Post Comment Love 1-3 June

Hello there and welcome to the first Post Comment Love of June, I'm not sure how we're already this far through the year, but it seems we are.  If you were here last week it was great to see you, and if you're new here you're very welcome.  Even though I'm still reading last week's posts, I know you'll find some great blogs and posts to read.

This week I've been even more of a jumble than a usual week with a Bank Holiday in. It was my birthday on Tuesday and so we took the day off work, which was lovely - apart from the weather! - but it's meant that I've been even more confused by what day it is.  I'll be glad when it really is Friday, this week.

As usual I've a busy weekend planned, and am expecting our new allotment shed to arrive tomorrow.  We've some more time off at the end of next week and we've the exciting task of clearing out MOH's shed in the garden as now our conservatory work is drawing to a close (yay!) his bike will no longer form part of the decor in there.

My photo this week is of another favourite plant, but one that's a bit cheeky too.  I say cheeky, others might say invasive, but as the plant is known as mind your own business I can't help but like it.  It's one that I'm sure MOH pulls up when I'm not looking, but I've thwarted that by having backup pots growing so I can easily replace it!

Mind your own business crosses the threshold of my greenhouse

Blogger Showcase: Ashley from Adventure Out There

You can read Ashley's full answers over on Morgan's blog this week, but before you go let me share a snipped of our Blogger Showcase this week.  Ashley is a travel blogger, a Canadian living and working in France who enjoys giving travel advice from the tricks she's learnt herself.  She's kind, determined and curious and thinks you can't go wrong with cake - I think I agree with that!

Connect with Ashley on her social channels:  Twitter  -  Pinterest  -  Instagram (photography)  -  Instagram (lifestyle)  -  Facebook

Post Comment Love 18-20 May

Hello there and welcome to another #PoCoLo if you were here last week it was great to see you.  If you're new here this week, then welcome, it's great to have you along and I know that you'll find some great posts to read and a fabulous group of bloggers too.

I'm hoping that by the time this is published the weather's back on the warmer side. I can't believe how different it's been; one day I was in summer dresses and sunglasses and the next day winter boots and coats would have been appropriate.  And I wished I'd worn them, my cardigan wasn't anywhere near warm enough.

As well as looking forward to the Chelsea Flower Show, which is the post I've linked up this week, I am also interested to see how the Royal wedding goes, and of course the Cup Final.  We've a family barbecue too this weekend and we should head back over to the allotment, to really make it look as if we've made an effort.  We hadn't visited all winter and had been putting off our first visit, but remembering that we failed the inspection last year, we're determined not to fail again.  I'm hoping we'll be ok as in just a couple of visits there's a noticeable difference and significantly less grass, and what's even better is that our plot isn't the worst. Phew.

My photo this week is something much prettier - two alliums in my garden.  The alliums have quietly gone about their business and have suddenly burst into flower, they're alongside the patio and a welcome addition.  As it seems I can grow these, and they aren't too fussy about soil, perhaps I should get some more!

alliums in my garden

Before we get onto this week's Blogger Showcase, Morgan and I have a request for you - we're looking for some guest co-hosts of Post Comment Love at the end of July and August, so if you'd like to guest co-host our weekly linky, then please get in touch with either Morgan or I.  If you've never done it before, don't be scared, it's great fun and you won't be alone, I promise.

Equally if you'd like to be featured in a future Blogger Showcase then also get in touch, we do have a bit of a waiting list into July at the moment, but all you need to do is send us your answers and we can sort out a date. 

Blogger Showcase: Mandy from MomMandy

Mandy's another coffee and cake kinda girl and her perfect night in involves a food coma.  Mandy blogs about balance, budget, parenting and more and is another of our linkers who's taken us up on being featured.  She's a quirky side too, but you'll have to pop over to Morgan's blog to find out more about Mandy and her blog.

But before you go, don't forget to connect with Mandy on her social channels:  Twitter  -  Pinterest  -  Instagram

Post Comment Love & Blogger Showcase 11-13 May

Hello there and welcome to this week's #PoCoLo - if you were here last week it was great to see you, if you're new here this week then it's great to see you, but either way I know you're very welcome.

The four day week has got me - I'm well and truly confused over what day it is, and I'm never quite sure how that happens. I know that I'm always grateful for an extra day at home, and a sunny Bank Holiday was a real treat. 

As well as everything else there was time for some gardening too, and my photo this week is of a variegated ivy at the end of our garden. I was struck by how it looked as if it had been painted, isn't nature wonderful?

varigated ivy

This week we've even made it over to the allotment for a couple of hours easy weeding, leaving just as it got dark.  Somehow though I've been bitten again and have three bad bites on my foot. They're painful but I'm hoping they'll calm down and heal well, I can't believe that once again I've a reaction to insect bites.

Blogger Showcase: Carmen from Wellington World Travels

1. Who are you?

I am Carmen and I blog over at wellingtonworldtravels.com. I am from the Philippines, but currently live in Doha, Qatar. I am a stay-at-home mom to two beautiful kids: 3-year old son and 3-month old baby girl.

2. Why did you start blogging?

My blog started out as a place to document my travels and experiences. Now, it has become a platform on which I can voice my thoughts, opinions, knowledge and ideas.

3. What do you find most challenging?

The most challenging part is driving traffic to my website. It takes a lot of time. It means I have to be in front of the computer or on my phone all day - being active on social media, joining Facebook groups, creating post consistently. It takes a lot of my time.

4. What is your favourite topic to write about?

I started writing travel guides, tips and musings. But I realised I enjoyed more writing family travels, parenting and perspective posts. I just started my blog, so I am still figuring out my niche.

5. Are you blogging for fun or do you have goals?

I think, I am blogging 80% for fun. I blog for pleasure and leisure. Since I have become a stay-at-home mom, I wanted to do something aside from taking care of kids and doing household chores. It is one way of making my time productive. But I didn't expect it to take up a lot of my time.

I also set goals on my blog, but not being too hard on myself. At the end of the day, I don't want to blog aimlessly. I have goals when it comes to number of visitors and followers a day, and posts per month. Of course, ultimately I want to monetise my blog so that I can help my husband and the family financially.

6. What is your favourite thing about blogging?

My favourite thing about blogging is knowing you have a little space in the big World Wide Web where you can be ‘you’ and share knowledge, feelings, and opinions.

7. Have you ever attended a blogging conference and if so, what did you think?

I am new to the blogging world, so this is my first time hearing about a blogging conference. I would love to attend someday.

8. What are your 3 best posts?

9. Describe yourself in three words...

Sweet, Shy. Simple.

10. Are you a tea and biscuits or coffee and cake person?

I don’t drink coffee, so that will be tea and biscuits. I love to eat cake once in a while.

11. What's your idea of a perfect night out?

Nowadays, we rarely have a night out. As much as possible, I want to be home by sunset. I guess, a perfect night out is a good meal with my husband and kids in a restaurant or by the beach.

12. Your perfect night in?

My perfect night means snuggled in my bed, watching a movie or two then an UNinterrupted sleep. That is too perfect for my world. But a girl can dream! 

13. What would your best friend/OH/mum or kids say is your best quality?

  • Mom: reliable and good daughter

  • In-laws: shy but thoughtful

  • Husband: kind, supportive and loving

  • Son: “I want Mommy.” I guess I am ‘want-able’...!

Connect with Carmen on her social channels here: Facebook  -  Instagram  -  Twitter  -  Pinterest - Thanks for taking part Carmen, it's great to find new blogs to read.  

If you'd like to be a future Blogger Showcase, then please get in touch with either Morgan or I.