The Girl Next Door Grows Up

At The Girl Next Door Grows Up blog, Minnesota-native Erika writes about her family. Married to husband Tyler, the couple has two girls: Emily, age 10, and Sarah, age 3. Additionally, her crazy parents live right next door, providing vast amounts of fodder for Erika’s blog. A wind-fearing dog named Jack, a brand-new British black lab puppy named Millie, Sam the cat, and a pair of scissors named George round out the rest of the family. Erika always tries to look on the bright side of life, and that shines through in her writing. Whatever is going on in her life, she puts a humorous spin on it. Read just a few of the quirky, real-life stories of what is happening in her family-filled world, and you’re sure to come back to read more.

What was the inspiration behind starting The Girl Next Door Grows Up blog?

I have always loved to write and tell stories for as long as I can remember.  My mom has written all of her life and both her and my dad worked for the Star Tribune so it must be in my blood!

When things happen to me, I will actually write in my head while I am doing chores around the house.  Sometimes I would write those thoughts down to submit to magazines or to put into a book, but I never did. It just seemed too overwhelming and unreachable.

Up until last year I had no idea what a blog even was until I stumbled upon one online.  After some research, my mouth dropped open and I just knew this was something that I needed to try.  I knew that blogging was for me.

It took forever to decide the name of my blog because I am more than just a “mommy.” I feel like I am continually growing up and learning and I wanted potential readers to know that through my blog title.  I think because of that I draw in a wide range of readers.

How do you think an avid reader would describe your blog when they recommend it to their best friends?

Ha!  I think an avid reader would say that they always leave smiling and with a chuckle.  And that is my goal.  I want to make people smile or laugh.

Yes, obviously life is not always sunshine and roses, but even during the time when our dog got cancer and had to have her leg amputated,  I wrote posts that had a laugh or two amongst the tears.

I also purposely keep my posts short so that it is easy and quick to read.  I realize people don’t have all day to read so I want to make coming to my site as enjoyable and easy as possible.

In January I created a series called “Feel Good Friday.”  My intention is to get people to focus on the positive things that have happened during the week no matter how many bad things that have happened, I challenge people to find and look for 5 good things.  It is something I am really proud of and I love reading what others write.

You started The Girl Next Door Grows Up in October 2009. During that time, what has been your biggest challenge in maintaining it and creating fresh content?

I never have a problem coming up with content… ever!  I have lists and lists of things that happen that I haven’t had time to write about yet.  My parents are our neighbors and just quick popping over to their house can generate 2 posts in 10 minutes!!

As far as maintaining the blog, my biggest problem has been time.  When I was smaller I was able to reply to everyone every single day.  Then in April – May I was getting 40+ comments a day and that was hard to do.  I only blog during my daughter’s naptime and sometimes at night, so it has been hard to maintain my goals.

When summer came and school let out, blogging became much more difficult, plus I had also switched platforms and found myself spending way more time than was expected on technical issues.  It really upset me more than I thought to not be able to just blog.  Thankfully I switched platforms again and I am able to get back into a routine and connect with my readers.

How has blogging changed your life?

I never really thought there were people “out there” who thought like I did.  With blogging I can tell you that I have a pair of scissors named George and I can tell you all about how it happened, but in real life I am not going to go up to an acquaintance and tell them that or they’d think I was insane!

I am pretty shy in person, but through my blog I will tell the readers anything.

Blogging brings me so much joy, it has amazed me.  I lead a very happy life anyway so I had no idea that this would be so powerful.

Frequently I receive emails from non-bloggers who have just found my site.  Some are sick, some are sad and they all tell me that whatever random post they read, made their day.  I can’t even begin to tell you how that makes me feel.  To think that my writing has had an impact on someone is very meaningful to me.

What is the funniest or most outrageous thing one or all of your kids have done that you have blogged about?

I don’t write a lot about my girls.  It is my parents who are the lunatics!  My 66 year old mom just started dying her bangs red for fun.  We did a vlog together that was outrageous, but people loved it so I guess that’s what counts!

Then there is my poor dad who paints portraits.  He can do everyone perfectly, but me, and I have had a lot of fun with that.

My 3 year old did go through a phase where she had to have her crocs cooled in the fridge!  That was a hum-dinger.

What other blogs do you enjoy reading? Who are your favorite local Twin Cities bloggers?

I love quite a few bloggers and I always hate not being able to include everyone.  Laundry Hurts My Feelings is one of my favorites by Joann Mannix.

Also Susan Tipton of Daily Coping Skills is probably the most intellectual, witty and underappreciated bloggers out there.  She is a remarkable woman and her posts bring me so much happiness and joy.

I just recently met a handful of Minnesota bloggers and had no idea there were so many out there!  I would have to say that I really enjoy the writing of Beth, The Anti-Supermom who is also a delight in person.

What do you love the most about the Twin Cities / Minnesota and why?

I have lived here all of my life and I love it all!  The seasons, the lakes, the culture…  We truly have it all here, plus the people are so kind and down to earth.  I never plan on leaving.