Please feel free to ask me more questions by clicking here (anonymous) or leaving a comment!
Blogging
What is your best advice for starting/publicizing a blog?
Check out my 10 ways to create and maintain a blog …. and five more blogging tips.
Do you have any idea how many people read your blog?
Yup! I use the WordPress Stats plug-in as well as a SiteMeter account. Both provide a pretty accurate count (…I think, haha). I especially like the WordPress Stats plug-in because it gives a detailed description of how people found my blog, etc.
I really love reading your blog. What initially made you want to start a blog? Also, what are the biggest changes you have noticed in your life since starting your blog?
To put it simply, I decided to start a blog of my own because it just seemed like fun! I’ve always loved writing and sharing my voice. I also saw blogging as a great way to connect with other people who have the same interests as myself.
As far as how blogging has changed my life, I’d say that it has made me a lot more confident - not only in my writing/communication skills - but also in the sense that I can accomplish something that others might consider to be “outside of the box.” Blogging has also changed my concept of time management. Mostly all of my free time is taken up by blogging, but I’m okay with that 
How do you get the copyright thing at the end of your blog? I’m just starting one and want to make sure I do that.
The copyright came with the WordPress.org theme I chose. Most (if not all?) of them come with that.
What type of computer do you use for blogging?
I usually use my laptop/notebook, which is a Toshiba NB205. It’s very small and light, which was very helpful when I was commuting to school (and is still great while traveling). I also sometimes use the larger monitors at my house and work. I do hope to get a new laptop within the next year or two.
What kind of camera do you use? Your pictures always come out so nice.
Wow, thanks! I use a Canon Powershot SD1200, and I’m quite happy with it. I also usually edit my photos in Adobe Photoshop or Windows Livewriter.
Career/Future Endeavors
Do you work/what is your job?
Yes - I recently started a new job. Check out out the details in this post.
I know you’ve mentioned you are a recent college grad, what was your major?
I majored in Communication Studies with a focus on media.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
For the first time in my life, I’ve got to say that I have absolutely NO idea. I *hope* that I’ll be in a place where I am doing something I’m passionate about, financially secure, and in love!
Personal
How do you fix your hair like that?
My number one hair “secret” is that I let my hair dry 80% of the way before blow-drying. That helps to not dry hair out, and it makes it much easier to style. I use this Bio-Ionic brush:
…and just dry my hair one section at a time (starting with my bangs). Sometimes I put 2 non-heated curlers on the top of my head to add a little volume. Then I usually curl my hair with a 1-2 inch curling iron. Sometimes I just curl the ends for a natural look, but if I want it curlier I go all the way up to the root and hold for 10-15 seconds. Set it all in place with flexible hairspray, and viola! I’ve gotten so used to this routine that it only takes me 10-15 minutes.
Do you dye your hair?
Yes, I do dye my hair and have since I was a teenager. My hair is naturally brown. In fact, about half of my hair (underneath) is still that color. My hair is almost completely blonde on top, which is from highlights. The reason I get highlights rather than a single-process dye job is because a) it’s less harmful to my hair b) it looks more natural and c) I don’t have to get my hair colored has much (roots don’t show as bad). I also get some low-lights thrown in during the Fall/Winter months.
What is the best gift you have ever received?
Gosh, I’m having serious trouble remembering gifts I’ve gotten. Many of my favorite gifts have been contributions to vacations, shopping trips, etc. But as far as concrete gifts go, I’d have to say it’s a tie between my camera and my BlackBerry. These two things have pretty much become my life…I don’t know what I’d do without them!
Are you dating anyone?
No, I am not dating anyone.
What part of the country are you located?
I live in the Philadelphia area of Pennsylvania. I moved to Long Island, New York in December 2010, and in April 2011 I moved into Manhattan.
What kind of car do you drive?
I used to drive a 2008 Ford Escape, but I recently gave it up because I’m moving into the city.
What piece of jewelry can you NOT leave the house without wearing?
This ring:
It’s an antique - supposedly passed down from my 12th great grandparents who lived in Ireland.
What’s your favorite laundry detergent?
Well, my mom always buys All Free and Clear….so I’ll go with that!
What college did you go to?
I went to Eastern University.
lly know where that is going to lead me in life, but I’m excited to find out!
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Up until I was about 17, I was 100% set on being an actress (I actually did some acting from 13-17). The only other thing I can think of was that I wanted to be a meteorologist when I was in 3rd grade, haha!
What language would you like to learn how to speak?
Up until the past year, I would’ve answered French. I took almost 3 years of French in high school and 2 semesters of it in college. And, how much of it do I remember? Barely any. Now I’d much rather learn how to speak Spanish. Not only would it be much more useful since so many people in the U.S. speak Spanish, but I also just love the way it sounds!
Food/Health/Fitness
What’s your favorite meal?
My favorite meals/foods are (in no particular order): pizza, gnocchi, cookies, sushi, and pretty much any Mexican dish. Oh, and almost every form of dessert 
How much money do you spend each month on groceries?
I have $400 budgeted for monthly food purchases (groceries and eating out). I usually spend less than that.
About how many grams of fat do you eat each day?
I don’t usually keep track of my fat intake, and if I were, it would only be to make sure I’m getting enough. Fat is my favorite nutrient, I guess you could say. If I had to give a rough estimate, I’d say that I eat at least 75-80 grams of fat per day.
So I must ask…what’s the deal with all of the coconut milk you drink? I’ve done some research and Tufts University reports that saturated fat (including fat in coconuts and coconut oil) are bad for you, despite the recent health hype.
Well, first of all, I guess you could say the proof is in the pudding. When I have coconut fat in my diet, I tend to feel fuller longer and also more energetic.
Regardless of the hype about coconut, there is much research coming out about how saturated fat is not as harmful as we once thought. In fact, much of the research actually finds that there are benefits to saturated fat. If you’re interested, check out the following for more information:
- “Good Calories, Bad Calories” - Gary Taubes (book)
- The Definitive Guide to Saturated Fat - Mark’s Daily Apple (article)
- Controversial Saturated Fat - David Brown (article)
What makes you choose a certain dish when you are eating out at a restaurant?
For the most part, I go with what I’m craving, or just whatever sticks out to me on the menu. I also often try to order dishes that I’ve either never tried or wouldn’t normally cook for myself.
Do you use a heart rate monitor? I see a lot of people with blogs use them to keep track of progress and calories burned.
I own a heart rate monitor, and I used it often in the past. It was actually quite helpful because it taught me what level of exertion resulted in what heart rate/calorie burn. I don’t use it anymore, though, because it’s just sort of a nuisance to wear. But I do think that HRMs can be a great resource.
Do you pay attention to your bmi/how do you judge your health?
I don’t pay attention to my bmi, although I do know that it’s in the normal range. I judge my health first and foremost by how I feel. Nutrition is definitely a part of that equation (especially if I’ve overeaten or am hungry). But for me, sleep and stress have the most impact when it comes to how I feel, so getting enough sleep and prayer/meditation time trumps nutrition. I also judge my health by what my medical tests show (for obvious reasons).
