Today, we have Colette from Jamerican Spice! She’s an excellent blogger that’s very active in our Sverve community! Read her story here!
How,when & why did you being blogging?
When I began blogging in 2008, I wanted to start writing about my life in journal form, because someone told me it would help in my healing, but alas, my blog is now wide open and I find it hard to share so much of the raw details of my life, growing up without parents in the orphanages, in my country. I might still do it, but it’s taking some thought. It’s easier to write these things being obscured.
What are you preferred blogging topics?
I am comfortable with a wide variety of topics. Some of my favorites topics are: Music, Humor, Parenting, Inspirational, Books, My kids, and Sweepstakes.
What are your three favorite blog posts?
Three of my favorite posts, it’s kinda hard to choose:
The Mom I Am Today
My CardiWrap by Kymaro
I fell In Love Once
What are you up to when not blogging?
When I’m not blogging I am being pulled in all directions by my husband, children, church and friends. As a matter-a-fact, I often wonder how other bloggers seem to find the time to get so much done with their blogs. Maybe when I’m a grandmother and things may be slower, then I’ll have all that time to dedicate.
For now I’m just trying to replicate my favorite childhood meals and ensuring my family eat healthy home-cooked meals, while indulging in my little share of the web.
What are your tips for balancing family life and blogging?
People come before things always. If you find yourself wanting to pull your hair out, because you want to blog and you have to be with your family, stop and find out what it is your heart is asking you to do that is right and get it done. You will feel much better and less stressed out.
For example, there are times when I’m trying to beat being late, to get a review up. Usually this is when my child needs me. If I try to give half and half of myself, then it breaks both our hearts and we both miss out on a relationship. I can stop and give my child the precious moment or I can also ask my child to give me just ten minutes and then I’ll spend the next thirty minutes completely focused on her/him. But focus on the people in your family is very important.
I also find that with blogging, you have to know when to put it away. So set times when it is good for blogging. For me, that is the window when the kids are at school or when everyone is in bed.
And of course I use my Wheel Of Life balance wheel.
Why and how do you use Sverve?
I’m still learning how to use Sverve properly. I’m in the learning phase, while inviting friends, bloggers and hopefully business owners over to build my social group. I’m also enjoying the tips, making friends, giving endorsements and soon I’ll figure out how to get involved in the offered campaigns!
Do you have any tips for your success on Sverve?
Browse around and find topics and bloggers that you want to share with and follow. It’s okay to approach first with a follow and endorsement. More often than not, the favor will be returned and you could meet a lifelong bloggy buddy!
Don’t get trapped in niche, branch out and allow yourself to make connections which in turn will bring benefits to your blog growth.
Learn how take part in the campaigns so that you can have a rounded experience with using Sverve.
Can you share any blogging tips that have really helped you?
Ask for help. Bloggers will really help you with questions. Never mind the one and two who are scrooges.
Find a good blogger network and get active, it can really help you make connections and help your blog to grow.
DO NOT get overwhelmed by everything you hear in the blog community. It can overwhelm you or make you feel inadequate. Be wise in taking it all in, and then choosing only what is right for you and your blog.
If you have a niche that you are good at, then continue to develop and hone it. If you don’t want to be in a niche, then just blog freely as your heart leads you. I don’t have a niche, I like it that way. I’m just an eclectic blogger. You could say I’m just too spicy! The important thing is to enjoy what you are doing.
What do you love most about blogging?
As a mother, it’s my outlet into the world beyond my little circle. And I don’t have to be a journalist to blog.
It’s amazing to meet so many people for all around the world which I wouldn’t meet otherwise. And it’s online, but you can tell the real people and you learn so much about different cultures!
That’s my Cyber Sis!
Fantastic and inspiring interview, especially the advice given
I’m still new to the Sverve community so I’ll definitely take it to heart!
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