Post Comment Love and Blogger Showcase 1 - 3 February

Hello there and welcome to this week’s #PoCoLo a friendly linky where you can link any post published in the last week.  If you were here last week, it was great to see you and if you’re new here this week, then you’re very welcome.  Both Morgan and I know you’ll find some great posts to read, and encourage you to pop over to some of the posts linked and take the time to leave a comment or two so that everyone benefits from some extra love.

So did it arrive?! Snow, that is.

It’s snowing here in London as I write this post gone 10pm on Thursday, it’s expected, but who knows. Actually, if it does arrive, I think we know it will be the usual chaos. It seems that SouthEastern have already said they’re running on their winter timetable, so if you’re aiming to head to work on their service - good luck. I know I’ll be getting into work, as I’m a foot-powered commuter. And it’s the best way in the snow, as while I’m not a big fan of the white stuff, it’s great to see the kids playing in it in the park as I walk through.

But who knows, if it really will settle.

This past week I’ve been editing photos from 2017 and we had snow that winter too, so my photo this week is my garden in the snow, maybe it looks like this again…

Blogger Showcase: Kelly from The Kelly Diane Report

1 Who are you?

Hello I'm Kelly from The Kelly Diane Report and I'm a twenty four year old who blogs about all things Aviation, beauty, fashion and lifestyle related. This is actually my third blog and I'm enjoying it much more this time around. I'm very much a girlie girl who loves all things pink and pretty. 

2 How did you discover blogs/blogging?

I first discovered Fleur De Force's blog after watching a couple of her YouTube videos and then went on to discover other blogs after that. 

3 Why did you start blogging?

I wanted my own space to write about the things that interested me and so looked at what was the best way of doing this. 

4 What do you find most challenging?

Definitely taking photos, especially in the winter months. 

5 What is your favourite topic to write about?

I love writing about anything lifestyle related best because this is usually where I get the most engagement from my audience. 

6 Are you blogging for fun or do you have goals?

Although I'm doing it for fun, I still have goals in my mind that will hopefully help my blog grow into something more. 

7 What is your favourite thing about blogging?

I love the community that comes with blogging and the friends I've made through it. 

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

No I haven't but I would like to in the future. 

9 What are your 3 best posts?

I've only got a few posts on my new blog so I will link them below:

10 Describe yourself in three words

Kind, Organised, Happy.

11 Are you a tea and biscuits or coffee and cake person?

Definitely a tea and biscuits girl.

12 What's your idea of a perfect night out?

Dinner at a pub with some friends or family.

13 Your perfect night in?

A hot drink, blanket and film.

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

I had to ask someone this because I just simply didn't know and they said I'm very forgiving and don't tend to hold grudges. 

Thanks Kelly, I hear you on taking photos in winter months - although if the white stuff does appear, before it gets slushy, it does make everything pretty. Before we link up, take some time to pop over to Kelly’s social channels and say hello: Twitter - Instagram.

Before you link up - would you like to be a future Blogger Showcase?

If so, get in touch with your answers to our questions and we’ll schedule a date - it could be sooner than you think!

Post Comment Love and Blogger Showcase 18 - 20 January

Hello there and welcome to this week’s #PoCoLo a friendly linky where you can link any post published in the last week.  If you were here last week, it was great to see you and if you’re new here this week, then you’re very welcome.  Both Morgan and I know you’ll find some great posts to read, and encourage you to pop over to some of the posts linked and take the time to leave a comment or two so that everyone benefits from some extra love.

I’ve impressed myself this week - and last week to be honest - with my walking mileage, most weekdays clocking up a good four or five miles.  It’s quite addictive seeing the number go up, and it’ll be interesting to see how the number rises as the year goes on.  Walking to and from work, well from work acts as a good decompression zone, and provides plenty of time to think, though usually that’s what’s for tea and if I have everything I need to make it.

January is the month that I need to force myself to do things, I’d be much happier hibernating but that’s not really an option.  So this evening we’re off out and about in Canary Wharf to see the Winter Lights installation.  We last went along in 2017 and it was great, so I have high expectations.  I’m looking forward to dinner out as well too, obviously.

This week I’m delving into my archives for my photo, this week hasn’t been that photo-worthy with its grey skies, but hopefully we’ll see the sun again soon.  This window with the sun streaming through it is one I took at Villandry,  when we did our cycling tour in the Loire.  It hardly seems real that it was in 2016, but then at times it feels much more recent.

A window in Villandry

Blogger Showcase: Katrina from Real Girls Wobble

1 Who are you?

My name is Katrina, a 34 year old (who is still mentally 21) born and raised in Cardiff, south Wales.  I started writing Real Girls Wobble as an outlet for me to document my life, thoughts and feelings.  Luckily along the way others have found me and enjoy following my life journey.  Where does the wobble come from?  Everyone has moments where they need to think through a decision, however big or small, and the reality of it.  I am also a curvy girl so it is a double entendre!

2 How did you discover blogs/blogging?

I have a Professional Diploma in Marketing and have worked in hospitality, events, advertising, PR and communications – which I have been doing for over 15 years.  I do a lot of writing for my day job, but enjoy blogging as a hobby. 

I love being social!  Any opportunity to get out and mix with people.  The majority of my blog focuses on the events I attend, where I eat and drink, my favourite items and my business acumen gained from my professional career in sales, marketing and hospitality.  The mission for Real Girls Wobble is to inspire my readers with products, places to go and encourage them by sharing ideas, experiences and real-life stories.

3 Why did you start blogging?

The Internet has allowed me to be brilliant, creative, outgoing, daring and occasionally unconventional.  Sometimes I am a little boring too, but isn't that real life? I still don't know what I want to be when I'm a 'grown up' but have always enjoyed reading and writing and thoroughly enjoy the opportunities that it brings.

4 What do you find most challenging?

I think the same as all businesses, brands and bloggers – building a following.  As I work full time and have a healthy social life it can be hard to dedicate the time to growing engaged followers. 

5 What is your favourite topic to write about?

I am really passionate about my hometown, Cardiff, and Wales as a whole.  I love to educate people on the fantastic places you can see and things you can do.  We have such an interesting history, I want to educate more people to visit, and get the locals to explore more.  Yes there are more sheep here than people and more castles per square mile than anywhere else in the world – but that’s only the start of its charm.  I have a series of historical blogs being released in 2019 on the rise of the city, forgotten stories and hidden gems. 

6 Are you blogging for fun or do you have goals?

I blog as my hobby, but I do have ambitions.  I have a marketing strategy like any small business or brand should have, and I have set SMART targets.  This allows me to stick to a plan and stay on track.

7 What is your favourite thing about blogging?

The freedom to express yourself.  It should not be a chore, if it is you are doing it for the wrong reasons.  Writing is like anything else, the more regularly you do it the easier it will become.  Blogging has also introduced me to some fantastic brands and I have met some incredible people. 

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

I am not a shy person, I am well practised to walk into a room and introduce myself to strangers.  I have been attending business networking meetings for work for years, and often have to meet suppliers and clients to discuss their needs.  I always try to prepare to keep my nerves at bay.  I always research the company, event, people who are attending etc.

I have also attended Bloggers meet Brands events run by The Wonders Of.  Before hitting the ‘attend’ button I did have to think it through.  My stereotypical mental image of a blogger is an attractive young woman in her early twenties, who is very slim and has a great sense of fashion.  Her nails and make-up are always as if an artist has spent the morning working on them and big hair with soft curls as if she has just stepped out of the blow dry bar.  I worried that I would be seen as the elephant in the room - literally?  Being in my 30's would they automatically assume that I am a 'mummy' blogger and not want to socialise?

These ‘worries’ of course were not true, well, for the most part .  Of course there was that type of blogger in the room, but just as in life there were a whole host of real women with different backgrounds, different ages, shapes and styles and all writing about different platforms.  Everyone was so welcoming too, and happy to support each other.  It has also lead to collaborations and referrals. 

9 What are your three best posts?

 It is surprising, some of my favourite posts are not the most viewed.  I am very excited about some of the projects and collaborations that are to be posted in 2019 too.  So far my most read are;

  1.  Your blog – what to include in your business portfolio.  This is on my experience working for a brand, and the type of information that would make me click to learn more about a blogger and why the collaboration is important.

  2. Does high school education really matter.  This was me having a rant about the difference between book smarts and the reality of this in day to day employment.  I did not expect this to do as well as it did. 

  3. How to get Kardashian lips without the needles.  No pain, instant results and low cost.  This all came from the power of social media.  I was introduced to Ultra Sculpt who wanted a blogger to review the service.  I would also highly recommend the treatment, so it was a win-win collaboration. 

10 Describe yourself in three words

I hate these types of questions, it feels like a weird job interview!  

Faithful, excitable and irritable

11 Are you a tea and biscuits or coffee and cake person?

I’m Welsh – I’ll have a pint of squash please?!  If you made me pick it would be tea and cake. 

12 What’s your idea of a perfect night out?

I haven’t grown up - I want to go out with my friends, mix my drinks, drink too much, dance as if Beyoncé was watching, get some chips and curry sauce on Chippy Lane and fall over before getting in the taxi home.  Then when I wake up I want to dissect the night, laugh at all the silly things that happened and spend 30 minutes deleting all the blurry toilet selfies.  I think I enjoy them more because they do not happen as often now that we all have taken on additional ‘adult’ responsibilities. 

13 Your perfect night in?

PJs on, bra off, cwtched (Welsh word for cuddle) up on the sofa with my boyfriend Michael with a takeaway and a bottle or two of wine!

14 What would your other half say your best quality is?

I like to think he’d say I am easy to get along with.  I know every couple says they have the perfect relationship, but we really do.  We are happy for each other to spend time with friends, have nights out as long as we make time for each other.  I also think he’d say I’m a pretty good cook!  He would also add on that I am very clumsy and does not understand how I can fall over, drop things and break things so often!

Thanks Katrina, it’s great to learn more about you and your passion for Wales. Before you link up, why not pop over to Katrina’s social channels and say hello: Facebook - Twitter - Instagram.

Post Comment Love & Blogger Showcase 7-9 December

Hello there and welcome to this week’s #PoCoLo a friendly linky where you can link any post published in the last week. If you were here last week, it was great to see you and if you’re new here this week, then you’re very welcome. Both Morgan and I know you’ll find some great posts to read, and encourage you to pop over to some of the posts linked and take the time to leave a comment or two so that everyone benefits from some extra love.

The only progress I’ve made since last week on Christmas is the start of Christmas nights out, more mince pies and munching my way through part of the gingerbread house I helped to make at a Neff and Currys PC World blog evening. And while the gingerbread house - and its 3D tree - was a success, it’s not going so well over here, and with that shorter deadline I may even have to go into some actual shops soon.

Wish me luck…

A gingerbread house

Blogger Showcase: Montana from The Moody Mum

1. Who am I?

I am a mama of two who comes from a small hometown, trying to make it as a parent in the city life. I am used to having a yard, and a large space to go outside and play, we are now living in a 1 bedroom apartment - which is surprisingly the norm around here for new families. I had my children very far apart - nine years, so trying to navigate parenting between two very different life stages is a challenge, but one I accept with arms open. I grew up dancing on the stage - ballet and tap, something I still enjoy to this day. I am a huge bookworm, and love to create in the kitchen.

2. How did I discover blogs/blogging?

I have a background in working with people who suffer with addiction problems. As much as I love my job, it really drains me. I was always interested in blogging and creating websites and doing something more for myself, but I never knew what I would write about. Who would want to read anything I created? I had always had this idea to start a blog - and had been following some of my favourites for awhile. It was more a courage thing for me, what if I fail? What if nobody reads it? I finally realised that none of that matters. What matters to me is how I feel when I am writing, and it makes me feel great about myself, a definite sense of accomplishment. 

3. Why did I start blogging? 

I started blogging after I had my daughter. Being at home on maternity leave I have a ton of free time and to be honest, I was getting bored. I finally realised that I have something that interests me, and something that I would enjoy writing about. Being a mama! 

4. What do I find most challenging?

When you are starting out as a blogger, or with any new website really, it takes up a lot of your time. It really is like my third baby these days. Whenever I am not parenting, I am on the computer writing, researching, jotting down ideas for future posts. I know my spouse thinks that I am spending too much time on the computer and maybe I am. Finding a balance is tricky.

5. What is my favourite topic to write about?

I have a lot of information on my site, some about teething, breastfeeding, what stay at home moms do in a day, and those are all great but my number one favourite thing to write about is my day to day life with my family. I am actually a recovering drug addict and have come so far in my life and I don't ever want to take that for granted. My life looked very different not so long ago, and there were times that I had no family around me because I was so deep in my addiction. I am so proud of where I am today, and the family that I have created. 

6. Are you blogging for fun, or do you have goals?

Both! There is a definite plan to create an income out of what I am doing, but I really do love the writing. As long as someone, just one person can take away something from my words than I am happy. 

7. What is your favourite thing about blogging?

That nothing is off limits! You can literally write about ANYTHING, and someone will most likely be interested in it. It kind of reminds me of being young and keeping a journal, it’s like a secret that you write down not knowing if your mom is going to read it. I love seeing the reactions to my posts, and reading all of the comments.

8. Have you ever attended a blogging conference?

No, I have not. It is something that I would love to experience at some point in my life though. 

9. What are your three best posts?

My favourite post so far is: My life as a mom, the things nobody talks about - it is literally the down and dirty nitty gritty details about childbirth and after that nobody ever wants to tell you! 

Happy Six months to our little lady - Marlow's birth story

Outdoor Yoga Benefits - A day with my gal pals

10. Describe yourself in three traits

  • Quirky

  • Particular

  • Sociable

11. Tea and biscuits or coffee and cake? 

Tea and cake, please! 

12. Your perfect night out?

Picnic blanket on the beach with take out watching fireworks or the stars. 

If I had time to plan it would be something out of the norm like a pottery or cooking class.

One thing I want to try is going on a double date where we each buy our spouses an outfit from the thrift store to wear to dinner. That one would be funny! 

13. Your perfect night in?

Bubble bath, candles, a good book, an excellent meal, and not having to clean up after! 

14. My best quality according to my mom?

Helpfulness.

Remember to stop by Montana’s social channels before you link up: Facebook - Google+ - Twitter - Pinterest - Instagram

If you’d like to be featured as a future Blogger Showcase, then please send either Morgan or I your answers to the questions and we can agree a date, we’d love to share more about you.