You asked…….

Come back later for the Giveaway Winner.

 

Janet asked:

I would like to know what you look for in a blog post. Who do you like to follow (general terms), what makes for an interesting post? Do you like bloggers to get really personal or do you have a dislike for TMI. How's that for starters ;-) I am rather new to blogging and I really would like to hear your answers.
Well Janet….I usually look through my FFF (future feature file) looking for something to inspire me that day.  I don’t pre-plan my features days in advance, although that would probably make me less stressed,  Depending on my mood…….different things grab my attention.  I do like it when bloggers get personal.  I like the realness in a blog, otherwise I could just look at Martha Stewart Living.

Tami asked

What is it that makes someone standout enough, that you feature them on your blog?

I like all things creative and appreciate what goes into making them.  It really depends on my mood that day.  I love simple projects that I may be able to do someday, but I also get my world rocked when I see something that I would have never thought of or something I could never do. 

 

Marianne asked

Do you actually follow all the blogs that you have featured? Has this blogging thing made you try new (creative) things? How did you get them to give you a cricut? (just kidding, well I would like to know, but seriously just kidding)

Marianne,  I do follow many.  I have a hard time visiting all the blogs I want to on a regular basis.  I do try new things that I had never thought of or didn’t have the confidence to try.  Seeing someone else do it first always helps.  I got the Cricut the same month that Provo Craft placed an ad with Chic Chick Media.  I was asked by Rachael from Today’s Mama to do a review.  Pretty sweet huh?  I’m now hoping Sears gives me a Washer and Dryer to review.  A girl can dream right? 

Kelly asked

Well, you might be surprised with so many questions. As a newish blogger, with a lack of confidence, I would like to know what you think makes a great blog great. What makes it stand out? What make YOU want to read, want to follow? What are your blogging pet-peeves?

Kelly, oh you had to bring up the pet peeves thing didn’t you?  :)  My pet peeves are music!  I do not like music on a blog.  I also don’t like blogs that use a lot of photos that aren’t theirs. I take that back…….I do like them, I just can’t feature them.    That is only because it  makes it useless for MY purposes.  If I was reading for pure pleasure and not looking for ideas I could share with others, It wouldn’t bother me at all.  Does that make sense?  A great blog has balance for me.  I also LOVE great photos……..like yours.  :)

 Sarah asked - 

It's my dream to be featured here one day. Maybe when my blog is all grown up... right now it's still just a baby. ;>Your blog is one of the first blogs I ever followed, it was love at first site! So I'm excited to hear how you find your new blogs to feature. Do you have blogs that you "watch" for awhile before featuring them? I feel so nosy. Thanks for keeping us entertained and inspired!

Sarah, Thank you.  There’s a part of me that is always shocked when people say how much they enjoy my blog.  I do have blogs I watch for a bit.  Especially if they are new and don’t have much material.  I like to be able to share several ideas with my readers.  I’ll be watching yours now for your adoption news for sure!!!

Jamie asked  ( a previous featured blogger)

When you started 'TCB,' did you anticipate it to get so popular? Your Tuesday link up is sooo fun and inspiring (just like you ;).

I started TCB before blogs even knew they could be “popular”.  It certainly wasn’t reason for starting this blog.   But I am amazed everyday that people read my mutterings. 

 

The Cairns Family asked

How much time do you spend on your own blog and how much time do you spend looking at other blogs? I love finding new ideas and keeping up with friends through blogs but mine is very neglected!

I spend about 2-3 hours each day thumbing through blogs and writing my post for the next day.  I have finally gotten in the habit of writing the post the day before and pre-scheduling it to post early the next day. 

 

Queen Bee asked

If you could give one tip to new bloggers, what would that be?

Always have a photo with each post.  If there’s not a photo…….it’s boring to me. 

Laura asked

I agree with Janet, what makes a good blog post? Also, who is your favorite author. I am always looking for good reads.

My favorite Author…….you know I don’t really have a favorite.  I usually read what is suggested to me.  I just finished reading ALL 7 HARRY POTTER BOOKS!!!!  Holy Cow did that take it out of me.  A woman I used to teach fitness classes with, Jennifer Lauck  wrote two amazing books called Black Bird and Still Waters.  Heart breaking and explained why we just never really connected. 

 Dawn asked-

If you could only choose 3 colors with which to decorate your home with for the REST of your life.... what would they be?

Oh boy…I would probably go with something neutral.  Right now I love my home colors, but am starting to mix in a few others.  You can see bits of my home on my personal blog.  I’m thinking of adding a bit of robins egg blue……..like everyone else.  I am actually getting ready to revamp my living room.  I just broke the news to my husband this morning.  :)

JLK asked

If you had two hours today to do whatever craft you wanted, what would you do?

Today?  You mean instead of helping my son finish his 5th Grade State Report?  I would have loved to go thrifting!  Love to find new items.  Actually my husband came home from a run around LaCamas Lake and told me there was a yard sale at one of the older homes and it had lots of old furniture and one of those older office chairs I wanted.  I threw a bra on and my hair in a pony tail so fast you’d have thought there was a fire.  I got there and the office chair was nothing like I want.  Good thing I had my windows up when I drove up….I wouldn’t have wanted them to have heard my disgust.   That was only 15 min of my day…..but oh 2 hours of thrifting would have been nice. 

Kristan asked -

But I was wondering, how are you finding new fun crafty blogs? Sometimes I just google "blogspot ____" and fill in the blank with something like "curtain tutorial" or "DIY". But what do you do?

WOW! Great idea!  I never thought to do that.  Really.  I actually cruise through my comments, my linky parties, other features blog links.  I try to find the not so obvious ones…….it’s hard sometimes.

Jan from Tomato Baby asked-

Hey Kim ... I think you have created your blog topics for the next few weeks based on the questions you're getting!
Some of my questions have already been asked, but also want to know about hosting a give-a-way. Any tips?
Also, can I help promote the "Bloggy Boot Camp" with the cute button you have located above your "subscribe?" I haven't found one yet if its out there.
Keep doing what you do best!

Hi Jan, hosting a giveaway…….I hate the random generator.  I don’t think it gives everyone a fair chance.  Especially the first and last commenter.  I like doing giveaways where I’m not the one responsible for sending the item out.  Otherwise they will wait forever.  I also like to make the giveaway at least $25 in value. 

Herself asked

OK...
Want to stop by ddna and spread the word about our first ever blog, Flea Market Round-up?

Love to stop by.  Sadly I have had to make it a policy to not promote blog events on my blog.  Believe it or not, I am asked about 10x a week.  I will however mention things for past features.  (psst, it looks pretty good people)

Paige asked  (part of Where Women Create that was featured)

Why did you start blogging? What motivates you to keep it up? Oh and thanks for featuring WWC:) Have a great night~

I started TCB almost 4 years ago.  I loved looking at creative blogs, looking at other people’s homes and how they decorate.  I was searching one day and thought how I would LOVE to have a blog that I could just go to for all this inspiration……..and decided right then to start my own.  So TCB was thought of, started up all within about 15 min.   I am so fortunate to be able to earn a small income from my blog.  Building my blog business keeps me going and all the amazing women I meet along the way.  I used to not worry if I missed a day or two, or taking off a week, but now I do.

What?  No one asked any questions about my dog?  Really?  Well, let me tell you about her anyway.  LOL

Her name is Maybelline, we call her Mabie……she’s an Australian Multi-gen Labradoodle. She’s the smartest dog ever.  We surprised our son with her for his 10th birthday and the breeder   and I have become fast friends. 

Thanks all, that was fun!