One Question Interview- Mother's Day

I asked a few of my favorite bloggers one question and here are their answers.

What is the best advice your mom gave you?

 Kami from No Biggie
Service to others. She is such a good example of this to all of us on a daily basis.
This advice comes through her example. I love my mom. Happy Mother's Day!

 Jamielyn from I Heart Nap Time
The best advice my mom gave me growing up was to never give up!
She was always my biggest fan and has supported me through my highs and lows.
She gives me the courage to keep on going for whatever comes my way.

Kathy from Danish Mama
 Remember who you are.

Now it's your turn to tell me, 
What's the best advice your mom gave you?

One Question Interviews

I asked a few of my favorite Bloggers one question and here are their answers.

 What’s your secret for a happy marriage?

Jennifer from I Heart Organizing

Communication.  I over communicate but I think it really keeps us on the same page, and ensures we are making time to spend with one another.  We sit down and plan out our week each Sunday, and always make sure we are including a little time together, even if that means working on a house/blog project or catching a quick show together.

 Rachel from Maybe Matilda 

I think my secret is pretty simple (but kind of hard to live) . . . be nice. We're so nice and so understanding and forgiving when we're dating, but it's easy to get critical and impatient and mean once we're married. Just keep being nice!

Kim from A Girl And A Glue Gun 

time. time is the secret to a happy marriage. me and the husband are two very different people. he loves to go out and about and goes stir crazy at home. i could stay home for 4 days straight and be fine. He goes and does his thing and i stay home and craft. we could probably go the whole day without seeing each other. so we make sure we save time for us. even if it's just watching american idol together. we need that time to reconnect (it's super easy to reconnect over making fun of really bad singers...then trying to imitate them) date nights. laying in bed talking. taking showers together (you know..to have some some time alone together...and to conserve water...whatever we can do for the environment). you don't have to spend every minute of every day together. but make sure to save time for each other.



What's your secret for a happy marriage?
 

One Question Interviews

I asked a few of my favorite Bloggers one questions and here are there answers.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

Bird from Bird's Party Blog

My fave holiday tradition would be spending time with my kids baking seasonal treats. 

We always make gingerbread cookies, British mince pies and rocky road every year, and is by far my fave time of the Holidays.

Sandy from Sandy a la Mode
My favorite holiday tradition is wrapping presents to give to others and opening presents!

Linda from Craftaholics Anonymous
Christmas Eve! We reenact the Christmas story, eat delicious finger foods {like 7 layer dip. yum!!}, drive around to look at Christmas lights, and exchange white elephant gifts. So much fun!!

Rebbecca from The Ardent Sparrow
My favorite holiday tradition is a relatively new one. For the past five years, we've spent Christmas Eve with our closest friends and their kids. We exchange gifts, enjoy a delicious feast, and relax...which is much enjoyed at the beginning of a few busy days! It's wonderful to choose personal and exciting gifts for friends we love so dearly....And even more so, to spend a peaceful evening, reflecting on the past year and  enjoying one another's company! It's one of my favorite nights of the year!


Now it's your turn to tell me, 
What is your favorite holiday tradition?

 

One Question Interview

I asked a few of my favorite bloggers one question and here are their answers.

What is the best advice your mom gave you?

 Gabrielle from Design Mom

That the price of an object doesn't always correspond to its beauty. 

Beautiful things aren't always expensive.

 Catherine from Design Editor

My mother Susan is a strong, confident and funny mom. Never one to hold back her opinions or thoughts, she's given me a lifetime of valued advice. Of course she's guided me through major life moments, but the things that stick out most in my mind apply to day-to-day life. It's like I have a tiny Mom on my shoulder as I'm about to do something. "You buy junk, you have junk." "Never wear peach lipstick." "Wrap that cake in wax paper or it'll go stale." A million different things and I'm so thankful for it all.

Carly from Living the Scream

My favorite advice that my Mom has given me is that she has always told me that the dishes can wait. What she means by that is to never turn down doing something with your children just because your house is messy. The dishes and housework will always be there when your done. That time with your children being young and needing you won't. I probably take this advice too literally because my house is always a mess. Hopefully my kid's will have fun memories of things we did together just like I do with my Mom.

 Cindi from A Utah Mom's Life

My mom gave me so much fabulous advice. Probably the best advice was to pursue an education and then to continue learning throughout my life. She set the example for me by going back to school when we were small and finishing her degree. She worked hard and graduated with honors. She's been a school teacher for 23 years now. I always knew that education was important to her.  

What's the best advice your mom gave you?

One Question Interview

I asked a few of my favorite bloggers one question and here are there answers.

 What’s your secret for a happy marriage?

Melissa from I Still Love You

TRUST & RESPECT one another. Chris & I trust and respect each other completely. He's my best friend & confident. There's no one in this world I trust more with my thoughts & feelings than Chris. I know he respects me, my opinions & my goals as I respect his. Communicating in a marriage can be so hard at times, but I feel like it's made worlds easier when I know that Chris will listen to what I have to say.

Amy from The Idea Room

Find something I can do everyday to make him feel special...whether it is doing his laundry or making his favorite meal or just leaving him a little note.  It doesn't have to take a lot of time.  One thing my friend did that I loved was she asked her husband what the three most important things for him when he gets home.  So I asked my husband the same question.  So now I try to make sure I have those three things done for him.  He in turn asked me the same thing.  Just a simple way to let them know you are thinking about them.

Kelly from Sewing in No Man's Land

My secret to a happy marriage is to replace "me" with "we". I find that ironically enough I am the most unhappy is when I am only thinking about myself, what I want, what I need. When I stop and replace "me" with "we" I find a new and better perspective. A marriage is a two person deal so there really should be no more "me" only "we". Don't get me wrong, you shouldn't loose "yourself'" in your marriage, instead find ways that you can work together, supporting each other, cheering each other on, to reach your individual goals. Plus being part of a team is so much more fun!

Jen from Tatertots and Jello

I have to say that I think the #1 secret to a happy marriage is weekly date night. No matter how poor we were, we always made sure to get out together once a week. Sometimes it was just a trip to the grocery store. And sometimes it was something fantastic like a fancy dinner. Getting out once a week gave us a chance to focus on US, our relationship and get away from the distractions. It gave us a chance to keep the romance in our marriage. And I think that is so important. 

Stephanie from Stephmodo
Several years ago a family member shared with me her tip for a happy marriage--it was a book actually.
She swears by the "His Needs/Her Needs" mentioned and given the success of her own marriage, I'd say this is a great place to start. 

I personally swear by a twice monthly date night :)
One date to discuss kids and their needs--and another one just about us

Cassie from Hi Sugarplum
If I knew the guaranteed secret to a happy marriage, I'd be shouting it from the rooftops!
For us, it's about laughing at and with each other, being considerate, and remembering the other person is on your team and not out to get you (hence no reason to get defensive!)
And taking a trip every year without the kids works wonders too!

Jessica from Living the Swell Life
My big mantra is this: Love is a verb.  While it's fine and dandy to kiss and say "I love you,"  I feel like things run the smoothest when we actually put the other person first and demonstrate love in action.  For instance, today my sweet hubs swept all the floors in our house and did a load of laundry while I was out.  I hadn't asked him to do any of these things, I only expected him to watch our son.  He scored huge points for exceeding my expectations and lightening my housework load.  For us, it's essential to be attentive to the other person's needs, asking questions like "What can I do to help your day go smoother? Is there anything that would help you get out the door faster? What needs to get done around here?"  While it's not always easy to love unconditionally, and to love by serving, it's a whole lot easier when both parties take the responsibility {and joy!}  to heart.

One Question Interview

I asked a few of my favorite bloggers one question and here are there answers.

What do you want to accomplish in 2011?



Shelley from House of Smiths

There are so many things... but mostly, I hope to accomplish...BALANCE
Such a simple word, for such a complicated task, right!? ha!
I would really like to find a great balance between my work and family, friends, and well... life in general! :)
Sometimes I find myself slipping into a bit of a "work-mode-rut"... where all I can focus on is the "bottom line", or things that "need" to get done.  And before I know it... a whole week has flown by, and I can hardly remember what day it is! I hope I'm not alone here... lol.
I want to set "limits" for myself, to what I can REALISTICALLY handle, so that I'm not consumed
by what I "think" needs to get done to feel accomplished, before I can relax or play!
This will require the practice of me having to say "no" more often... (which I am NOT good at) but I think at the end of my days I will feel much more complete, satisfied... and hopefully... Balanced :)

Kirsten from 6th Street Design School

In 2011 I want to have at least three projects that I'm proud of to use in my portfolio. I feel like last year I focused a lot on lots and lots of projects and was never able to fully commit myself to the ones I really loved. This upcoming year I hope to find clients that let me do amazing things with their spaces. I want to produce a few rooms that I'm really really proud of. Fewer clients will hopefully allow me time to put more thought and love into each room.

Char from Crap I've Made

I want to visit Omaha.

I want to say NO more often.

I want to say YES more often.

I want to yell less and laugh more.

I want to DO more and worry less.

I want to take more naps.

And, I want to stop buying diapers for the first time since 2000.

 

 

What do you want to accomplish in 2011?

One Question Interviews

I asked a few bloggers one question
Where do you find inspiration?
Here are their answers


Jackie from Sweetie Pie Pumpkin Noodle

I've said many times before that I have never found more inspiration than I have on blogs and other sites like flickr, etsy, we heart it, houzz, and tumblr. At least as far as inspiration for interior design, DIY and fashion goes. But what inspires me on a deeper, more meaningful level are the simple things: a smile and hug from my daughters, the still sky at twilight with a trail of birds flying overhead, driving through a Eucalyptus grove on the way to the beach, making my husband laugh, a quiet moment to myself in the morning before the start of a busy day, encouraging words from a friend...all inspiration to my soul. It doesn't get better than that!

Lorie from Be Different Act Normal

Where do I find inspiration? One word, ONLINE!

I have always found inspiration through beautiful pictures. I am the type of girl who bought way too many magazines and never threw any of them away. I still love magazines, but they just take up too much space. I have narrowed my magazine subscriptions down to five and I force myself to toss them every month.

Luckily, I can add as many photos to my blog as I want and it doesn't take up any space in my house! That is really how my blog started. I used it as a filing cabinet for all of the great ideas I found online.

So most of my inspiration comes from online, and most of that inspiration comes from YOU!

Angie from Seriously a Homemaker

I find inspiration in paper. Scrapbook paper. I do. I love it. I would make clothes out of the scrapbook paper aisle at Jo-Ann’s if I thought it would hold up.

I find inspiration in movie sets. Can I live in a movie set? Can I make my house look like the houses that they film movies in? Or maybe I could get a film crew to film in MY HOUSE. Would that automatically make me love my house more and want to live here?

I find fitness inspiration from skinny women. Their skinny thighs and cute butts . I hate them. Especially if they have kids. But then, they are nice and I can’t hate them. So I love them despite themselves and tell myself, that “If they can do it, I can too.” Then I eat a handful of chocolate chips from the freezer.

I find inspiration for my life from other women. Bloggers that I meet in real life. Women who own the moment and steal the room. I want to admire myself the way I admire them.

There are a few women in my personal life that, though I don’t see them very often, I think of them daily. I want to call them and tell them how their goodness is reaching me and nudging me to be a better mom, better wife, better baker, better neighbor, and better friend. I would call them every day to tell them that, but then they would be scared of me and I would get sick of my own voice.

Actually, that’s the case with just about anything I’ve wanted in my life. When I see a woman who is doing something great, their accomplishment not only gives me permission to succeed, but challenges me to match it or beat it.

I got engaged, because a dear friend had the courage to fall head over heels for her best friend. And they called it a marriage! If them, why not us? So I looked at the guy who had my heart and said, “Ok, let’s do this!” And we did. And 10 years later we are still happy. Is that lame? Unromantic?

Same thing with deciding to start a family. I saw other intelligent, young women and their husbands fearlessly taking the dive. If they could handle it, why not me? And I could. I am. Four kids later and I’ve got a good thing going. They call me mom and I answer. Most of the time.

Is it weird that I want to do things just because somebody else is doing them? Let’s not call it copycatting. Or competing. Let’s call it inspiration. You inspire me.

BTW, if anybody out there is doing something really hard that I am not currently doing, please don’t tell me about it. I don’t have time to want it. Unless it is winning sweepstakes and taking tropical vacations.

Jenny from Like Swimming

I think the better question is, "Where *don't* I find inspiration?" I
find blogging fodder everywhere - billboards, cars, things my kids say, the
fact that I'm incontinent after having kids. I write about things that make
me laugh or cry, things that confuse me, and things that just plain make me
angry. I've only made two areas of my life off-limits: my relationship with my
mother, and sex with my husband. Aside from that, it's open season!
Y'all will still talk to me, right? RIGHT?! ;-)

Jill from Jill can Blog

My inspiration comes from my dreams. Weird, right? If you read my blog, you will see that I write about my dreams sometimes. It's probably annoying to my 5 loyal readers, but I am a firm believer that dreams can really mean something. Life gets crazy and we can miss out on a lot around us because we're too busy to pay attention. I think our subconscious picks up on what we miss and replays it to us in crazy dream form now and then.
I know dreams aren't always serious, but they just may be a small insight to our innermost thoughts, feelings, worries and desires. Have you ever had a dream about an amazing, delicious cake and when you woke up, you craved cake? So you made it? And ate it? And it was somewhat amazing and delicious? That's inspiration, folks. Dream-cake inspiration.

Where do you find inspiration?


If you are interested in participating in my one question interviews send e an email.

One Question Interviews

I asked a few Bloggers one question.
what is your favorite mommy advice.
Here are their answers.


Kim from Today's Creative Blog

There is SO much advice out there. I have managed so far to raise a well adjusted 11 yr old boy. Crossing my fingers for a smooth 7 more years. Besides building integrity and good character, I want my son to appreciate the beauty in life. Since he was little, I make it a habit to point out beauty all around us. I do this with excitement. There is nothing like hearing your child ask you to come see this "amazing sunset" or discuss a piece of art. Building sensitivity in boys is often overlooked.
In a fast paced world, I want him to slow down and see the beauty in things around him, people around him and most importantly, himself.

Angie from The Creative Mama and Angie Warren

I was once told to not only love my kids but to love myself. To give ME a break, encouragement, comfort. All the books and experts in the world don't know my kids like I do, so stop being so hard on myself- and allow my parenting to evolve and flourish as our family does. It's been a journey for me, but I', slowly realizing how true those words are.

Marta from Marta Writes

this is a great question. i've received so much good mommy advice from friends and family, but recently i've been thinking a lot about something i heard while i was pregnant. before i gave birth to my little one, my sister-in-law told me, little boys are like puppies. explaining that they need a safe place to run, they need a lap for cuddling and they need a whole lotta praise and pats on the head. now that my boy is almost two, i take her advice every day. we go to the park, we read stories together, give lots of hugs and i try to catch him being good as often as possible and shower him with praise and pats on the head. my goal is to make the most of our time together, to enjoy all the little moments because i know he'll grow up in a blink. motherhood is such hard work, i want to make sure i am available for the rewarding moments!

Margot from Old School

I spent years feeling like I couldn't wait for my kids to reach this milestone or that milestone. But careful! Time speeds up as it goes along, and before you know it those years are gone. Don't wish them away. Drink them in.

Tauni from It's a Tradition

Be available, both emotionally and physically, during the ordinary moments. Include your kids in your everyday activity whether it be shopping, washing the dishes or watching tv.
It is in the simple things that you will create a bond for life!

Sounds simple, but sometimes today I think parents focus on "being there" for the big moments and forget that relationships are built everyday.

Camille from Make it Work Mom

Make every moment count! Life happens way too fast to not make memories along the way - especially if it includes a cupcake.

Dianna from Whatever DeeDee Wants She's Gonna Get it

One piece of advice my sister in law gave me (long before I had kids) that I love is keep a consistent schedule. I keep Brody on a pretty strict nap and bed time schedule and I think it makes a world of difference in his life. Of course I am not always perfect but I do think children need consistency.

Now it's your turn, what is your favorite mommy advice?

If you would like to be a part of future one question interviews send me an email.

One Question Interviews

I asked four bloggers how they got started blogging, here are their answers.


Liz Stanley from Say Yes to Hoboken

I initially started my blog, Say Yes to Hoboken, soon after my sister in law, Jordan Ferney of Oh Happy Day started her blog. It seemed like a fun way to archive ideas and keep in touch with friends and family. I named it 'Say Yes to Hoboken', because that was the NJ town we were living in across the Hudson river from Manhattan. It was five years ago and we were newly married and both working full time and traveling a lot. It started as a place to share funny anecdotes and products that I liked. It has since morphed over the years into a more design, lifestyle and DIY focus. It's interesting to look at my blog evolve as my life evolved. It's always been a really fun creative outlet for me and then the last couple years or so it's become something that brings in income as well which is a nice bonus.



Melissa from So about What I Said

I started my blog So about what I said (www.melissabxoxo.blogspot.com) in November 2008. I'm a freelance writer, so it seemed like the natural progression for me - a way to showcase my work and keep me writing on a a regular basis. I also started the blog as a unique and honest way to chronicle my life with a physical disability and look at love and relationships from the perspective of someone who has a physical disability. I always think of my blog as the Glamour magazine version of life with a disability, if that makes any sense.



Becca from Blue Cricket Design

My very first blog post was written and posted on March 22, 2006 and to date it is still one of my all time favorite posts! Really? Could I really have a place of my own on line that I could record my thoughts, going on's and family updates? When My girlfriend told me about blogs I was hooked the moment I discovered how easy it really was! I'm a writer by hobby and a talker by nature so together it felt like a match made in heaven! There I was ready to record it all! It originally became my online journal! I recorded my thoughts, my frustrations and my joys! I was honest and open and wrote it for me! When I realized others were reading it I decided I needed a little separation. So then and there was born my second blog. It was a private place all my own and I loved it more then I thought a person could! I was free to talk about anything and everything and I did. Other blogs have blossomed over the years as well. Some to highlight creativity some to record my journey through self discovery! All of them have meaning and purpose and are for different audiences. Fast forward to today and blogging has become our unofficial 4th child! 4 years, 6 different blogs, 1,084 posts later I'm still loving it!

Keersten from Leap Into Art

I started my site when I was teaching art classes to update parents on what the kids did each week. After I had my second little girl I couldn't keep up with teaching, but still wanted to do something. So I started posting art projects as well as our little adventures. About a year ago, I started adding recipes after a couple of friends suggested it. That is pretty much it. I love the friends I have made through blogging and especially how easy it makes it to keep up with everyone and often, get to know them in a way I may not have otherwise.

How did you start blogging?

I will be hosting more one question interviews in the future.
If you are interested in being interviewed send me an email.