Category: blogger

Blogger buddy catch up!

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You see this picture? it’s on the right there too, click it!

So SAMOMBLOG members will be sharing each other’s blogs over the next couple of months, My first pairing is Confessions of a Zombie Mom… I interviewed her HERE in the past but here she answers some fun lil questions..

You can only take one thing onto a island what would it be
Does a library count as a thing? Because I quite like the idea of lazing in a hammock, reading books all day.
 What is your best childhood memory
My grandparents had a huge mulberry tree in their garden. I loved climbing that tree.
What food could you eat every day
Pasta.

 What is a habit you would love to kick!
Biting my cuticles.
 What is one thing you hope you will be remembered for
For a life that shines Jesus.

Come and meet the Kennys

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Allow me to introduce you to Christine from the Kenny family blog. She is an awesome resource for product reviews and her twinsikles are just too cute!!! Her blog is awesome you HAVE to check it out



-Tell us a little about your family…
I have two beautiful 17 month old twin boys that have recently started walking and are now running in all directions. I’m wife to my high-school sweetheart – the man of my dreams and also a full-time software/web developer in the financial industry. We also have two kitties, a very naughty Jack Russell and a home that is fast becoming too small.
-What do you do when not blogging?
           
My average day involves getting everyone ready for the day, giving lots of kisses goodbye, dashing off to work for 8 hours, and then rushing home to spend some quality time with my husband and my two little boys. Other than that I enjoy reading, lazy afternoons in the back yard and spending time with family.
-What made you decide to blog?    
Having the twins, either during pregnancy or once they were born, always felt a little lonely to me. I never quite fit in with the other mommies. Looking for advice on how to raise my two little babies only got me so far and couldn’t help me with the time constraint of handling both babies, so I had to spend a lot time just figuring things out on my own. I started writing down some of my experiences in the hope that either I or someone else would one day find them useful again.
-What was your concept behind the blog?
I guess I wanted to share my story with other mommies out there, yet at the same time do something special that I might one day print and give to my children. So my blog is a little bit of both. It contains some useful advice, some not so useful advice, a lot of personal opinion and a type of album/log of my daily life with my family.
-Did you find yourself nervous at prospect of letting people into your life in this way?
           
I do sometimes when I realize all the personal information that I put out there could be used in bad ways. But then reading other mommy’s stories bring me so much inspiration and motivation, I can only hope to inspire another mommy out there with my story.
-Do you ever worry that your child will be like “mom why are you exposing my life?” (I worry sometimes)?
At the moment they are way too small, but I do sometimes worry what effect my blog will have on them when they are older. I plan on rebranding my site and using alias names once the kids start school.
-Does your family read your blog?
           
Not as much as I would like them to. J
-What do you hope to achieve through the blog?
I hope to be an inspiration to other mommies out there, whether it is by using my tips and tricks for twins or simply drawing a little happiness or motivation from our day-to-day lives.
I also want my blog to be a type of journal where I can keep a memory in both words and pictures of my experience with the twins and in the growth of our little family.
-What do you think about the blogging culture in South Africa?
           
Though very young and inexperienced, I think South Africa’s blogging culture is booming to life. Each genre’ has its special little groups and it would be nice to find some place where we could all connect. I love the support I’m getting from other bloggers and I truly hope its something we can keep instead of it becoming a competition.
-What do you think makes for a “good blog”
I think a good blog is all about being genuine. It doesn’t matter what you blog about as long as your message is pure, honest and genuinely you.
-How do you personally measure success in the blogging world
I guess I measure it by how many people I reach through my blog whether it be by subscribers or social media followers.
Social Media:
Blog name: The Kenny Family
Blog address: http://www.thekennyfamily.co.za
Twitter profile @ChrissyK07
Instagram Account: chrissyk07

An award for little old me :)

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So I got my second Liebster Award!!! I have noticed that all my favourite blogs are Liebstered out , so I’m not nominating, instead just going around liking their pages (those I haven’t already) I decided to answer Leigh from TheMommyDiaries questions though because I am just that honoured to be nominated by her – her blog is seriously awesome, and she just seems to have her ish together (blog crush Thursday,hehe) also I love these filly outy thingies



1.      What has life/motherhood taught you so far?
That I know NOTHING! Had so many preconceived notions but eish nothing seems to have been like in my mind…SEE HERE
2.      Describe to us your idea of a perfect day.
Although I like my job, and ideal day doesn’t include work, it’s walking up early to catch some silly TV while boys sleep and I don’t have to watch Mickey Mouse Club house or the History channel. Then  they wake up we have breakfast at a quaint little place, we nap (hahahaha I wish) I do craft/bake/cook with Aidan, and then watch a movie with Rob while Aidan sleeps….
3.      What is the best book you have ever read?
I can’’ answer this honestly as the book changes depending on my mood, I love funny authors though like Marian Keyes , so Rob just gets me books by her and he knows he nailed the gift giving thing
4.      Who challenges you the most and why?
My husband, he  seems to have this pretty high opinion of me, thinks I can do anything and that in itself is a challenge… I want to be the person he sees me to be.
5.      Name two things on your bucket list.
– Driving – this one is embarrassing but I don’t like to drive 🙁 I’m scared of ever hurting someone so it makes me tense, I want to drive without fear
– Go on international trip with my little family
6.      What is the craziest thing you have ever done?
I crashed an Elle Magazine party it was accidental at first but then I ended up having a blast
7.      If you could have any super power what would it be?
Teleportation , then I wouldn’t have to drive
8.      How many pairs of shoes do you own? And how many do you actually wear?
I actually don’t know, about 30 (after a mass clear out), I wear them all but about 5 are in regular rotation
            
9.      If you had the power change ONE thing about South Africa what would it be?
Racism, I wish people could be seen as people and that race was no longer an issue-and I mean from all sides embrace differences I say
10.What are you most proud of?
My son he is literally my pride and joy (I finally get that saying now)
11.What one material thing you simply cannot live without?
Does Data count? I’m addicted to the interwebs people!

A step into Chev’s life

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It’s that time of the week again, when I step back, become a little less self involved and chat to people who inspire me 🙂

Today I feature blogger Chevone Petersen, who has my mother’s maiden name and lives in Cape Town where my mom grew up, but is not related to me (I don’t think-that curly hair is suspect though, hehe) 
The first time I read her blog Chevs Life I decided it wasn’t for me, she was making me feel to bad, I mean she’s a single working mom to a hearing impaired child and founded Decibles of love, a project reaching out to parents raising hearing impaired children oh AND she surfs. I’m not about having myself feel inadequate, hehe. BUT she is so relate-able and funny and knowledgeable that you can’t help but get drawn in…here is what she has to say




-Tell us a little about your family…
My family constantly challenge my sanity! Think it may be because we are such a small family! I’m a single parent of a 7 year old, I have one brother and both my parents live with us.

-What do you do when not blogging?

I don’t blog often. I work full time and try to learn to surf in between work. I spend a lot of time with my son and do some volunteer work in between.

I tend to write most of my post on my phone’s notepad on a Saturday morning or while waiting for a train/sitting on the beach.

-What made you decide to blog?

I enjoy writing. After creating a web page last year a dear friend of mine encouraged me to blog and, well like they say, the rest is history!

-What was your concept behind the blog?

It’s my space, my thoughts, my experiences. I don’t get to spend much time with friends and blogging is my way of communicating with the world and putting my thoughts out there.

Some of my blogs are about experiences and feelings that I don’t ever want to forget, especially the ones about my son.

– Where does blog name come from?

Uhm, me, ChevsLife – me sharing bits and pieces of who I am and what my life is about. Pretty boring at times lol!

-Did you find yourself nervous at prospect of letting people into your life in this way?

Nope, I’m in control of what I want to share.

-Do you ever worry that your child will be like “mom why are you exposing my life?” 
I read all my blog posts to my son, anything that he’s not okay with I don’t publish/delete. The only posts that I’ve not read to him is Mid-Week Meltdown, Hearing Loss Rollercoaster and Parenting is a Breeze, Right. I’ll read these to him when he is a bit older, before he can access it on his own.  He knows why I blog and sometimes he gets bored with listening to me reading blog posts to him, other times he ask questions. It is a wonderful way to expose him to language, life and some of my thoughts.

-Does your family read your blog?
My parents have read some of my blog posts, but they not really online people. Sometimes I’ll read a blog to them, especially if it is about them and usually before I publish. My brother’s read some of my blogs, but again, not an online person. He read the Ugly Face of Drug Addiction before I published it as well.

-What do you hope to achieve through the blog?

A platform where I hope others can relate and say “I’m not alone”, “anything is possible”, a blog that allows people to look beyond what they see…


-What do you think makes for a “good blog”

Authenticity and the ability to convey a story that draws the reader back for more.

-How do you personally measure success in the blogging world

I don’t. I blog because I love to write and need to share some of what is going on in my head before it explodes 😀 (AGREED)

Journey to the Meth Lab

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Although my series on mom bloggers is technically over, I sometimes stumble across a blog I love and just HAVE to include, so I think that is exactly what I will do, I will keep on interviewing and sharing as we go along 🙂

Today I want to introduce you guys to Jozi Donjeany Meth who blogs over at Memoirs from the meth lab. I absolutely love her blog but I must say it freaked me out a little…She’s short, with a tall x-box loving husband and a curly haired tyke who is busy for days…How is this woman living my life, in a skinnier body no less…hahaha
Here is what she has to say
-Tell us a little about your family…

I’ve been married to Joe, my X-box mad dude, for 3.5 years. We met 10 years ago in London and have been together ever since. Four months after getting married, we got the surprise that I was pregnant. Our son, Ryder, was born in August 2012 and is now going on 2.5 years old. We live in our home city of Durban.


– are you the big family or small family type
I would like two kids and no more, so definitely the small family type. Hubby is happy with one. Just one. I have two much older brothers myself so often felt like an only child growing up. I want to be able to give my kid(s) the very best experiences in life, which we personally could never afford with more than 2 of them. But I also think it’s important for Ryder to have a sibling.

-What do you do when not blogging?
Blogging is presently a very small part of my life. I work in PR and marketing so my work days are pretty full. On weekends it’s all about keeping Ryder busy and stimulated. I only recently resumed blogging and currently it fits in during the precious hour or so before Ryder is awake, or after his bedtime.

-What made you decide to blog?
I love writing. There are stories swirling around in my head throughout the day that I know will never make it into actual written pieces, because of time. I usually end up posting anecdotes on Facebook. I tinkered with blogging very sporadically in the lead up to getting married, but now with a toddler I find there are so many things I want to record. Blogging beats recording it in baby books, which I never stuck to!

-What was your concept behind the blog?
Zero concept behind it. Haha. It started off as a general blog with occasional tales of my attempts to give up smoking and my wedding preparations. Now it’s full on motherhood, which provides so much fodder. Not everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s a journey that brings me so much joy that I do love writing about it.

– Where does blog name come from?
I married a guy whose surname is Meth. We have a pretty liberal sense of humour on both sides of the family, and when I was pregnant and people would ask what I’m going to name the baby, I would say it’s a girl and we’re going to call her Crystal. I use a double-barrel surname in my work life, but I am slowly getting used to the idea of letting go of my maiden name. I made a joke one day calling my in-laws and I ‘The Meth Lab’ and they thought it was hilarious. So the blog, as a collection of tales from my extended family and I, is called Memoirs from the Meth Lab. This might be utterly offensive to some and I apologise. Kinda.

-Did you find yourself nervous at prospect of letting people into your life in this way?
Yes. I’m used to over-sharing on Facebook, but that’s with only 400 of your closest friends (hah!). One of the first blog posts I wrote got a negative comment and I was so devastated it put me off it for ages. I’m older now and more thick-skinned. I try to keep things pretty light. So far there has been no need to get deep and dark and introspective.

-Do you ever worry that your child will be like “mom why are you exposing my life?” (I worry sometimes)?
Yes. I created a Facebook profile for him much earlier this year (groan) because that was my first outlet for recording important milestones. I knew he would be a digi kid and I wanted him to have a record of his early life. Mama is not the scrapbooking type. But I keep obsessing over his digital footprint and Googling his name to check what’s out on the net about him. 

-Does your family read your blog?
My husband is very inactive on social media so has only read like two posts. Maybe a few family members who have me on Facebook have read it.

-What do you hope to achieve through the blog?
At the moment, nothing but to have a record of my family life and if I can share a few important gems of wisdom along the way, then bonus.

-What do you think about the blogging culture in South Africa?
As an observer, I love the growth of blogging in SA. I’ve been following a motley crew of blogs for a while, but right now mommy blogs are what keeps me going. I can’t really provide much of an insider perspective because I’m not actively involved in “blogging culture.”

-What do you think makes for a “good blog“
Personally, I love good, creative, funny, honest writing. Things I can relate to. Great visuals are awesome, but great content still gets me. And maybe I’m a  bit of a voyeur, because I love getting an inside peek into how other people live.

-How do you personally measure success in the blogging world
I suppose follower numbers and all that will follow. But right now, I’m happy with just comments showing that people have appreciated or been interested in what I’ve shared.

Cat talks shoes :)

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When I first read Catriona’s blog Precious Impressions I was shocked by how much we had in common so I just HAD to ask her to feature on a “Shoesday” post [Even though she admits to being more of a handbag girl]….here is what she had to say:

1. You are:
 I’m Catriona and I blog over at Precious Impressions.

2. How many pairs of shoes do you own?
I don’t know the exact amount but it’s probably close to 30. I have two shelves stuffed with shoes and racks full of shoes at my parents house that I never took with me when I moved. I live in a tiny flat and there is absolutely no space for more of my “junk” as my husband calls it. 😉

3. Why do you think a great pair of shoes has such an effect on women?
A good pair of shoes can do wonders to a woman’s confidence. Heels affects your posture and when you walk taller you instantly look fierce and feel fabulous! I also find that if you wear shoes that are comfortable whether it be flats or heels it affects your mood because there is nothing worse than wearing shoes that hurt you.

4. Which shoe are you still searching for?
A black boot. Every winter I am on the hunt for boots. This year I found a tan pair but the perfect black boot still eludes me to this day!

5. Which shoe can’t you believe you actually wore:
I think I have many as I’m actually not a shoe person. I’m more into bags. I’m always looking at pics thinking why did you wear those shoes with that outfit. Let’s just say matching shoes to an outfit stresses me out. I think the worst would have to be when I was in my teens and went through a phase of wearing  big bulky takkies/trainers with everything! Eeeeek…..so so bad!

6. Fav shoe/style quote:
You’re never fully dressed without a smile!