My name is Kim and I am a busy mama of two little girls that are 2 years apart in age. We do a lot of character role playing at home, as well as going to the park and attending storytimes and playdates when we can. I quit my job in the corporate world exactly 1 year ago to stay home with my kids. It was a big adjustment but I feel like I have it down now! My husband has a long commute for work, so i watch the kids for 12-13 hours before he comes home.
One of my biggest strengths as a mother has to be my ability to multitask. We have our routines most days and they include me doing some work on my blog and my LipSense business, as well as making sure the kids get out to play. Since we live in the midwest, the weather isn’t always conclusive to playing outdoors. We make a lot of trips to Children’s museums, libraries, indoor mall playgrounds and other people’s houses to play.
In my spare time I love to watch reality tv shows and comedies, train for marathons, and go out for drinks with girlfriends!
What lead you to blogging?
So, what led me to blogging? My sister used to live with us as our nanny when my first daughter was born. We were really into essential oils and products that were healthy alternatives around the house. We decided that we would write it together on a variety of topics such as non-toxic toys, cleaners, personal care items, etc. After I got pregnant with my second child, the blog became more about my pregnancy and motherhood topics.
What are your goals with the blog?
My goals with the blog are to showcase my parenting adventures as well as personal stories about myself (fashion, fitness and recipe). I want to start adding more about my LipSense business as well, as this is a growing side business for me at home right now!
What is your favorite and least favorite part about blogging.
My favorite part about blogging is working with companies to discover amazing products that I would not have found otherwise. I’ve reviewed so many great personal and children’s products that I am truly blessed to have received. The least favorite part about blogging is how much work goes into putting together one post. I don’t think people realize how much work goes into writing a review. You are constantly taking quality photos, editing them, inserting them into the blog with the correct verbage all the while making sure your SEO is good (sorry, blog talk) and the readability of your post will reach a vast audience. And don’t forget to insert a Pinterest graphic and get our post out to the public so they will actually read it! (Phew!)
What has surprised you most in this journey?
The thing that has surprised me most about this blogging journey is all of the friends I have made. Joining other blogging support groups has introduced me to a wonderful world of other people who share the same interests and concerns as myself. I follow so many of these wonderful men and women on social media and have been privileged to grow with them and follow their personal lives.
How do you make money blogging? I’m asking for a friend….;)
Currently, my blog only makes money when I get sponsored posts. Some of the posts I do in exchange for product if I am a fan of the company or the item(s). I do charge a set fee for writing a blog post, as I currently do not have affiliate links on my site that earn me any income. I can earn money through a blog post, or social media share. It all depends on what the company is looking for.
What advice do you have for a mama thinking about starting a blog?
For all of you mamas looking to start your own blog, my best advice would be to do all of your research on starting one up. Go to Pinterest, or Facebook groups to get the best tips on how to set up your blog and make the most of your investment. Some blog set-ups are free, but if you really want to have a higher quality site that you can monetize from, you’ll need to put some money into it. Also, dedicate time to spend on it, so that it truly represents the look you are going for. Be yourself and don’t imitate others, it will definitely make you stand out!
Blog: www.thelavenderladies.me
Instagram: www.instagram.com/kspaetti (Personal/Blog account)
Instagram: www.instagram.com/kissed.by.
Thank you so much Kim! It was a pleasure to interview you and learn more about blogging!