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In this week’s edition of Follow Friday, I am combining two blogging interviews into one post. The two bloggers I’m featuring today are bloggers I personally like to follow on Twitter, and whose content I really enjoy!

First off, we will be learning more about Charlene from Curiosity & Confession.

Tell us a little about yourself.  

I am the creator and mastermind behind Curiosity & Confession. I am from California but after living in Texas for ten plus years it is safe to say that I am Texas raised. I grew up in a household of eight kids. Three of which are my younger brother and the other four are my cousins. We all live an hour away from each, how that happened I have no clue. My boyfriend and I live in a small city with our two dogs Diesel and Ash.

I have been writing since I was eight and finally gave blogging a shot around 2012 or 2013. For me writing is an art, it is how someone expresses themselves so I love it. Although I strive to have an even better life, I cannot complain about my current life. Random Facts: My favorite color is highlighter orange, Taco bell and Spaghetti are life, Richelle Mead and Stephen King the current authors of the books in front of me, and the TV series The Gifted is playing in the background (Greys Anatomy makes me cry so I turned it off lol).

What do you blog about? 

Curiosity- is my research and reviews, and what I have learned or experienced over time. Confessions- are my rants, the personal side and sometimes reviews. The thing about calling myself a lifestyle blogger is that sky is the limit.

Why did you start your blog? 

When I first started writing on my blog it was just an online journal. Blogging was a way for me to express myself and work on bringing my words alive.

What did you hope to achieve when you first started blogging? 

I hoped for a connection. To write about something and have some completely get me. Get what I mean or challenge me to open my eyes to a new world. Engagement is everything to a writer.

Who are some of your favorite bloggers? 

Bottomlesscoffee007.com, dontletthedaysgoby.home.blog (Gregory), Bestietalks.com (Jessica & Raynita), and byloveelissa.blogspot.com (Elissa) to name a few of my favorites. The writers behind each of these blogs love to engage with their audience.  I can’t put them in a category because they are all different from the next. They are my morning newspaper, you never know what is going to be headlining for the day. It goes without saying that I am a fan of your blog as well. I think people could really learn a lot from all of you.

What’s your favorite thing about blogging? 

It’s my world. I can change it, design it, or add to it. It is the one place where I completely call the shots.

What’s a blogging tool you can’t live without? 

I am still new so I haven’t found a tool yet that is make or break for me yet.

What’s a piece of advice you would give someone who is struggling with their blog? 

Do not be afraid to ask for tips or help from a blogger. Twitter is gold and there are some really great people that will help you. People that want to see you achieve your goals.

What has been your biggest blogging achievement? 

My biggest achievement so far has been the opportunity I have been given to work with other writers such as you and Brands to promote their products. That may seem so small but to have someone say, “Yes I want to work with you” is a great feeling. To See Curiosity & Confession being mentioned because they are proud of working with me motivates my curiosity to continue. Not everyone gets the chance to work with someone.

Aside from blogging, how else do you spend your time? 

I work at a call center during the week and volunteer at a wildlife rehab center on the weekends. When I get a few hours to myself I love to read or watch Netflix.

Where do you hope to see your blog in 5 years?  

Hopefully, I will have a great number of loyal followers that read my blog like the morning newspaper. I imagine having a client that keeps me busy and gives me options to switch topics, explore, and learn new things.

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The second blogger I am featuring today is Sarah from Mommin’ in the Real World.

Tell us a little about yourself. 

My name is Sarah and I am 37 years old. I am married and have two kids, Abby (4) and Oscar (2).  I work in a physician clinic administration. I have a blog called Mommin’ in the Real World, where I try to be as open and honest about my life and being a parent.

What do you blog about? 

I would say my niche is within the parenting realm, but I also blog about things like marriage, my art, living with stress, depression, and anxiety, etc.

 Why did you start your blog? 

I started my blog four years ago because I need to find some sort of creative outlet after I had my first child. Before that, I did a lot of art and writing. I had a big wakeup call after my daughter was born because I could no longer spend hours on a painting or a collage- but I could sit and write during the short periods while she was sleeping. I knew beforehand that I was going to be busy as a mother, but didn’t realize just how much time a newborn requires. 

What did you hope to achieve when you first started blogging? 

I wanted to find a way to connect with other mothers and also to share my experiences with the intention of helping other first-time parents. A lot of what I wrote, in the beginning, was more like online journaling, but I transitioned to writing about family life, book reviews, product reviews, and more. 

Who are some of your favorite bloggers? 

I love Richard Nayhem and his blog, Eye Prefer Paris https://www.ipreferparis.net/ and Cathe Holden and her blog, Inspired Barn http://inspiredbarn.com/ . They are two of my favorites that I have followed for a long time. 

What’s your favorite thing about blogging? 

My favorite thing about blogging is that I have complete control over the creative process – coming up with ideas, writing, editing, adding images, etc. and at the end of the day, I can sit back and look at what I’ve achieved. I know my blog is nowhere near perfect, but I started knowing absolutely nothing and I am proud to see where I’ve taken it so far. 

What’s a blogging tool you can’t live without? 

I love Grammarly and Canva. I wish I’d found them earlier in my journey. They are incredibly helpful. 

What’s a piece of advice you would give someone who is struggling with their blog? 

Don’t give up. Take time away from it if you need to. Just like anything else, it will not be amazing overnight and will always be a work in progress.  

What has been your biggest blogging achievement? 

There has been so much. I think not giving up when it seemed like I was not making any progress, gaining followers (who knew so many people would want to read what I write?!), and being able to approach brands about collaborations or being approached by brands.   

Aside from blogging, how else do you spend your time? 

I wish I could say that my non-blogging time is filled with so many incredibly exciting activities and travels, but most of my time is spent at my 9 to 5 and with my family.

Where do you hope to see your blog in 5 years? 

I am going to be totally cliche and tell you that in five years I hope that my blog has grown exponentially and I am able to devote myself to it fulltime. I’d also like to use it to get my foot in the door and publish other writing.

Follow Sarah on social media using this link!

blogger interview Feature Friday