Blogging Secrets with Lemons, Avacados and the Bay

One of the first bloggers I met from San Diego was Tammy. I've met her in person a few times and even from the beginning she was extremely welcoming. It's nice to feel welcome somewhere where everyone has met before...except you! She has a lot of happy to share in this blog world and I know you all will take a lot out of this interview. 

 A big thank you to Tammy for taking the time to share today :)

((Make sure to go say hi and check out her "renovation" tab! I looooove their kitchen, living room, bathroom, okay entire house.))

Enjoy!

What do you blog about?
I blog about the beachy kind of life in San Diego. You know, boardwalk bike rides, sunny days, the boyfriend, and fun times with friends. I've also been known to blog about personal goals, the little happy things in life, fitness, and fashion.

Why did you start blogging?
I confess I was a blog lurker/lover for years and had toyed around with the idea of starting a blog but couldn't commit... "what would I write about?? (each day for that matter), I like taking pictures but I'm not that exciting..,  I like clothes but seriously get dressed up everyday and take photos everyday??" I don't know about all that.
Well, in December 2010 my boyfriend bought a disaster of a home which just happened to be walking distance from the beach, and suggested that we start a blog to share the renovation of our home with our family and friends. I agreed, cough was thrilled, and one evening last June we started LA&B. At that time we both blogged about our house, but we realized that blogging about home renovations quickly becomes a little tiresome and boring. Before I know it, Nadav stopped blogging (read: I took over) and LA&B became what it is today... a dairy of our beachy kinda life and a place for me to share the things I love and enjoy.

What's something your readers don't know about you?
When I was in college I worked with a little boy who is blind. He really inspired me, so much that I taught myself how to read and type Braille so I could helps him with his classroom assignments.

Describe your personal style in five words.
I.Live.At.The.Beach.
which really just means that in 5+ words my style is: beachy, eclectic, relaxed, comfortable, and a little bit sweet =P

What can't you live without?
I can't live without the people I love. The love of my family, my boyfriend, and friends makes life worth living.
I also can't imagine life without my cell phone. Seriously, what did I do before a cell phone came into my life? How did I manage to meet friends at the mall or stay in touch? =P

What inspires your blog posts?
The desire to connect to connect with others, express myself, and be creative. I'm also (obviously) really inspired by life in San Diego. I love to document the things I do and the places I go. Most importantly, I'm inspired by the desire to better myself and become the best version of me.

What about when you feel uncreative?
I head outdoors, and take a walk or go on a beach bike ride. By the time I'm done I have usually changed my perspective or been inspired in some way. And really... if all else fails, I head to Pinterest. =P

How has your blog changed over time?
I actually sat and let this question simmer for awhile. My blog has changed a great deal over the past 11 months, but it took me awhile to pinpoint exactly how it has changed. However it seems that the more confident I became in my blogging "skills" the more real I became on my blog. Basically, I was more honest and more "myself" with each blog post. I spent less time joining linkups just to "fill space" and more time writing genuine posts. And the truth is, I really like how my blog has evolved.

How has blogging changed you?
Blogging has changed me in so many great ways, and it's probably changed me in some ways I can't fully grasp right now. Only time will make me aware of those changes. =) Specifically, expressing myself through blogging has somehow allowed me to grow more comfortable in my skin. I am more honest, and am more "ok" with myself than I have ever been. Also, networking with other bloggers and planning blogger meetups has made me more confident and more friendly, open even. I love meeting bloggers and making new friends.
I'm also more aware of my surroundings than I have ever been. I have developed a much greater appreciation for living in the moment. I'm constantly bringing out my camera to capture a beautiful sunset, happy times with friends, and even a yummy looking cupcake.
I've also found that I am much more disciplined than ever before. I'm learning the importance of managing my time, scheduling blog posts, and doing my best to stay on top of that inbox.
Most importantly though, I have found that blogging is something I truly love to do. There are few things greater than that.

What advice do you have for new bloggers?
I just wrote a post about the Do's And Don'ts of Blogging. It's full of lots and lots of advice for new bloggers, check it out. =)
Also, realize that blogging is a wonderful thing, but it takes time. Writing posts takes time, connecting with other bloggers takes time, and growing your readership takes time. However, if you really love blogging it is so so worth it. I am so thankful for the connections I have made through blogging and the opportunities I have encountered because of blogging. Point is, put in the effort and you will be rewarded.
And some advice about growing your blog?
Blog blog blog, and blog often. Readers like to see new content and they are more likely to keep coming back to your site if you are regularly presenting them with new information. I also appreciate an interesting writing style, large photos, and a pretty blog design... and puhhleeasee do not automatically set music to play when someone enters their site.
Also, be yourself. Don't try to "fit into" a specific blogging type or style just because you think it will help you grow your blog. The truth is you are wonderful and interesting in your own way, and chances are people will enjoy reading about you.

Last but not least! What blogs inspire you?
I read so many wonderful blogs, but a few of my favorites are:
Rockstar Diaries, Story Of My Life, Shades Of Gray, Adventures of Newlyweds, Sometimes Sweet, Secondhand Sundays, Lovely Little Things, La Mia Vita, Cupcakes and Cashmere, Kendi Everyday