to face one of my fears, I FINALLY took the plunge. I asked one of my go-to bloggers if she would consider being featured on my blog. My heart skipped a beat when she said yes! (I now know what guys feel like when they propose and the girl says yes)

I’ve been a HUGE fan of this blogger for quite some time. I used to listen to her as a morning DJ when she lived in Washington and then somehow found her on Twitter.  I started following her and then we became friends on Facebook. We have had small interactions here and there, but nothing too earth shattering. Honestly, this woman amazes me. She is an amazing mom and wife, has ridiculously close taste in music/ tv shows/ movies as I do and is super witty. To top that off, she is incredibly business savvy and hilarious. Can you say package deal?!

Without further ado, I am honored to bring you my very first Featured Blogger…..

Tell us about your blog. When and why did you start it?

Ha! Which one! I’m a blog addict. I have a blog for my business which is www.weddingpreviewevent.wordpress.com. We (my business partner and I) started it to represent real people in the wedding industry. We’re not interested in fluff (you can find that anywhere on any blog), we’re interested in talking about life, wedding plans, botched DIY projects and more. We like to connect with those who meet the vendors we support through the Wedding Preview Event. We are the go-between between couples getting married and the experts who help create that dream wedding. We’re unbiased and super cool. Oh wait, that’s like being self-proclaimed cool. Dang it! Writing fail.

The other blog I have (I’ll stop at two for now) is called No Thinking Required. It’s basically a virtual viewing party involving 30+ women who are scattered throughout the US but still wanted to “get together” to talk about our shows, books, celeb gossip and more. This is a new venture for me. I’m a pop culture junkie and I’ve found a bunch of women who feel the same way. I launched this site about a week ago and we’ve got our ladies all lined up to do their show updates. It’s fun. I love that sort of thing. No Thinking Required is such a perfect name, too. Credit goes to Jennie, who is a high school friend who is now living in Florida.

What inspires you for your posts?
I’m inspired by anything and everything. Life inspires me. I don’t mean that in a whimsical way, though. As far as my work blog goes (Wedding Preview Event), we have a weekly schedule of subjects. I know what’s coming so whenever I hear something, read something or experience something that has to do with my subject, I jot it down in Evernote and get back to it when it’s time for me to blog. I am an idea a minute type of person so inspiration isn’t tough to come by. Dedication is the tough part. So far so good, though. I’m really really proud of our work.

As far as No Thinking Required goes, everything I write is stream of conscious. It may not have to do with the subject at hand, rather something I picked up on during a TV show or thoughts that ran through my mind after seeing just a split second of a clip.

Do you ever find it difficult to be “real” and put yourself out there?
Not really. I started blogging when blogging wasn’t the cool thing to do. I worked in radio and I literally observed everything around me and just started typing. I didn’t edit anything. Ever. That’s what I found to bring in the most readers. I could be honest and there actually were other people who were looking for honesty. Go figure. I do the same today. If you don’t like me or my writing, I’d say that my blogs aren’t for you. I’m okay with that. I won’t change my style, though, because I become extremely boring and that’s when I get writer’s block. Like, right now, I have no idea of anything I’ve written actually makes sense. I won’t go back and read my answers before I hit submit.

Are there blogs that you visit on a daily basis? If so, which ones?
Actually, no. I don’t typically read other blogs because they are boring to me. I’m not saying that mine are the best, it’s just a style thing. I’m not interested in looking through photograph after photograph with a short description afterwards. I’m interested in humor, real discussions and a unique personality behind the writing. I’m not saying those blogs aren’t out there, I just haven’t found the person who has a style that brings me back on a daily basis. There are some gossip sites I visit (www.wetpaint.com, www.dlisted.com) but as far as other wedding blogs (my industry)? Nah.

Okay, now onto some fun questions that are non-relevant to blogging…..

If you could be a celebrity for one day, who would it be? Why?
Oh geez. This is the best question EVER! I’m trying really hard not to morph multiple celebrities together to create the ultimate famous person. I think I’d be…um….agh. I don’t want to mess this up. I think I’ll go with Kelly Ripa. She has a job that I’d love. She is relaxed in her daily routine, she spends time working out, she’s got a super-hot husband and she can shop whenever wherever. I’d be game ANYDAY! Plus, I think she makes drinking coffee look fun.

What are your favorite TV shows?
Reality TV. By far. I love the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. I watch Orange County but it’s become such a wannabe rich group that it’s nauseating. Don’t get me wrong, I still watch. I love Revenge, Keeping Up with the Kardashians (don’t judge), The Bachelorette and Dancing with the Stars. Oooh, back to the previous question. I love Maria Menuonos. I’d stare at my abs all day and laugh like her (duh, I’d be her) just to annoy people.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Why?
I’m kind of focused on New Zealand lately. For some reason, NZ seems like a great place to vacation. I’ve been out of the country exactly three times and I’d like to broaden my reach.

Name 5 things that you are most passionate about:
In no particular order:
1. Success
2. Organization
3. My little family. Can one be passionate about their family?
4. Designer jeans
5. Any song I’m singing. I’m a horrible singer but I’m passionate. That’s got to count for something

• Tawsha’s Twitter
• No Thinking Required blog
• Wedding Preview Event blog
• Wedding Preview Event on Facebook 
  

I hope you all enjoyed my very first Featured Blogger post. The list of bloggers I follow is quite long, so hopefully we can continue this feature for quite a while. :)

Like I mentioned above, this was a little stretching for me (to go outside my comfort zone), but I hope it was worth it for you all. I would LOVE to know what you thought of this post- a quick comment or a lengthy one *big grin* would be fab!

Have a fantastic Monday- I’ll talk with you all soon!