If you’ve been following me online for any length of time, you would know I have a thing for music, themes songs in particular. The songs change on a weekly, monthly, yearly basis. I’ve even blogged about the Soundtrack of my Life {here} and given AMC a theme song of late… Losing My Religion by R.E.M. {That’s me in the spotlight, losing my religion}.
Our latest featured blogger, takes her theme song one or two steps further, having chosen a family song and then naming her blog accordingly. Now why didn’t I think of that. Only I’m not sure I could actually come up with a family song. Could you?
All songs aside, it is with great pleasure that I welcome Anne from Let Me Be Free to AMC, to discuss the business of blogging with two small children and a big sense of adventure.
How long have you been blogging and why did you start?
I have been blogging for 18 months. I love being a stay at home mum but found I needed a hobby that I could do around the children. For me it is so important to have something else to focus on other than just being a mum. Previously I worked in the travel industry, negotiated hotel rates in Asia and wrote travel brochures. We are a family who loves exploring so I decided to write about our adventures as it was something I am passionate about and it fits in with my previous career.
Tell us a bit about your blog and what we can expect to see in the next 12 months?
I write about travel and camping in order to help others have the confidence to see the world or their own backyard. I do this because I believe it is important to spend time as a family, get away from modern technology and play in nature.
We are in the process of planning a road trip to Karijini National Park and Coral Bay mid next year. I look forward to showcasing some of Western Australia’s beautiful spots.
Do you have a favourite place or dedicated space for blogging?
I blog at the kitchen table when I can grab a spare a few minutes to myself! I often blog early in the morning before the children get up and start the day.
What are your must have tools and resources when it comes to blogging?
I love a journal! Yes, I am a bit old school but I like to carry around a note pad so I can jot things down. We are often out exploring and I write down some describing words on the things we see, feel and smell. That way when it comes time to write a blog post it helps to take me back to that place and makes it easier to write a meaningful post.
Of course I also need my laptop and camera so I can put a post together and keep update on social media.
Have you ever experienced blogger’s block and what are your top tips for when it strikes?
I can’t say that I have experienced bloggers block as there is always some place new in the world to explore. You don’t have to travel far to find a new spot or simply revisit an attraction and have a look with a fresh set of eyes.
What have been your blogging highlights and biggest challenges?
My biggest highlights have been working with some well known brands. I also picked up some work with a farm stay looking after their social media and writing blog post for them. After staying with them they liked my post and offered me some work which I can do from home so it fits in really well with my family.
My biggest challenge is taking inspiring photos. My partner is a much better photographer so I am often passing the camera over to him but I am trying to change all that. Currently I am doing a Photo Essay class at university so hopefully my photography will improve and I will learn some of the tricks of the trade.
Who inspires you and what’s on your Worth Casing list when it comes to other bloggers?
I love reading blogs about travel, fitness and living a simple life. Unfortunately, so many of my favourite bloggers have stopped writing lately but there are always new exciting ones starting up.
I am loving these blogs at the moment Iron Mum Karla, Katie Rebekah, Practising Simplicity, Little Grey Box and Swim Ride Mum.
What advice would you give to anyone that is thinking about starting a blog of their own?
Just go for it as you have nothing to lose. You don’t need money to start a blog, I use a free WordPress site and it hasn’t cost me a cent. I am doing it as a hobby and only blog once a week. Having two small children means that I have little time for myself and my blog is just for me. I must admit that I found the transition into motherhood difficult and having my blog is my sanity.
What is your most popular post?
You can never predict what is going to be a popular post and I am still always surprised at the ones that do generate a lot of traffic. They are never the ones that I think will be popular. Tips on Camping while Pregnant is my most popular post. Who would have thought there are so many adventurous pregnant women out there!
If you weren’t in the business of blogging what would you be doing?
I always wanted to be physical educational teacher so I think I would be hitting the books and doing some study.
MORE WAYS TO CASE
BLOG | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM
I don’t know about you but I wouldn’t mind heading for the hills or the beach for a spot of camping and a fire right now.
Have you met Anne from Let Me Be Free? If you had to nominate a theme song for yourself or your family what would it be?
Thanks for having me over at your blog!
So pleased to have you here Anne.
I love hearing about people like Anne who started blogging because of their passions rather than it being about making money. If the money comes, then that’s a great bonus.
Love the bottom pic of the wine by the way! Stunning.
It is nice to have a hobby and it makes me get out and explore more often.
It’s nice to have a hobby, especially one that helps you get out and explore.
Great to see you here and find out more about you Anne. I love the wine pic too – I can just see myself in that picture 🙂
Who doesn’t love red wine and a camp fire!
I’m guessing there is a total fire ban in Perth right now but I wouldn’t mind a camp fire and a glass of red wine right now.
Loved reading about Anne and as a Perthite will look forward to following her adventures, especially in WA. I’ve just written a post about camping, but can’t imagine camping when I was pregnant. So Anne’s most popular post does go to prove that there are feisty, gung ho young mums out there. But why not camp when you’re pregnant? I guess a comfy mattress is a #1 though!
I will head over and check out your camping post.
I felt like I was camping with our youngest. Was in hospital from the 20 week mark and she ended needing to be delivered 10 weeks early.
That’s so cool!
I am sooooo NOT a camper.
I am loving that photo of the fire and the wine. It ALMOST makes me want to go camping. (Almost)
Thanks for introducing us to Anne, Raychel.
Thanks also for linking with the Lovin Life Linky!
See you next week. Maybe we’ll see Anne there?
#TeamLovinLife
I will be linking up and hopefully I can convert you to become a camper!
Seriously Leanne, come to Perth and we will organise a glamping trip.
Glamping I can do …
I enjoy reading Anne’s posts down the rabbit hole every weekend and I enjoyed finding out a little more about her. I’m not a camper but I love reading about other people’s camping adventures. As for the photography thing, I can totally relate! I’ve just finished a beginners photography class.
I photography class sounds great, I look forward to see some great pics on your blog.
I need a refresher class I think. I did photography at school over 30 years ago now (so back in the dark room ages) and photography, especially cameras have changed a lot in that time.
Fabulous to get to know Anne more! I love travel (wish I could do more of it) and I don’t mind camping – but haven’t camped in absolutely ages! I love being out amongst nature but must admit I do need some creature comforts! Good luck with the photography Anne – it’s one of my passions. 🙂 #TeamLovinLife
I have been experimenting with my photography and taking some really bad photos but it has been fun!