ask G, part 5.

by 5 Comments

1. I’m moving into NYC soon and know nobody there. How do I find a Christian roommate? – anonymous

If you definitely want a Christian roommate, I would check out classified listings on church websites. I know Redeemer has a great one, as well as Trinity Grace. Getting plugged into a church and using word of mouth is a great way too.

2. Hi! I recently came across your blog and love it! I was wondering how you become successful and what the best blog platform is? I am afraid if I start one no one will pay attention. I currently have Tumblr but only “reblog” or post pics. – anonymous

Thanks so much! I gained a blog audience over a period of about six months, and the top ways I did so was by: social media, befriending other bloggers, and posting content often. I have more blogging tips here and here.

I’m personally a huge fan of WordPress, but I love Tumblr as well. I think you just really have to ask yourself what type of content you want to put out there. I use WordPress for GML because I find it better for writing posts/articles, but I find Tumblr to be easier and more visually appealing for photo posts. Here’s a great article breaking down the pros/cons of WordPress and Tumblr.

3. I am a Christian, blog-obsessing, college freshman in hopes of becoming a doctor one day. I absolutely LOVE your blog and am wondering if you know of any other great blogs for Christian college students? – anonymous

You should check out Andi’s blogroll! She has a handful of Christian and inspirational blogs listed there :) I’m always getting blog/article recommendations from her.

4. What sort of exercise and nutrition plan are you on? Can you share more of that in your blog posts? I’m a college student trying to stay healthy, and you’re such an inspiration! – Alex

Thanks Alex! I really try my best to practice and convey what it looks like to lead a healthy, balanced, and NORMAL lifestyle (more on that here). I see way too many bloggers overdoing it with health and fitness to the point that it seems to take over their lives, and I feel a responsibly to portray a more realistic and healthy view of what that should look like. So yes – I will try to start posting more of that :)

With that being said, I’m not on any exercise or nutrition plan. I try to exercise at least 3 times a week (a mix of strength training and cardio), but I don’t care if I go a week without any exercise at all. As for nutrition, I just…do my best. Haha. I try to get as many veggies in during the day as I can, and I try to avoid wheat/gluten if possible (I find it upsets my stomach sometimes). But I don’t have any rules when it comes to what I can or can’t eat. I also go out to eat often, and I always just order whatever I want and practice portion control. To me, enjoying life is the most important thing, so I never let health/fitness come before that.

5. Do you have any pets?

Nope, and I don’t plan on having one any time soon. If I were to get a pet it would be a big dog (a boxer, probably), and that’s just not conducive to living in a small NYC apartment.

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Please note that I’m *not* an expert and that this advice is based solely on my own experiences and thoughts. Have a question? Feel free to leave it as a comment on this post or ask me anonymously.

What about you – any pets? If you could get a pet, what would it be?

ask G, part 3.

by 5 Comments

1. Where did you get the layout for your blog? I really love the way everything on yours is categorized, yet very simple. Any ideas on where to get a great layout would be wonderful! – Ashley
I use the Atahualpa theme, which I found via WordPress Themes. That’s my suggestion as the best place to look – there are thousands of themes to choose from!

2. What are your top five blogs to read? - anonymous
In no particular order, my favorites are The Londoner, How Sweet It Is, 20-Nothings, Polish My Crown, and Cupcakes and Cashmere,

3. How does grocery shopping work in NYC? - anonymous
Pretty much the same as anywhere else! Minus the luxury of having a car. I typically only grocery shop for a few days or a week at a time so I don’t have to carry too many bags. If I make a trip to further grocery store (like Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods), though, I’ll get as much as I can and just take a cab home. A lot of people get their groceries delivered too.

4. What hosting site do you recommend for a blog? I already have my own domain name (bought from WordPress), but I want to, like you, work for BlogHer in the future! Also, any other tips on gaining readers would be great!
I’m hosted on Sectorlink, which has been great. I’ve also heard good things about BlueHost. I suggest having a domain on a site like one of those and using the WordPress software, available on WordPress.org (although, I don’t think being on BlogHer is dependent on where/how you’re hosted :)).

Some other tips for gaining readers:

* do guest posts on other blogs/websites
* interact with other bloggers and readers via social media
* have content that people want to share with others
* be relatable and likeable! give readers a reason to come back for more
* host giveaways

5. Who are some other bloggers that go to your church? – anonymous
A lot of people have personal blogs, but Jen from Made By Girl is the only other one I know of that does it professionally.

6. Where do you go to color your hair? – anonymous
I bounce around sometimes based on where I receive gift certificates, but my go-to is definitely Nadia at Arrojo. Actually, she’s offering a 25% off discount from 9/30 – 10/6, so let me know if you’d like me to put you in touch with her!

7. Is your real name Gracie or Grace? – anonymous
Grace! Although I consider Gracie just as much my “real” name because it’s what people have called me since I was born.

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Please note that I’m *not* an expert and that this advice is based solely on my own experiences and thoughts. Have a question? Feel free to leave it as a comment on this post or ask me anonymously.

What are your favorite blogs? I’m always looking for new ones!