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Sunday, February 21, 2010

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.  LOLIMG_3668

Her name is Maybelline, we call her Mabie……she’s an Australian Multi-gen Labradoodle. IMG_3783IMG_5835IMG_5310 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! IMG_3700  

21 comments:

carolineAlexander said...

I loved all your answers to some really good questions.

Alice ~ Folk Art Primitives said...

Very interesting answers ~ I agree with pictures ~ love to see them. I agree with music ~ it annoys me immensely and I always wonder why!
I just stumbled onto your blog ~ I'll keep checking in ~ I need all the help I can get!! You have a LOT of 'followers' ~ I am thrilled to be nearing 50 ~ that makes me laugh!

ch said...

Kim
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer all of these great questions!
I have been following your blog for over a year! It is one of the best blogs out there in blog world. And I think that's saying a lot in the sea of billions and zillions of blogs out there. I am always amazed at the great blogs that you find. Many of them end up being on my blog list. (now I'm not trying to kiss up, really,really I'm not:)) It is all true! You're awesome!
And your puppy is precious!

Have a great day!
Cindy
www.chalkaboutit.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much Kim for answering our questions! What a fabulous idea! As a pretty new blogger (one of so very many) it's not always easy to figure out how to do things! Happy Birthday to your sweet boy and thanks for stopping by!

Janell @ House of Fifty said...

Thanks for taking the time to answer these questions, it was very very informative AND fun to read! Janell

Screaming Meme said...

I love your sweet puppy...OMgoodness..and the name is too cute...:) Come by my blog and see my sweet pups...I had fun with it! lol I also made a slipcover...Let me know what you think...Meme

Janet Metzger, Artist said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Janet Metzger, Artist said...

Thanks for answering my ?'s and I am happy to hear you like it when bloggers get personal This was very informative ;-)

Anonymous said...

I really enjoyed this post and I hope my blog will become better as I hear some of your answers you gave to the questions!

May I ask another question? You said that you save in a file blog entries for a future post. Where and how do you save these exactly. I save pictures that I love or projects pictures (just the pictures) then when it comes to when I want to maybe share a picture on my blog I don't remember where I got it from. Is there a way to save the address to the picture itself or do you bookmark the actual blog?- hope that question makes some sort of sense!!

I do enjoy your blog and it is one that I come to for lots of inspiration- I love that you have done lots of the foot work for me finding the great things in blogland!

blessings
mary

Sarah said...

Oh my, thank you so much for answering our questions. I'm absolutely *blushing* that you answered mine! :) Thanks for all the great info and of course for sharing your adorable pup.
God's blessings on your weekend,
Sarah :D

Anonymous said...

Oh, I loved this segment, almost as much as I love Mabi! :D

You will have to do a Q&A again, it felt like we were all sitting around having coffee together! :)

Anonymous said...

This was great fun! I am not a fan of music as well, although I could not resist a Doris Day song for a particular post last year. It only lasted a day though. It drives me nuts to be sitting in an airport, and, forgetting my computer speaker is on, I will visit a blog with music. I don't know if I am embarrassed that music blares from the speaker and everyone looks at me or maybe I am worried they know I am not really "working." Ha! Thank you for answering my questions. ~Kelly

unDeniably Domestic

Unknown said...

This little bloggie lesson was very educational. You are such a pro with all of your experience! You said that asking questions wasn't a "worthy post" but this was one of my favorites! Thanks for sharing.

Hen Jen said...

I loved reading about how you blog, very interesting and informative!

I had to comment when I saw your dog pics, we have an 8 month old black labradoodle, her puppy pics looks just like the ones you have up here! She is a labradoodle mom with a standard poodle dad, the technical name was Fb1 or something like that..anyway, a bit more poodle, so she will not shed. She is the greatest dog! She is very smart, and very calm.

enjoying your blog, have a great week!

Ribbonwood Cottage said...

HI Kim! Hey I just wanted to say I love to visit and I just love coming by...seeing what you've posted about...visit the blog you talk about....or visit the blog party people. I just enjoy coming by. I just enjoy the different ideas. I enjoy all the different angles people do crafts from...it could be the same idea...just different ways or colors...etc.
Your blog is a breath of fresh air because it is different and always fun. YOu always leave with a new idea...or new blog to visit. It brings a great deal of people together...like a neighborhood to one place for a visit and a fun time or memorable moment.
I love it.
Blessings,
Debbie

Heather said...

thanks for all the insight. very helpful to us newbies.

but let's talk about your dog...as a part-time pet sitter, i am bummed we don't live in the same town b/c that is one cute little pup i wouldn't mind playing with! precious face :)

Save the Date for Cupcakes said...

So sad I missed this~ but loved reading through it!!! How cute is MABIE?! LOVE HER!!!

~Tanya

Anonymous said...

It's so nice to get an inside look on how and why you started your blog Kim! Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions!
Aaaaaand, Maybelline is A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E ;)

Jamie :)

Teresa said...

Uh-Oh!
Woopsie-Daisies!
Guess I better go TURN OFF THAT MUSIC on my blog!!!
Ha!
xxooxx
And tell Mabie...I came OH SO CLOSE to asking a question about her!!!! ;o)

kate blue said...

hate to ask, but you are my cousin????...we like TOO much of the same stuff AND feel the same way about the blogs. and blog music. (I only put it on my blog once for a special event) and tons of other stuff..one exception: the dog-I do like dogs, but they have to belong to someone else!!! Keep us reading chick; love the blog even though I don't always comment :)

Carolyn @ My Backyard Eden said...

Rosie (also a multigen aussie) gives paw waves to Maybelline!

Aren't they just the smartest, best dog you've ever had??