Blogger Name: Nicole

Blog Name: Losing Weight With Child

Blog Tag line: I don’t have one, my name kind of says it all (LOL)

Website: http://losingweightwithchild.com

Facebook (like page): Losing Weight With Child on Facebook

Twitter: twitter.com/losingwithchild

 

 

 Nicole, when did you create your blog, Losing Weight With Child and what inspired you to create it?

I started the blog in late March when my daughter started a pediatric weight management program.  I wanted to document our journey for other families that may have been going through the same thing.

When I was looking and researching, I could never find any families that were actually going through the process of helping their child lose weight. It was all weight loss camps, articles, doctors but no personal stories. I thought that I could be that story for another family.  I am not a writer by trade but I told myself that I would just do my best. lol

 

If you can describe your blog in one sentence how would you describe it?

A blog that shows the triumphs and struggles of helping their child lose weight.

 

Which social networks do you use to promote your blog and why?

I use twitter more than anything because it is easy. I try to make sure I have good descriptions and keywords associated with my blog and posts because I want people that are doing web searches to be able to find me. I have a facebook page but I haven’t really concentrated on that like I should.

 

What words of encouragement can you offer moms with over weight children?  As well as what have you found to be your greatest motivation for your family?

I would tell moms that they can do it!  It takes a commitment. It’s not easy but has great rewards.  Moms are not perfect and we have to do the best that we can to keep ourselves, overweight children and family motivated.  Sometimes I have to be overexcited to get my kids a little excited about getting healthy:)  And most importantly, if you shouldn’t eat it…don’t buy it!

My greatest motivation is that I knew my 11 year old daughter was too big for her age and it was something I let happen. We also found out that she was one step from having diabetes. Lastly, my husband and I are overweight so we had to work on ourselves too.

 

We’re half way through the year… are there any goals or plans you have for Losing Weight With Child, before the year ends?

I really want to start a forum.  I know there are many families out there going through the same thing.  I want there to be a place where they can ask questions and get support.  Support is very important!

 

Do you have any other blogs? If so, give us more details? Please!

Yes. I have another blog with my best friend called “Moms Ask Why?” at http://momsaskwhy.com/. It’s a fun blog where we ask, of course, many why questions like “Why can’t I ever find hangers in my house?” or “Why does my husband secretly read my magazines?” We started it because we knew we couldn’t be the only moms and wives asking these questions.

 

What words of advice would you give new bloggers that are interested in starting a blog in your niche?

Start it and let me know! I have only found one other blog in my “actual” niche and I have looked and looked. Also, don’t be a “stat obsesser” like I was and sometimes I am I think anyone starting a blog should have fun with it and know people are reading it even if they are not commenting

 

What can we expect to see in the coming year from you, Nicole & your blog Losing Weight With Child?

You all can expect me to be as honest as possible on this journey with my daughter and family. I hope to build a community of people that can come together and share their stories.

 

 

 

Blogger Name: DESIREE PEEPLES

Blog Name:MOMMY REPORTER

Tag line:NEWS MOMS CARE ABOUT

Website:http://www.mommyreporter.com

Facebook (like page):http://facebook.com/mommyreporter

Twitter:http://twitter.com/mommyreporter

 

1. Desiree, how long have you been blogging & why did you start?

I began blogging almost 2 years ago. I got laid off from my job as a News Reporter and still had the “ITCH” and the drive to continue doing news. I launched MOMMYREPORTER.COM as a way to cover the type of news stories that I believe Moms would be interested in. Now I post all types of articles related to anything and everything that Moms can relate to.

2.How did you decide on the blog name Mommy Reporter?

Since I am a Mom and a Reporter, I came up with the name “Mommy Reporter” as a way to describe both myself and my blog.Now, I seem to be known as “The Mommy Reporter” and it also allows me to establish myself as actively doing the two things I love: Being a Mom and being a Reporter.

3.Not only do you blog but you offer your readers pod casts, a weekly web show & more. Can you tell us a bit about that?

My love has always been broadcast. My Background is in radio so podcasting just seemed to be a natural fit.Since I enjoy video too, I thought it would be perfect to do a weekly Web TV Show as well.I actually enjoy doing video much more than I do just writing blog posts, but since I am a mom who works from home, I learned that it is much easier to just write than it is to shoot a video.A video takes planning and editing and that takes time.I can write a blog post anywhere at any time, so written posts are the majority of content that is on my blog.

 

4.Desiree you’re a single mom as well. What words of encouragement can you offer other single Mom Bloggers on balancing life & blogging?

I think being a single mom can be a blessing in so many ways.Even though it’s not easy, I’ve never had to argue with someone about discipline, school, etc.On the other hand, single Mommyhood is exhausting.It’s really important to develop a strong support system around you.My parents have been a tremendous help and I could not have made it without them. Also, accept the fact that life will never be the same as it was before you had children.This goes for married and single Mothers, but it seems more true for single Moms.And lastly, keep pursuing your dreams and making life better for you and your kids.Oh and pray too, lots of prayer will get you through anything!

 

5.Do you have a mentor in the blogosphere? If so, who?

I have had several mentors on my journey as a Social Media Mom. In many ways,  I just followed certain people on the web and tried to model what they did in a way that worked for me and what I was doing. Some of the mentors I’ve had are Kelly McCausey, Jendi Pagano, Maria Bailey, Stephanie Piche, and Jennifer James. And remember too, that anyone can be your mentor.Just because you don’t know someone personally, does’t mean you can’t reach out and make a connection. I’m actively reaching out to several people right now because I really need to take my business to the next level.

 

6.What social networks do you use to promote Mommy Reporter & why?

I promote Mommy Reporter anywhere and everywhere.Whenever I can mention my blog or what I do, I make sure I do. Of course I use the common networks like Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Linkedin, etc. But I also promote offline as well and that seems to be where I build the most loyal following.

7.You’ve attended some blog conferences this year. Which conference(s) did you attend & are you attending anymore before the year ends?

I only attended one conference so far this year, and that was Blogworld.  Since I am a single mom, I choose not to travel or spend nights away from my son he’s still young so I don’t want to make things any harder for him than necessary. I attended Blogworld because it was in Las Vegas and I was living in Las Vegas at the time.

I plan on attending one more conference this year and that is The Lavish Experience here in Atlanta, Ga.  It’s at the beginning of December and it should be a great event. The social media mom community in Atlanta is very active and much larger than Las Vegas.  I’m really looking forward to meeting more moms and getting involved.

 

8.What can we expect for the Mommy Reporter in the upcoming year?

Look for lots more video next year. Since I will be done with school in March, I will have a lot more time to produce videos and improve my Web TV Show. Also my podcast blog will start up again with new episodes and some surprise guests. And if things really go well, I am working on a book that Iwant to complete within the next six months. I may partner with some other Social Media Moms and put together a training class teaching people how to use video on their blogs or in their marketing strategy. I know it sounds like a lot, but when you are doing something you love, it feels like you just can’t do enough!