Friday 23 August 2013

Behind the Scenes

Hi everyone,

One of my readers has asked for a little 'behind the scenes' post all about me and my blog, and how it all started! This will be a great read, especially for my readers who want to start their own blog.

I started blogging back in 2009 while I was living in Germany (my husband had a three-year secondment located in Munich), but with a newborn and a slow laptop it was difficult to upload posts as often as I would have liked, and when we returned to the UK in 2011, the blog was almost forgotten.

Tristan 

Then, in mid-2012, after the birth of Scarlett, I decided to re-start my blog. I re-named it to Jelly Rose which is inspired after my children: Tristan was nicknamed Jellybean in the womb, and Scarlett's middle name is Rose. (If you want to know what the blog was called previously, comment below and I might share......it's kind of embarrassing
, lol)

Daddy Howe and Scarlett

My blog focuses on various family adventures, whether it's a day trip or an errand like buying shoes, but also a little bit of thrifting (I love rummaging through charity shops for bargains), and a few shopping hauls too.

I've been very lucky to be asked to participate in product reviews too! I still remember my very first product review was a crochet panda hat for Scarlett from Minnies Macaroon. Since then, our family have been privileged to review lots of products including a reward chart, a drinks bottle, headbands, sunscreen, even Ribena

Me! 
I've expanded the blog to utilise Facebook and Twitter, so you can find me on your choice of social media applications.
Facebook.com/JellyRoseYate
@JellyRoseYate (Twitter)
I also have a dedicated blog email address via Google Mail, to keep blog emails seperate from my personal emails. JellyRoseYate@gmail.com
As you can see, I like all my various blog elements having the same title 'JellyRoseYate' so everything is universal and united (and hopefully viewed as 'professional').

I use blogger.com as my blog hosting website. It's free and easy to use! I even have the app for my Tab so I can write & upload blog posts when I can't get on our home PC. Having both a Tab and a PC means I'm flexible with when and where I can draft, write and upload my blogs. When it comes to photos (and I love taking photos and having a very visual blog), I have three options: my Tab has a camera for quickie blog posts, when I'm on the go I use my digital camera, and for product reviews I 'steal' my Dad's digital SLR camera.

To help monitor my blog's success, I'm registered with Tots 100. And I've joined several Facebook groups dedicated to helping bloggers. Being a blogger is like being in a community, or even a family! We all chat together and help each other. I've made friends with some great people thanks to blogging. My dearest blogging friend (and blogging guru!) is Sarah from My Wonderful Madhouse blog. She found me randomly on Twitter (as you do, heehee), and we're now always chatting on Facebook or Twitter!

Family Howe

Being a blogger has kept me nice & busy (and sane!) as I'm a stay at home mum, and I treat my blog like a mini-job - with passion & loyalty. Fingers crossed that in the near future, I can start offering sponsored/paid posts and adverts to earn a little pocket money!

Last week I decided to create a little logo for my blog....what do you think? 



16 comments:

  1. Hello Viccy and nice to meet you. I love this blog post and it is great to hear a little bit more about you.

    Your kids are adorable as is your new logo. Really catches the eye.

    Looking forward to hearing more from you.

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    1. Lovely to meet you too Pam!
      Watch this space for more posts all about me and my family x

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  2. A great honest post explaining what blogging is really all about. Nice job.

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  3. It's amazing how things grow - I love your blog name now its one of those that I'm sure I will always remember - I would love to know what your old one was called, I'm sure it's not as bad as you think :) X

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    1. I love the name too! Catchy but meaningful!
      The previous blog name was...... 'Princess Yummy Mummy' (oh the shame, lol)

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  4. I love learning more about the author of a blog that I read; it makes it a much more interesting experience. And I agree, belonging to Facebook groups as a blogger really is like being a part of a large family!

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    1. Exacly why I wrote this post Alaina! To give readers like yourself more familiarity with little ol' me
      Thank you x

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  5. Oh wow. Now I am totally curious ... What was your blog named before?! And you have the most adorable children! =D

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    1. You ready for this Stormy??? It was...... "Princess Yummy Mummy".....what was I thinking? lol x

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  6. I love the name of your blog and I appreciate learning about your inspiration for writing it in the first place. I love how every blogger has a story behind their blog and I agree with you that it is important for readers to know that back story.

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    1. Hi Tough Cookie Mommy - indeed, I love knowing my readers have a little insider insight into Family Howe! :-D x

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  7. This is a great post. I am just starting my own blog and it's a lot of fun but also very frustrating. lol. It is nice to hear about how other more eststablished bloggers got started. :)

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    1. Best of luck with your new blog T.Marie! What's the link? I would love a read x

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  8. I really enjoyed this post! It's great to hear how people get started!! You have a beautiful family!!

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