Real answers to your most frequently asked questions on C+M

I love blogging. When I first launched the blog, I was beyond shy about it. I didn’t have a clue what I was doing. Not to mention I had no idea where I stood regarding social media. What was I doing? Two years later, and I still scratch my head some days.  But I love it, and I’m here to stay. Today, I’m answering a few of the most asked questions on C+M. So here goes nothing.

ONE

How do I start a blog of my own? I want it to be a success! Girl, I get it. I have made so many mistakes when it comes to blogging. I still do. But that is what makes it all fun and games. There aren’t any rules with this whole new world. Find a name, buy the domain, and get moving. Go for it.

Start with publishing a post. Get comfortable because that takes time. Be passionate about what you are doing and be REAL! If one person loves what you are doing, then it’s a win. And remember Instagram is an app your blog is yours. (I have a feeling this will be more important in years to come).

Finding your voice and your people will be a natural flow. A flow that takes time, you have to give it time. Time, time, time! Short of paying for followers and likes (which I am totally against, and it is happening way more than you know), give it time.  I am guilty of losing my patience feeling the struggle of everyone else moving ahead. Don’t forget that the tortoise won in the end.

When you receive weird messages or comments, drown out the bad and focus on the positive. And remember to be gentle with yourself. Good things take time. Do it the right way and don’t cheat the system. I still don’t have all the answers, but what you see is what you get with this girl. I love dresses, flowers, my husband, being outside, poodles and a great pair of heels. I am who I am. Be who you are.

TWO

Where can I find your morning devotionals? This past year I have slowly started sharing screenshots of my morning readings. Mainly sharing passages that speak to me.  I hope it helps brighten someone else’s day the way it does mine. Spirituality is a huge part of my life, and I never want to make anyone feel uncomfortable, but it is something that I love. So sharing it only feels natural.

My daily devotional is Jesus Calling, and one of my best friends sent it to me. I still owe Lauren for introducing it. That little book saved me when I needed it most. Through heartache and loss, and everyday living. I love it, and I need it. I have several copies, and it has been one of the best gifts I have ever received. It is short and to the point and always a great to start the day. There are a few versions of the book, and I just discovered an extended version for morning and night reading!

THREE

What is your diet and exercise routine?  I asked a few of you if you would like to see more posts on this topic. I had a surprising response to this, and I am currently working on a few ideas. The bare bones of it all: I drink water, coffee, champagne and wine (tequila on a blue moon). I eat a pescetarian/vegetarian diet with a lot of salads and veggies at the heart of it all. I do not limit myself but do try not over to do it. My biggest advice is finding what works for you. Listen to what your body needs.

I have cellulite, and I hate parts of my body, and I hate working out! Our lives are busy, but I try to make a plan for what works best for us. Stick to a realistic plan that fits in your daily lives. I try to walk or bike and move regularly. Days when I am tucked in my office emailing or writing I make it a point to walk around with the dogs to break from the screen. I used to call it my pretend smoke break because I needed to get out and move!

I use 10 lb weights, and I have a small circuit that I can do anywhere. If you google at home workouts, there are a ton of them. I found one that works, and I make myself do it daily. Being active is important, and I can feel my body hating me when I am not.

FOUR

What camera and editing apps do you use? I love my phone camera. I am about to send you through the roof, but I use a Samsung Galaxy S6. I love it. I am dying to upgrade to the 8, heard it is amazing so stay tuned. This year my husband surprised me with a fancy little camera. The Lumix is the perfect size and weight, especially for traveling.

When it comes to editing, there isn’t one look out there for everyone, how boring would that be! Find what works for your style. Play around with a few options to see what feels right. I changed mine from a cooler tone to a warmer one last year because that tone fit my lifestyle better. Not sure anyone even noticed!

My go to app is VSCO. Their tools are excellent, and they offer a broad range of filtering options. To be honest, I even love a few of the tools in the Instagram app. The key is consistency. My go to filter might not work for every photo either. I take a lot of time with this part of the blog whenever posting on any of my social networks. A good camera phone and a few editing tools can make a huge difference!

FIVE

What type of dogs do you have? I want one! This question is always my favorite because my little animals are my life. Trixie and Babs are both poodles. They are half sisters and came from a breeder in Tennessee. If you haven’t had a small dog before I highly suggest taking the time to study up on the commitment. They are like babies and need a lot of time and attention. I grew up watching my mom take care of our little poodles, so I was well aware of what I was getting into with two. They are the sweetest, and I can’t imagine life without them in it! It is a lot of work but worth it.

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