When you are not blogging what are you doing?

Thankfully, I live in a city that has a never-ending list of things to occupy your time. Most of what I do outside of work becomes the topics for blog posts. Since getting married, my husband taught me how to use the oven for uses other than extra storage for my sweaters. So now we cook a lot for fun! I’m a huge Brooklyn Flea gal and could spend an entire Saturday morning wandering the aisles with a coffee and an imaginary bottomless wallet in hand. But I’d say I’m usually spending time planning ways to gather my favorite people over to my apartment, set the table, cook a good meal, have rich conversations, raise glasses and break bread together. That is what I wish I was always doing when I wasn’t blogging! 

Is there one thing you never leave home without?

I’m a New Yorker. When you leave the house in the morning, ladies especially, you better have everything you need for the entire day and evening. Hence, how I became a professional ‘bag lady’ you could say. I think this trick of hauling multiple bags at various weights and sizes will come in handy when we have children. 

But, back to the question. Lipstick. My answer is lipstick. The bolder the better. It’s my go-to thing to feel put together. Especially if I can sense that I’m having an ‘off’ outfit day and my shirt is on inside out or it’s rained, my umbrella broke (typical) and my hair is in shambles….. but adding a couple swipes of some bold red lipstick (and a smile!) will instantly put an extra jump of confidence in my step. 

If you could start another blog based on any topic, what would it be?

Easy. The ‘Behind The Curtain’ of the blogger community. It would a humorous look at bloggers in their real world, not their ‘best version of me’ world. Think of it as the un-glamorous version of ‘The Coveteur’. For example, while answering these questions, I’m sitting at my kitchen table on my laptop, in my Christmas pajama pants with headphones in, which aren’t actually plugged into anything, because my neighbor is playing old records at epic sound levels and I can’t hear myself think!  I’m living out the first post right now!  That would be my blog… and would obviously include a picture of these rock star pajama pants. I think these less-than-glamorous moments would be a hit, because they are real, and we all live them. 

Have any new creative opportunities arisen from being a “blogger”? 

I’ve been so surprised and humbled by all the opportunities that have come my way in the short time I’ve been blogging. Writing, designing layouts, interior decorating and visual creativity have never been part of my day job, so being affirmed in those areas has been really encouraging. Currently, I was hired to re-organize and decorate an apartment in the East Village. Then later this month, I’m helping do set design and prop styling for a magazine shoot. I love getting to utilize these new creative muscles. It’s all pretty out of the norm for a music business girl like myself!

Has Blog Brunch changed the way you blog or think about blogging?

Absolutely. SEO, huh? That was me four months ago. We all remember that brunch! When I started blogging, I knew the bottom line was that I wanted to share my ideas, thoughts and creative inspirations with others. Most importantly, I wanted to do that in a unique way. Blog Brunch came along at the perfect time for me in the development of my blog. I felt I had the basics down with a great starting platform, but I knew there were things I needed to grasp about the backend of blogs that I was only going to learn by raising my hand and seeking the advice of others wiser than myself. The brunches have invited me into a community of fellow creatives who are all wanting to help foster a stronger blogging community overall. I now think about blogging as more of a larger business, not just some kind of online diary. Through Blog Brunch, I’ve learned more about fostering the details that go into my brand.

What advice do you have to other bloggers?

I’m still learning so much myself, but here’s a little advice I follow. First, if you’re new to blogging, don’t be scared to find your voice. I started my blog privately and posted around four months worth of material before I launched. I used that time to learn from mistakes, discover my writing style and asses my actual devotion to being a blogger. Second, find bloggers you admire and note what it is they do that inspires you. Focus on the things that are motivating and challenging you in whatever creative space you are in and use those to help you grow. Finally, I can’t stress how important it is, and will be for the growth of your craft and your blog, to just be authentically you. Readers are attracted to an honest voice. 

Thanks so much Amy! We are so glad to be able to feature you and your lovely blog this month! Make sure you check out everything she has going on over at Parker Etc and her awesome style posts are always great inspiration.