Sunday Seven with Making Lemonade

Today’s Sunday Seven is a fun “full circle” moment for me as a blogger. Most of you probably know my ‘story’, but the CliffsNotes are that we left New York City four years ago and I found myself in the suburbs without a job. Two things VERY different than my urban life as a school guidance counselor. A friend suggested I start blogging… I did… and I helplessly reached out to anyone I could find for advice! Enter my friend Carrie Higgins. This is the email I sent her on September 29, 2012. (I *should* be more poetic and wait until next week to share her with you… 4 years later, but I couldn’t wait. #sorrynotsorry)

Sunday Seven with Making Lemonade

Carrie is warm and talented and funny and yet another friend who lives WAY TOO FAR AWAY. Enjoy getting to know her this morning. Head over to her blog to read more about her family, her DIYs, her helpful household tips… this lady is the complete package!

Question 1: Why did you start blogging?

When I was in high school, I told my dad I wanted to be a writer. His advice? “Well, then, write something.” Fast forward a few *cough* ten years and I found myself at home with an infant who at the time had many medical needs. I wanted to tell her story, so I opened up my computer and Making Lemonade was born. Almost immediately what I thought would be a way to sharpen my writing skills turned in a way to connect, share, and learn. My posts with easy DIY ideas started gaining traction and I realized blogging could be the perfect way to stay home with the kids and still earn a paycheck too.

Question 2: What has been your proudest moment as a blogger?

Blogging has given me many ‘pinch me’ moments, but probably the best ones are the one-on-one messages and emails I get saying how a post or tip helped make life easier for someone or resonated with them in some way. I remember a few years ago when a blogger named Charlotte with a blog name I still can’t pronounce emailed me for advice on getting her blog up and running and now she’s ruling the world! In a world where prestige and power is valued, it’s actually those moments that make me most proud.

Question 3: What is the hardest thing about blogging?

Balance! The last thing I want is for my kids to remember me always on the computer or glued to my phone, however that’s the lifeblood of blogging. Also, a problem I’m sure all you creatives out there can identify with, sometimes my mind races with ideas and projects with very little time to make them happen. My best advice for those struggling with balance is to identify your goals and find your ‘why’. My ‘why’ is my family. If an opportunity doesn’t add value to my family, I pass. It’s been tough to let go of some great offers but in the end I’m much happier when I stay true to my ‘why’.

Question 4: What is one thing you wish you’d known early on with your blog?

I wish I’d been better at discerning tasks that add value vs. those that keep me ‘busy’. Sometimes in the past I worked too hard for very little payoff. Thankfully, I was able to turn those mistakes into lessons that have helped shape my success today. See that? I made lemonade!

Question 5: What’s one fun fact about you?

If you give me enough mojitos, I can recite all 50 states in alphabetical order in under 30 seconds.

Question 6: What’s your favorite post (and why)?

Here’s a really old one, even though it’s not a DIY it’s the first one I think of when I ponder favorite posts: The Post I Shouldn’t Publish: Intuition

Question 7: What are your blog goals for the future?

Leap tall buildings in a single bound! If I can’t do that, then my dream has always been to publish books and ebooks that complement my blog content and help others. I wouldn’t be opposed to a Making Lemonade product line in the future, and I also hope to add more travel content since that’s offered amazing opportunities for my family.

This summer, Carrie and her family moved south to North Carolina and I’m SO excited to follow along as she makes this new house of theirs warm and cozy. She’s amazing on snapchat (@mlblog), Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter!