Blogging Secrets with Life is a Sunset

Chelsea's blog, Life is a Sunset, was one of the first blogs I found when I started blogging. She is open, honest, and vulnerable with her readers. I admire that in her so much. I'm a more private person but Chelsea's blog makes me feel like it's okay to open up. Just reading what people comment on her blog is inspiring. She brings that out in people! She is a strong girl (I know this from just reading...#stalker) and her blog is nothing less. I love her twitter analogy below, it's such great advice! 


Enjoy her blogging secrets...

What do you blog about? 

    -I blog about my life. It’s as simple as that. My life has changed drastically since I started blogging (more on that later) so I blog about the lessons learned, the things that inspire me, and my dreams. Also, I blog about the fun things – beauty products I love, my travel adventures every so often, and my latest obsessions (currently Fifty Shades of Grey) You'll see everything from me talking about my love for fostering homeless animals, to the newest additions to my Etsy jewelry business After Sunset, to my favorite fads from the 90's. 

Why did you start blogging?

     -Writing is my passion. I had probably about four little tiny blogs throughout the years that were used to keep my closest family members up-to-date with my life, especially after leaving my hometown to venture across the country for a couple years. Then, while I was over there living in Utah, I had really lost touch with my writing and knew it was time to start again. It was a chance for me to start a new blog where I could write and share my take on life. I needed an outlet, a venue, something new and Life is a Sunset became all those things and more for me.

What's something your readers don't know about you?

    -My readers probably don’t know that my feet have been shrinking. Let’s just say I used to be a 7.5, went down to a 6 for the past several years, and now… I can comfortably fit into a 5.5! Eek! I keep trying to blame it on the fact that I stopped dancing after college – lost a lot of uh, muscle… in my feet. Totally random, I know.

Describe your personal style in five words.

   -I am horrible at this. Does that count? I’d say colorful, accessorized, layered, dynamic, and fun!

What can't you live without?

    -I could say something like sushi BUT to be honest, I couldn’t live without my family and music.  

What inspires your blog posts? 

    -As far as finding inspiration for my blog posts, I find it in everyday things: songs, books, conversations. It hits me while I’m stuck in traffic or standing in line at Target.

What about when you feel uncreative?

   -When I’m uninspired or uncreative, one of two things happens: I either jump on Pinterest, start the pinning frenzy, and something hits me and I blog OR I don’t post for the day. Sometimes it just doesn’t come to me and instead of forcing it, I just take the day off!

How has your blog changed over time?

    - As I mentioned earlier, my life has changed drastically just in the past year of blogging. Because of that, my blog has changed along with it. I've really learned a lot about myself this year and I think I really found my voice. I think that with the changing tides of my life, my blog will continue to gradually flow along with it, while still keeping its main foundation.

How has blogging changed you?

    - I have found some of the most meaningful friendships through blogging. I had no idea it would be possible to connect with so many women from all over the world. I don't know how I would have gotten through the challenging times this year if it weren't for so many of them. I have been inspired, moved, motivated, and encouraged to continue growing as a woman. Blogging has truly brought more meaning to my life. To have a venue where I can be me - where I can write and share and learn - it's a beautiful thing!

What advice do you have for new bloggers?

   - Be you. It seems obvious but I think it's easy to get caught up in what you think you "should" be blogging about. Be genuine, be honest. If you're having a bad day, write about it. Chances are, there are a hundred people out there also having a bad day and it helps to know there is someone out there who can relate. Also, join Twitter. While I "found" many new friends by finding their blogs or having them find mine, even more friendships developed over Twitter. It's a forum for all of us to interact. Kind of like we all get to sit at the same lunch table during lunch :)

Last but not least! What blogs inspire you?

    - Story of My Life. Keep Calm and Carry On. The Bargain Blonde. These three blogs were some of the very first I ever found before I started my own and I always enjoy my time as I peruse their posts :) Thank you, ladies for being such wonderful examples!

Thanks Chelsea for sharing!! 


PS-Thanks for all of your comments yesterday! I promise to respond to each one it's just taking a little while. I'm about half way through so if you haven't heard from me...it's coming!!