Unicorns for Socialism
Alexandra Franzen is the brain behind the Unicorns for Socialism blog. She is neither a unicorn nor a socialist, though she is a freelance writer, editor, and self-professed organization freak who works with clients in the Twin Cities, Los Angeles, and New York City. In addition to working with many, many resume clients, some of her current projects include writing for d.trio marketing, guest-blogging for the CRAVEcompany, and managing communications for Danielle LaPorte’s website for inspired living, WhiteHotTruth.com. At Unicorns for Socialism, she blogs about LGBT culture and civil rights, travel, and style, as well as tidbits about her freelance adventures.
What was the inspiration behind starting the Unicorns for Socialism blog?
Back in the fall of 2009, I was deeply entrenched in a full-time “cubicle gig” that required a tremendous amount of intensive copyediting and technical coordination … I desperately wanted a space that was purely creative, with zero editing. A space that could be non sequitur, quirky, queer … and full of sequins. Y’know, like the inside of my brain! Except on the Internet.
So, I launched Unicorns for Socialism. It’s evolved quite a bit over the past year or so — and so have I, for that matter. These days, I mainly blog about LGBT culture and civil rights, style, travel and my adventures as a freelance writer + editor + organization freak. Still plenty of sequins, though.
I have to ask: How did you choose the name “Unicorns for Socialism”?
It was sort of an inside joke … with myself. In my (slightly) younger days, I was fascinated by socialism, and fancied myself a bit of a Marxist. I came to the conclusion that the only group capable of successfully executing a socialistic society would be a group without greed, ego or strife. In other words, a herd of unicorns! And then I started visualizing a bunch of unicorns marching around with Soviet-style signs that said, “Unicorns for Socialism!” I couldn’t get the image out of my head. And thus, my blog was named.
Your blog is about LGBT culture and civil rights, travel, style, and more. What are your favorite sources for news and information on these subjects?
For gay stuff, I love AfterEllen, AfterElton, AutoStraddle and Jonny McGovern’s podcast series.
For travel, I obsessively troll the hotel sales at Tablet Hotels, and I love using the Kayak Explore feature, which Sarah Von Bargen of Yes & Yes introduced to me.
For style, I adore Gala Darling and Nubby Twiglet‘s vibrant personal aesthetics.
And for inspiration / spirituality / targeted butt-kicking, I dig When I Grow Up and White Hot Truth.
How has blogging changed your life?
From a professional standpoint, it’s brought me slews of fascinating, like-minded clients. It’s helped me brand myself as a creative freelancer, and given me a space to hone my writing voice. It’s been a bubbly playground, a companion, an outlet. Oh, my precious blog! I’m feeling very emotional right now. 
In your opinion, what are the most rewarding aspects of blogging? Most frustrating?
Blogging can be a terrific self-promotion tool, ‘specially if you’re launching a business or spreading your name ’round the Internet. It can help you establish credibility within a field, and reach niche audiences. I’m certainly not a social media strategist — and I haven’t been blogging for that long — but it’s already augmented my career in so many ways.
The most frustrating aspect of blogging? Hmm … spambot comments! So gross. And stupid.
What other blogs do you enjoy reading and why? Who are your favorite local Twin Cities bloggers?
My favorite Twin Cities bloggers are Anna Torborg of Twelve22 and Sarah Von Bargen of Yes & Yes … both of whom are my “real-life” friends, too! I’m a lucky lady.
Truth be told, I don’t have a ton of blogs on my daily blogroll, but lately I’ve been digging Zen At Play, The Cherry Blossom Girl and Concrete & Honey.
What do you love the most about the Twin Cities / Minnesota and why?
I love the blooming spring madness, when everyone rushes out into the streets to celebrate the end of winter. I love the sticky, sumptuous summer months. I love apple-picking in the autumn. I love my hipster friends and my entrepreneurial comrades and my public radio coterie. I love the way Minnesotans deeply support the arts — but in a very laid-back, unpretentious way. Oh, and I love being able to afford a house! Haha. That wouldn’t be possible in Los Angeles, where I grew up. Huzzah, Minnesota!
The Girl Next Door Grows Up
September 2, 2010 by Sara · 3 Comments
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.
The Wax Blog
August 26, 2010 by Sara · 5 Comments
Bonnie Harris, writer of The Wax Blog, is a media strategist, writer and blogger dedicated to creating a new model for the marketing and public relations industry. After realizing she was not cut out for life in the “bored” room, she made a major career transition from an executive in the technology industry to founding Wax Marketing in 2002. Bonnie’s written work has appeared in national magazines including HerSports and YourHealth, and even Hooters Magazine (she was the contributing editor for non-traditional sports). Bonnie has been featured in several publications including USA Today, Selling Power, PRWeek and BusinessVision Magazine. She holds an Masters in Integrated Marketing Communications from the Perley Isaac Reed School of Journalism at West Virginia University and a B.S. in Economics from the University of Minnesota.
Lots of people start blogs for different reasons. What was the inspiration > behind starting The Wax Blog?
PR and marketing services are often too expensive for start-ups, authors and people with side businesses. I thought it would provide a free resource where they could find answers to most of their common questions such as how to pitch media, how to write a marketing or social media plan, how to start and run a blog, etc. I’ll pretty much answer any question there, from a specific producer to pitch at a national TV show, to showing samples of pitches that worked well.
What are your favorite methods of social media networking to bring traffic to your blog?
I’m addicted to Twitter ( I’m @waxgirl333) but one of the more surprised things I learned this year was the amount of traffic I could generate from LinkedIn, especially participating in LinkedIn groups. I think it’s a secret weapon. I’m also a DoFollow blog, which has attracted quite a few of my regular visitors who came to get the links, but stayed for the info.
Who or what are your top resources for social media and online marketing information?
I regularly read the TopRank blog, Mediaite.com, all the feeds on Mediabistro.com, the media blogs on the HuffPo, MarketingProfs Daily, Problogger and Copyblogger. I’ll take a look at Convinceandconvert.com, Nieman Journalism Lab, and grow frequently as well. I read David Carr at the NYT too.
How has blogging changed your life?
I used to freelance quite a bit on the side for magazines , and we all know how the print business is doing these days. It’s given me a new outlet for writing and a way for me to express myself through my business. I also just started my first blog business venture, www.bartthedumpsterdog.com so I’m hoping that it will also provide a steady stream of new income as well.
What is one important thing that you have learned about blogging that you could share with our readers?
I learned that when I write from the heart, rather than trying to impress, I get a much better reaction. To be myself and just say what I think not only draws more readers, it’s a much more rewarding experience for me.
What other blogs do you enjoy reading and why? Who are your favorite local Twin Cities bloggers?
Of course Lee Odden at www.toprankblog.com is great (and a nice guy too). I like reading www.secretsofthecity.com and Jason DeRusha’s blog at WCCO. Paul at www.twincitiesblogs.com does a nice job of aggregating all our local blogs. And I love Bob Stanke at www.bobstanke.com – it’s a smaller blog but he’s really knows his stuff and throws in a bit of psychology every now and again.
What do you love the most about the Twin Cities / Minnesota and why?
Well of course the people are the best! And I love the weather for inline skating in the summer and skate skiing in the winter, two sports I just picked up in the past year.
Beauty Bets
Writer, editor, and Beauty Bets blogger Elizabeth Dehn was born with a beauty junkie gene. She grew up in Minneapolis, making face masks for friends and spending babysitting money on Mood lipstick and lavender eyeshadow. Now she funnels all of the information she has gathered into the Beauty Bets blog. At Beauty Bets, readers can expect an honest, personal, and witty guide to the beauty products, treatments, and trends that make life infinitely better (plus a few that are completely not worth it). Elizabeth has previously had writing gigs with Fashion Weekly, Everyday with Rachael Ray, and was the lifestyle editor for Minnesota Monthly. Now she is a regular contributor to the magazine, in addition to the Star Tribune, Sotheby’s Artful Living magazine, Twin Cities Live, and MyTalk FM107.1.
What was the inspiration behind starting the Beauty Bets blog?
I needed a creative outlet and decided it was high time I learn how to blog. I’m a writer/editor by trade and beauty is one of my favorite topics, so the blog was a natural extension of both. Also: I saw a need for a smart, professional, and pretty beauty blog—something I’d want to read.
Who or what are your top resources for beauty-related news and information?
I’m fortunate to have a number of fantastic publicists and industry experts keeping me in the loop, but I also read a ton of magazines—Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Lucky, Allure, Glamour—and follow their beauty bloggers, who are closer to the action than I can get in Mpls!
What are five fantastic skin care, hair care or other beauty products you could not live without and why do you love them?
Now you’re talking!
- Bobbi Brown Color Corrector completely obliterated my undereye circles
- Arcona Vitamin A serum is the best at keeping my skin smooth and glowing
- Morrocanoil tames frizzies, fly-aways, and split ends like nothing else
- Smashbox Bronze Lights is only bronzer that looks natural, not orangey, on my fair skin
- Triluma is the first skin lightener that really, truly faded my sun damage from all of those years of baking
If you had $100 extra dollars right now, what beauty items that you don’t own would you purchase?
I tend to splurge on treatments more than products, so I’d probably get my summer freckles zapped with an Intense Pulsed Light laser at Uptown Dermatology!
How has blogging changed your life?
I sleep a LOT less. Seriously—blogging daily is far more time consuming than I ever anticipated. But I love connecting with a community of readers from all over the country—you don’t get that dialogue in print journalism. It’s exciting and energizing as a writer.
What other blogs do you enjoy reading? Who are your favorite local Twin Cities bloggers?
Oh man, it’s a long list. Beauty Counter is fabulous for trendspotting, NY Mag’s the Cut is hysterically witty and fashion-forward, and Cup of Jo is just plain gorgeous. Locally, I love Yes and Yes, Minnesota Monthly food critic Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl, and Ali Shops.
What do you love the most about the Twin Cities / Minnesota and why?
Accessibility — to nature, culture, a killer food scene, and the people I love. You don’t find that combination in most cosmopolitan cities. And then there’s the other six months of the year when I want to move to Hawaii.
Nick’s Twins Blog
August 10, 2010 by Sara · 3 Comments
Nick’s Twins Blog is an unofficial journal featuring updates and analysis of the Minnesota Twins by 24-year-old Minneapolis resident Nick Nelson. A lifelong baseball fan, the site began in March of 2005 as Nick & Nick’s Twins Blog, a joint venture with fellow Twins fan, Nick Mosvick. When Mosvick moved to Virginia to pursue a law degree, the blog changed to its current incarnation. Through the blog, Nick discusses player performance, game strategy, team moves, prospect analysis and a wide range of other topics relating to the Twins as well as the rest of Major League Baseball. Nelson graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2008 with a Journalism degree. In addition to Nick’s Twins Blog, his writing can be found at Rotoworld.com, BaseballDigest.com, Heater Magazine, GameDay Magazine, and other publications.
What was the inspiration behind starting Nick & Nick’s Twins Blog, which would eventually become Nick’s Twins Blog?
While going to school at the University of Minnesota, I sat next to a guy named Nick Mosvick in one of my freshman political science courses. It was a night class during the 2004 playoffs, and eventually we came to notice one another incessantly scanning the internet on our laptops for updates on the Twins/Yankees ALDS game that was taking place. Realizing a shared passion, we started talking Twins each week in class (often to the chagrin of our professor and surrounding classmates). At the time, I was just starting to get into early Twins blogs like Twins Geek and Aaron Gleeman, and being that I’ve always loved to write it was something I’d considered picking up. I pitched the idea to Nick, figuring we could co-author the blog and keep the workload reasonable by posting on alternating days. Thus, the blog was born.
Who or what are your top resources for Twins and general baseball news and information?
My top resource when it comes to Twins news and analysis is the vast and diverse blogosphere dedicated to the team. There are a lot of wonderful writers from all different genders, age groups and backgrounds giving their own takes on the team, and I find that by frequenting a large number of these blogs I’m able to get a very comprehensive look at the events unfolding over the course of the season. Of course, the beat writers from the local newspapers do a great job and provide us bloggers with all kinds of fodder; I can’t say I envy their jobs (the difficulty of having to objectively analyze the subject that you’re covering — not only covering, but immersed in — all year long is widely underrated, in my opinion), but I really appreciate what they do. Statistical resources like Baseball-Reference.com and Fangraphs.com are also invaluable.
You try to “provide a balanced look at the team without being overly positive or negative,” but no one blogs about a team for five straight years without being a serious fan. What is one of your best/favorite memories regarding the Twins that you have?
I can’t deny that I’m emotionally attached to the team. Like any hardcore sports fan, I get ticked off when the guys play poorly or when the manager makes a boneheaded decision. Some folks find it therapeutic to mash those emotions out on their keyboard, and that’s fine (it can be very entertaining to read, in fact), but I find it more prudent to take a deep breath and look at things from a broader perspective. With that being said, I don’t think I’ve ever in my life been through such an emotional roller coaster as last year’s AL Central tiebreaker between the Tigers and Twins at the Metrodome. I lucked myself into some good seats and was on pins and needles for four and a half hours as the two teams seesawed back and forth in the most thrilling sporting event I’ve ever taken in live. It was a game full of blemishes, blunders and missed opportunities, yet all it did was serve to remind me why the game is so beautiful.
What do you like/dislike about the sports blogosphere, and what would you say its role is in the sports world?
If I had to pick one thing I dislike about sports blogs, and specifically those of the stats-driven baseball analysis variety, it’s the air of conceit surrounding people’s online personalities. Too many people think it’s “cool” to be cynical of everything, and I’m often shocked with the disrespectful manner in which writers I admire address people in their comments sections. In the end, this is discourse about a game and blogs can certainly help advance that discourse, but people ought to be more respectful toward one another.
How has blogging changed your life?
In a lot of ways, really. I’ve always loved to write and now I’m being paid to do it through several side jobs. I’ve come across all of them by networking through my blog. Gleeman, who has already lived out the dream by turning his own blogging passion into a full-time profession, became a friend after he took notice of my blog several years ago and helped lead me to some great writing opportunities. Through him, I got a writing gig at Rotoworld.com (which I’m now doing for a third season), and he also referred ESPN.com’s Rob Neyer to my site, ultimately leading to an affiliation between my blog and Neyer’s SweetSpot Network. In addition, I teamed with three fellow Twins bloggers a year ago to create the TwinsCentric brand, and together we’ve produced several profitable publications while also being given the opportunity to blog on StarTribune.com. If you’d told me back in the spring of 2005, when I started this little experiment, that it would eventually lead to my work being featured on ESPN.com and StarTribune.com, I don’t think I’d have believed it. More significant than the modest money I’ve made and the prominence my writing has gained, though, are the friendships I’ve forged through this little community.
What other blogs do you enjoy reading? Who are your favorite local Twin Cities bloggers?
Naturally, I read Gleeman , as well as my fellow TwinsCentric authors John Bonnes, Seth Stohs and Parker Hageman. I also make sure to regularly check in on my friends over at Twinkie Town, Phil Mackey/Tom Pelissero on the 1500ESPN SportsWire, Josh Johnson and countless others. I think my favorite blog of all, though, has to be that of Joe Posnanski, who is for my money the finest sportswriter alive.
What do you love the most about the Twin Cities / Minnesota and why?
I just think Minneapolis is a great city. It’s modern, progressive, clean and full of friendly people. The summers in Minnesota are unbeatable and the majority of my family and friends call this place home. Plus. I kind of like the baseball team that plays here.
Motherly Law
Attorney, wife, mother: Anna has many hats. As the writer behind Motherly Law, blogger is one of them. She went to law school at the University of Oklahoma and is licensed to practice in that state. Currently, she is a stay-at-home mom taking care of her husband, two young tots, two large dogs, and three cats. She works full-time from home as an independent contractor. Through the Motherly Law blog, she shares a bit of motherly and legal advice with her readers. On Mondays, she posts a legal topic affecting families; Wednesdays are tips and links that pertain to Monday’s post; and on Friday’s, she shares her best advice as mom.
What inspired you to start the Motherly Law blog?
The idea of blogging first presented itself to me in March of 2009 when a friend sent me a post from Gretchen Rubin’s Happiness Project blog about setting monthly goals or resolutions. One of the resolutions was to start a blog. The idea struck me as a good one and stuck with me. I just didn’t know what I wanted to blog about. Then, in January of 2010, it came to me. Why not combine what I do and know: laws and parenting.
I am not very technical and knew nothing about blogging. So, for 2 months I was on a crash course of learning about the blogosphere and social media, in general. Then, I launched on March 1, 2010. Motherly Law was received well, and has continued to gain readers. I am so appreciative of those that have spread the word and come back week after week to read.
Many people blog for different reasons. What is your ultimate goal as a blogger?
I strive to inform parents about legal issues that affect kids, parents and/or families while offering a few entertaining anecdotes from the chaotic life of a work-at-home mom of two spirited boys. So far, I have tackled issues like the importance of wills and trusts; bike helmet laws; new environmental laws; divorce; the USDA definitions of organic v. natural foods; the laws and hazards of texting while driving and many others.
What do you hope readers take away from reading Motherly Law blog?
I hope that parents will feel they have a better understanding about the laws and issues surrounding these topics. I hope that they feel empowered to take action when warranted, and don’t feel intimidated by legal issues and attorneys. I have had people tell me that they have stopped texting or using their phone while driving or started buying organic or checking for BPA in products because of my posts on those topics. That makes me feel that Motherly Law does make a difference, and that makes me feel good. I also hope that readers are entertained by my crazy antics and paranoid tales of being a lawyer mom.
How has blogging changed your life?
I have learned so much about the blogosphere and social media in the few short months that I have been blogging, and I still have so much more to learn. I had certainly never tweeted before I started blogging. I even have a Smartphone now for even more social media access no matter where I am. I have also really enjoyed the creative release and self exploration that I have experienced with posting 3 times a week. I have always enjoyed writing, but most of my writing for the past 13 years has been in the legal realm, which does not allow too much creativity. Another unforeseen, but fortunate result of blogging has been meeting so many other inspiring, funny, wonderful bloggers, whether in person here in the Twin Cities or online through Twitter and other social media outlets.
What other blogs do you enjoy reading and why? Who are your favorite local Twin Cities bloggers?
I really like The Daily Fuss; DGVE Law; LetterSoup; and a million others that I stumble upon, but can’t think of right now.
There really are some great local blogs. I enjoy Grow with Graces; The Snyder 5; Pink Vanilla Cupcakes; Mom Culture; and Kate in the Kitchen.
You are a transplant from Texas, a very different place than here. What do you love the most about the Twin Cities / Minnesota that you didn’t experience in Texas?
My DH and I love the Twin Cities. We have been here for 7 years now, and plan to stay for the remainder of our days. It’s such a culturally diverse environment offering wonderful restaurants, museums, art centers, music, parks, activities for each season of the year, etc. We love to go to Lake Harriet for a walk, a concert, a picnic and some ice cream – that is my perfect summer night. And I love that this is a regular part of my kids’ lives.
What is your biggest blog-related goal for 2010?
My goals for Motherly Law for 2010 are basic: I want to continue to post 3 times a week for the whole year; I want to continue to gain new readers, while keeping my current readers; and I endeavor to keep my readers interested and coming back for more – and hope they share it with their friends too.
Prior Fat Girl
July 20, 2010 by Sara · 2 Comments
Jennifer, a Prior Fat Girl, grew up overweight. She had always been on diets, even though she was only moderately heavy in high school. After moving out on her own, however, she eventually ate herself to an all time highest weight of 240 pounds. Starting in August of 2007, she fought, kicked and cried her way through losing more than 90 pounds. She wanted to loss a total of 100 pounds by August 1st, 2009, but the day before weigh-in her mother died tragically and unexpectedly. Jen experienced a backslide as she ate to numb the pain and gained back 10 pounds. Realizing her mom would be devastated if Jen allowed her death to be the reason she gained back the weight, she determined she had to deal with her emotional eating or her weight loss goals would be sabotaged. Now, Jen continues to learn how to live a healthy life and shares it with her readers, no sugar coating included.
What was the inspiration behind starting the Prior Fat Girl blog?
I had never heard of blogging before I started, in July of 2008. A co-worker, who lived a couple states away, mentioned I should start blogging so that she could keep up with things I was doing on my journey. I did…but initially didn’t tell anyone. I came up with the title, Prior Fat Girl, to signify who I was—and that my past is an important piece in who I am today.
I never started the blog to “inspire” or “motivate” others—but more so to help me with everything I was going through. I quickly realized that blogging (which is just writing) is so therapeutic. There is something about writing down your thoughts as they come that helps mentally work things out.
How has blogging changed your life?
Blogging has changed my life in so many ways. First, it has given me a sense of power. I can wake up one day in a foul mood, write a post and find myself in a much better place because I wrote my way through whatever I was experiencing. I am confident if it weren’t for blogging my way through my healthiness journey, I wouldn’t have gotten this far.
Blogging has also changed my life in that I have found myself surrounded by amazing people who help to encourage my healthy habits. I love all of my readers and would not hesitate to ask any of them for a place to stay, should I find myself in their city. Because of the motivation they get from me, I get it in return when I see them motivated. It’s like a self-fulfilling circle.
Blogging is a big time commitment – what makes it worth it to you?
I sure do spend a lot of time in blog world—as in up to 30 hours a week. Because I get so much therapy from the writing side of blogging, that in itself, makes it worth it. However, knowing that by sharing my frustrations and experiences helps others to feel like they aren’t alone also keeps me going. This whole healthiness journey is flippin’ tough. And there were so many times when I was bigger, or even while I was in weight loss mode, that I would look at “skinny” people and think about how easy it was for them. Sharing my journey so that others know that it isn’t easy makes it worth it to me—to let readers know they aren’t alone.
Frequently, I receive emails from readers who share their personal stories. I love that people reach out to me and confirm that by me sharing my story, they have been able to stand up and fight for their own story.
What advice would you give to those who are struggling their weight or physical fitness?
As cliché as it sounds, never give up. No one does anything over night. Weight loss is not about one magical thing you do that changes your life. Being healthy is about doing a lot of little things all together, over and over again. And over and over again. You can’t just do it for 2 weeks and expect to get “there” because there is no “there.” It is about doing things for years and years. Quite a long time, I know—but realize this: weight loss is not a temporary thing. You have to be healthy for the rest of your life.
What other blogs do you enjoy reading and why? Who are your favorite local Twin Cities bloggers?
I love reading Marisa at Loser for Life and Syl at LIVE, SMILE, RUN. Locally, I enjoy Norwego at Tight Sleeves and Lisa Marie at The Broad Broad’s Expedition into the World of Weight Loss.
What do you love the most about the Twin Cities / Minnesota and why?
As sad as this sounds, I am just now (in the past year) adventuring outside and seeing what Minneapolis & St. Paul have to offer. Although I grew up here, I never really got out to spend time outside. I’m probably the last person to figure this out, but there are so many amazing trails and little outdoorsy places to hang out, right here in the city!
What is your biggest blog-related goal for 2010?
My biggest goal for the blog in 2010 is to work on it really push through some of the emotional barriers & struggles in weight loss and to utilize the blog (and writing) to do so. I have the power at my keyboard (er, fingertips) to really fight through some of this stuff. My goal is to really fight through all of that because in the end, weight loss & being healthy isn’t just about losing weight but about all the mental crap that is behind it. The blog, well, that is my vehicle so stay tuned!
Café Cyan
July 13, 2010 by Sara · 2 Comments
Crystal Grobe is a local food writer who truly enjoys making new dishes using fresh and local ingredients. She created Café Cyan in 2006 as a means by which to share recipes and inspire others to try new foods. Although she likes trying new restaurants for inspiration, the best dishes come from her own kitchen. She enjoys cooking with her husband, Ryan, and sharing not only new dishes they’ve tried, but their adventures with food. In early 2009, she created a second food blog at WCCO called Bite of Minnesota, which focuses on local food in Minnesota and the surrounding area. Although she is are not a vegetarian, healthy food is important to Crystal and she tends to experiment with many vegan and vegetarian recipes. Food is a passion and Crystal does her best to try to spread that passion around.
What inspired you to start the Café Cyan blog?
I started Café Cyan because I was inspired by other bloggers who were beautifully documenting their meals. For years I had been keeping track of dinners in my planner, but felt the visual of having it recorded in blog form would be such a better way to keep track of what we were eating and share it with others.
How has blogging changed your life?
Blogging has been a fantastic outlet to express my creativity and passion for food and has opened so many doors to new friendships, career paths, and ideas. I never imagined the name Café Cyan would be known by anyone outside of my family or that I’d be introducing myself as Café Cyan at social events (although I think Twitter is responsible for that one). I lost my corporate job over a year ago and because of blogging, my life never skipped a beat. I immersed myself in blogging at Café Cyan, WCCO, and Twin Cities Food Finds and I’m having a blast!
What was one of the first things you learned to cook?
The first thing I remember cooking is rice. As a kid we always had rice in the house and I would create different rice dishes using whatever we had in the pantry and fridge. A favorite of mine was rice with teeny tiny broccoli florets and lemon pepper spices. In college I moved onto spaghetti (from a box!). My dorm mates loved it.
Without taking into account nutritional needs, if you could eat one food everyday, what food would you choose and why?
Pizza! I love pizza and eat it way too much already, but there’s just something about cheese, tomato sauce and carbs that keep calling my name day after day. Plus, there are so many things you can do with pizza and if you put enough veggies on it, pizza can be somewhat healthy, right??
What other blogs do you enjoy reading and why? Who are your favorite local Twin Cities bloggers?
Nationally I read a couple of reality TV blogs: B-Side and Reality Blurred, but food related has to be 101 Cookbooks, Vegan Yum Yum, & Get Sconed.
Locally, I love reading Food Snob as Catherine is one of the bloggers who inspired me to start blogging. She’s honest, down to earth, and makes great food.
I also read Fork, Knife & Spoon. Kate is a friend of mine who does beautiful photography. She doesn’t blog as often as I’d like (hint hint), but I eat it up when she does.
Not to be confused with Food Snob, Food Snobbery is My Hobbery is another great blog. Liz does a lot of canning and preserving and has some great ideas.
For recipe inspiration and ideas, I also visit Swell, Rhymes with Vegan, and Green & Lean.
What do you love the most about the Twin Cities / Minnesota and why?
Oh my gosh, what’s not to love? For the longest time I tried to escape the Twin Cities, but kept finding myself back here. Blogging helped me embrace all that we have to offer and the Twin Cities offers a lot! We have gorgeous seasons, plentiful farmers markets, and innovative people and companies. It is a wonderful place to live.
What is your biggest blog-related goal for 2010?
I need to redesign my blog and add some neat widgets. I can’t seem to figure it out on my own, so I need to find outside help.
Yes and Yes
July 7, 2010 by Sara · 2 Comments
Yes and Yes is a lifestyle blog written by Sarah Von. She created Yes and Yes because she wanted to offer the world a blog that was funny, smart, and filled with a variety of content. And she has accomplished just that! From haikus about public transportation to posts about cats wearing vests to instructions on how to become a grown up, she really has touched on a variety of subjects. The topics she covers reflect her eclectic character. Her unique view of the world partly has to do with the fact that she has traveled it far and wide, from trekking through the tiny villages and mountains of rural Bolivia to teaching English to children in Taiwan. Sarah is one of the few who truly follows her heart. Through the Yes and Yes blog, she tries to inspire readers to follow their hearts, too: To live a life that works for them and have the courage to say “Yes!”‘ to the things that make them happy.
What inspired you to start the Yes and Yes blog?
I am a total internet addict. I’ve been reading blogs for years and years but found myself a bit frustrated that so many were topic specific: only fashion, only self development, only design, only humor. I wanted to read a blog that covered all of these topics with humor and intelligence. I couldn’t find a blog like that, so I did my best to build one myself!
See also: I lack the attention span to write about only one topic, five days a week.
What is the biggest challenge you face when creating new content for the blog?
Finding the time! I work full time, design products for Yes and Yes, and I’m in the process of planning an eight month, six country trip. Because Yes and Yes has such varied content, I can validate writing about almost anything under the sun, but it’s not always easy to find the time to do that.
What do you hope readers take away from reading Yes and Yes?
I hope they’re inspired by the ideas that they see there and the other amazing readers. I want them to realize that they can absolutely live life on their own terms – whether that’s working for the corner office in a career that they love, homeschooling kids out in the country or quitting your job and backpacking around the world. You make your own rules.
How has blogging changed your life?
Professionally: I’ve met heaps of amazing people. Yes and Yes readers are such a lovely, amazing, clever people – the world feels like a smaller and friendlier place knowing that so many like-minded people are our there. Professionally: it’s opening up many, many doors for me. One of my posts was translated into Greek and published in the Greek edition of Glamour magazine. Yes and Yes mentioned in the Malaysian edition of Cleo magazine.
What other blogs do you enjoy reading? Who are your favorite local Twin Cities bloggers?
I love Already Pretty, Beauty Bets, High Plains Thrifter and Unicorns for Socialism.
What do you love the most about the Twin Cities / Minnesota and why?
I love the arts scene, all the music venues, the lakes, the cultural diversity! I used to live in Taiwan and now I work in Frogtown – I love that I can buy all my favorite Asian treats here in St. Paul.
What is your biggest blog-related goal for 2010?
I’d like to start carrying ads on my site and sell out of the ‘Year in Yes’ calendars again. This year I’ll have more printed!
Michelle Sauer Photography
June 8, 2010 by Sara · 5 Comments
The Michelle Sauer Photography blog is, of course, maintained by Michelle Sauer. She is a natural light photographer in the Twin Cities Area of Minnesota who specializes in taking pictures of children and families. She is self-taught in her craft and has been in the photography business for 2 years. Michelle has a special talent for portraiture and lifestyle photography. She is also wife to an incredibly supportive husband and mom to 3 young children, ages 4, 3 and 2, who will always be her number one priority. She attended St. Olaf College and currently lives with her family in Lino Lakes.
What inspired you to start the Michelle Sauer Photography blog?
As a photographer, having a blog devoted to your up-to-the-date sessions is an integral part of running your business. Potential clients can see your most recent work and your current clients get instant gratification in the form of sneak peeks of their session. It’s a great way to share my current deals, any news I may need to get out there and just a place in general that the readers can get a little glimpse into who I am and the work I do.
Many people blog for different reasons. What is your ultimate goal as a blogger?
My ultimate goal is to spread the love of photography. I love sharing my work just as much as I love viewing the work of other inspiring photographers out there. In such a digital age it’s important to get your work out there as much as possible and a blog is a perfect way to spread the word.
What how do you decide which photographs are displayed in your blog?
When I perform the initial upload to my computer, there are always several pictures that stand out to me as “favorites”. I try to choose photos that represent that client at that time. I’m a sucker for gorgeous eyes so I always include some nice close ups of the baby blues (or browns, or greens, etc.). Of course the fun and unique shots tend to win me over as well.
How has blogging changed your life?
Blogging has given me an outlet for my passion. I have a personal blog that allows me to share my personal life in ways you just can’t do every day with friends and family. My professional blog gives me the opportunity to grow both as a photographer and a woman. I get to meet such fun people in Minnesota by blogging and the best part is I get to be part of their lives by documenting their milestones and joys. It really has created a unique experience for me and I am truly grateful for that!
What other blogs do you enjoy reading and why? Who are your favorite local Twin Cities bloggers?
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Pioneer Woman’s Blog (who doesn’t) and I am really inspired by Karen Russell as well. They are amazing women who have taken blogging to a whole other level. They are blogging icons in the world of photography and are very successful doing so. I’m also a sucker for mommy blogs. I love reading about other families who are experiencing what I am. I like blogs that are real and honest. No sugar coating please. We all know parenting is tough and it’s not always peachy! As far as local, it’s hard for me to name just one, but I love reading Stickyfeathers. Jenny is honest and you truly get to know her just by reading.
What do you love the most about the Twin Cities / Minnesota? Why?
I grew up here, I had my babies here and my friends and family are here. What’s not to love about that? I can’t say that I love the winter, in fact I despise it. However I think the long and cold winter give us much more perspective into the other fabulous seasons Minnesota has to offer.
What is your biggest blog-related goal for 2010?
My biggest goal is to actually keep up with blogging! I have 3 young children and a thriving business keeping me from my blog. Unfortunately it’s a catch 22, if I don’t blog on Michelle Sauer Photography, I’m not getting my name out there effectively enough. My secondary goal is to inspire people to follow their dreams. 2 years ago I didn’t even know I had my dream. By reading blogs I became envious of other photographers and it inspired me to learn, learn and learn some more. I took my life into my own hands, started a business and have become successful in just a matter of 1 1/2 years. I like to think that I can inspire at least one person to follow their dreams, whatever they may be.
