Blogging and Beyond-with Tatertots and Jello

I've got another fantastic Blogging and Beyond interview for you today! From time to time, I like to share a little behind-the-scenes glimpse into the lives of some of my favorite bloggers. It's been really fun to learn about blogging and time management from them!

The blogger I am featuring today is Jen from Tatertots and Jello.

I don't know too many people who haven't heard of Jen's fabulous blog, but if you are not familiar with Tatertots and Jello, you're going to want to be...trust me! In addition to posting her own inspiring projects consistently, Jen features other bloggers' work and has started up the following of many a craft/home blogger. Jen's sparkling personality, kind manner, and drop-dead-gorgeous projects have endeared her to readers everywhere. The fact that she is so darn pretty might make you want to hate her a tiny bit, but you can't because she is one of the nicest bloggers you will ever come across.  

Here's what Jen had to say in our little Q and A session:

1. Why did you start a blog, and what makes you stick with it? 
My sister had a blog and she tried to talk me into starting one for quite a while. Then one day I was having a bad day and I started it on a whim.

2. What's one piece of advice you wish someone had given you before you started blogging?
I would say try to think ahead. What are your goals? Is it a personal blog, or something more specific?

3. Your favorite type of craft to work on? 
I love trying new things. And I go through phases. When I first started blogging I was really into Mod Podge, which I still love, but I think now I love fabric projects the most.

4. Do you enjoy reading books or magazines? If so, what do you gravitate to? 
I LOVE to read. I read every day. At lunchtime I have a little "me" time and read a book while I eat lunch and then at night I read before I go to bed.

5. How did you learn to sew, and can you recommend any resources (online or print) for beginners? 
I am still learning. My mom is an excellent seamstress. But growing up I wanted nothing to do with sewing so I never learned. I got a machine almost 2 years ago and I am slowly learning. All of my projects are easy -- anyone could make them. YouTube is a great resource for almost anything, including sewing tutorials.

6. What do you look forward to the most about summer? 
I love sleeping in!! LOL. And I love the warm weather. I wish I lived somewhere that was warm all year round.

7. When you have a chance to meet up with girlfriends, what do you like to do? 
I love going to dinner or lunch with girlfriends and catching up. But I also love shopping!!

8. Best thing about being a stay at home mom? 
I love being home with my kids. Being able to see them when they get home from school. It's so nice and I am so thankful that I am able to do that.

9. Favorite activity to do with your kids? 
I love riding bikes with my kids and reading with them.

10. Favorite guilty pleasure? 
Chips and salsa. And Diet Coke. I am breaking my Diet Coke habit, but I think I will let myself have one every once in a while :)

11. How do you balance blogging with your personal life? 
That is so hard!! I am still trying to figure out how to do that. Last year was a hard one on our family. I worked way too much. I am hoping to get a better handle on it. I think having set work hours and sticking to them is probably the best thing. And when I am with my kids I need to focus on them and not be distracted or thinking about all of the email I need to return - lol.
**********************************
Thank you so much, Jen, for being willing to share with us today! Please take a moment to check out Tatertots and Jello when you have a chance. You won't be disappointed!