Yesterday I was interviewed by Amanda Venegas with ABC 30 about being a lifestyle blogger and the perks that come along with it. Amanda and I have been trying for over a year to connect and do a story on the news together. I am so happy we finally got to do something together and finally meet yesterday. The interview was longer in person, but only a little over 2 minutes on air, so I wanted to share more with you that I shared with Amanda.
I started blogging in March of 2008. This year will mark 10 years of blogging for me. I have never taken a break, vacation or hiatus from blogging. I try to blog almost daily. I wanted to have a journal/diary with pictures of all the travels that Blake and I were taking. We traveled all over the world before we had children. I wanted to share books I was reading, movies we were seeing, and recipes because I love cooking. After having children in 2011 and 2014 my blog posts started to change more about motherhood, what you need in your hospital bag, monthly pregnancy photos, and my favorite baby products. In 2014 I started working closely with companies that took an interest in my content. I was being sent products to review and write about. I have over 20,000 monthly views on my blog from readers and followers from all over the world. I am a blogger ambassador for LegoLand, Oriental Trading Company, Shop Pink Blush, and Schwinn Bikes, to name a few. I don't think there is anyone in the Central Valley who has been blogging consistently as long as me. People enjoy reading blogs and connecting with someone who is honest, real and who is willing to share and I think that is why I have such a loyal following on my blog.
One of my personal favorites and achievements with blogging would have to be becoming a LegoLand Blogger Ambassador. I get invited to see and review new attractions, games, and movies before the general public. It might be a ride, water park, or new Lego movie or game that is coming out. When Paw Patrol Live, Sesame Street Live, Disney On Ice, Marvel Live, or other entertainment attractions come to the Central Valley or LA or the Bay Area I have been invited to attend the show and I have been gifted tickets, swag bags, meet and greets and more. In return, I promote the show and write an honest review. These things have been the most fun because I love to see the smiles and excitement on my kids faces so being able to take them to things like this where they get to meet their favorite characters is a once in a lifetime experience.
All of my collaborations and campaigns are paid, plus product is sent. It has turned into the best stay at home job for me. I would never have imagined that when I started a blog 10 years ago I would be making a paycheck from writing and sharing what I love. I feel very blessed to be able to stay at home with my children and do what I love. I started this blog 10 years ago just writing and sharing and that is what I enjoy doing the most. I still write and share, so not every blog post is a collaboration or a campaign. If the collaborations and campaigns ended tomorrow I would still blog because that is where I started 10 years ago just sharing books I love, recipes I enjoy, sharing about my life and travels, and Disneyland of course! I have worked with the most amazing companies (way too many to name), but you can see them all on my blog, or if you click shop spotlight on my Pinterest. Remember to follow me on Twitter, FB, and IG.
I am so very thankful for the support of all of you who follow me and read my blog. Love to you all. Thank you to everyone who sent a text message, called, or left a message for me on social media about my little spot on the news. You have no idea how much it means to me. I have the best readers and followers and I am so very grateful.
The article can be found here
You can watch the news story below...
The article can be found here
You can watch the news story below...
