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Featured Blogger: Adriana Martin– AdrianasBestRecipes.com

May 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Our Featured Latina Mom Blogger, Adriana Martin is the Founder and Editor of Adriana’s Best Recipes.  A native of Mexico, she is now a proud U.S. citizen who resides in Central Florida with her family. Adriana enjoys sharing her love of food, recipes, cooking trends and information about chefs who she admires with her readers.

Adriana’s recipes are based on the principle that simple flavors can be combined to create intricate and flavorful dishes. She finds inspiration for her creations from her surroundings like the smell of fresh herbs, a visit to her local farmer’s market or whatever she may have available at home. Her cooking is also inspired by her late grandmother, Doña Alicia, who shared her passion for making family and friends happy by preparing delicious, home cooked meals that could be enjoyed together.

Adriana is a respected blogger and entrepreneur who has learned to combine her professional expertise with her love of cooking to create her own successful business. She is an inspiration to Latinas and we are honored to have her as a member of our Latina Mom Bloggers community. You can follow Adriana’s latest food adventures on Twitter @AsBestRecipes, or by “Liking” her Facebook page Adriana’s Best Recipes.

Here is our candid interview with her:

When did you start blogging?  I Started blogging in June 2011.

What do you believe helps differentiate your blog from others?  I work very hard to find recipes that will resonate with my readers, and that will inspire them to cook at home. My recipes are quick and easy, use simple and fresh ingredients, and are tested to ensure quality in taste. All of my recipes and pictures are original which is important because food is very visual – people eat with their eyes so a good picture is worth a thousand words.

Tell us about your audience and what kind of content and information are they are looking for.  My audience is 70% women, mostly from the U.S. and Latin America, which is why my content is provided in English and Spanish. I also have readers from Europe including the UK, Australia and Spain. Most of my readers are adults, moms and professionals looking for quick and easy recipes to feed their families or entertain at home.

How do brands work with you to reach your audience? I work with a variety of brands by testing their products and ingredients, and by sharing their recipes with my readers. I also develop original recipes and content for brands through paid blogger campaigns that are posted on the brand’s proprietary sites. I engage with my audience via Twitter and Facebook, and attend conferences to meet and develop new relationships with other bloggers and brands.

Do you ever refuse to review products you don’t use or believe in? Yes, I will sometimes refuse to review products that aren’t a good fit for my brand. I also want to be selective as I’m more interested in developing long-term relationships as opposed to only also try to be very selective as I’m also looking for long term relationships no only one post.

Do you support any particular non-profit organization or cause through your blog? Not yet, but I’m looking to do that very soon.

Do you have news about any recent or upcoming campaign news that you would like to share? Yes, I recently made my debut on Sears’ “Grilling is Happiness” Campaign where I’ll be a contributor along with a team of grilling experts. I’m the only Latina and look forward to sharing my tips on grilling and outdoor entertaining. I’m also working with Social Fabric to support a Mother’s Day Campaign for Mamas Glade, and with Latina Mom Bloggers to help build awareness about Avocados from Mexico’s “Aguacate Lindo y Querido Recipe Contest”.

What advice would you have for a Latina who is thinking about starting a blog but may not know where/how to begin? What can you tell them about maintaining balance between home and work? I think that my most helpful advice would be to determine why they want to start a blog, what they’d like to blog about, and determine what would distinguish their content from other blogs. It’s also important that they understand the amount of time and dedication that is required to develop quality content on a regular basis. Once they’ve thought their idea through, then they should develop a business plan that clearly defines their blog’s objectives, target and demographics, competition, content, and marketing strategy. There are thousands of blogs that are launched each day, so what is really going to set their blog apart and draw readers? As for maintaining balance between home and work, it is really important to get organized, keep a calendar and stick to a schedule. Family support is also very important along with social networks, affiliations and friends.

Do you have Twitter, Facebook or other social media contact information you would like to share?

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/AsBestRecipes

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/AsBestRecipes

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/100119702908016820421/posts

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=46803939&trk=tab_pro

 If you weren’t a full time blogger, what other field can you see yourself  working in? Marketing. I have over 20 years of experience in this field, and left my marketing job to pursue my passion for food and blogging.

Tell us about three people that you admire and why?

1)    My mom because by following her example I was able to become a strong woman, and a successful professional not only in my country but here as an immigrant in the US.

2)    Madre Teresa de Calcutta because she dedicated her life to serve others

3)    Papa Juan Pablo II because he was a visionary, and the first pope to travel the world and connect with people of all ages, races, different religion views.

What is the best book you’ve recently read and why? “The Shift” by Wayne Dyer. I think that sometimes we all need to shift the way we think and how we perceive life. I found that Dr. Dyer has a powerful message that inspires me to work on being a better person.

What is your favorite life or business quote? I have two:

“Never forget to dream!” (Personal) and “Simple ingredients make masterpieces!” (Professional as a foodie and blogger)

Can you share what is the most important business habit you have?

I find honesty, clarity, and professionalism to be the most important business habits that I have.

 

 

Filed Under: Blogging Tips, Featured Bloggers

Featured Blogger: Yolanda Machado – www.SassyMamaInLA.com

March 5, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Our Featured Latina Mom Blogger, Yolanda Machado is the Founder and Editor of Lifestyle Blog Sassy Mama In LA.  She lives in Los Angeles, CA and writes for Women Everywhere ( modern women, moms on the go, Latinas and non Latinas).   Her readers love to read about her adventures, her reviews and things her family does around LA.   Her readers are  typically looking for someone they can trust, relate to and also at times, live vicariously through her.

Yolanda believes that Networking is one of the most important business habit to have as as blogger.  She recommends that all bloggers be part of a blogging network that will support you. Whether it be within the same niche, or different, you need to have a network of people that understand you and will be there for you whether it be just to exchange tips or to vent over a deadline, networks are imperative to becoming a great blogger.

Yolanda Machado always goes above and beyond in fulfilling blogger campaigns.  She also has a large and loyal following of readers and willingly shares her indepth knowledge with bloggers in the communities that she is a part of.   Please join me in congratulating Yolanda on all her recent accomplishments.  We are very honored to have you be a part of the Latina Mom Bloggers community.

Here is my candid interview with her:

How did you start blogging?

I was going through a really rough period in my life. My husband and I had separated and I was still trying to find myself after becoming a mom. One day, as I was browsing the internet, I came across some great blogs that I got lost reading for hours. Seriously, I think I read like 20 from beginning to end I loved them so much. Having once wanted to be a writer, I decided to give it a try. At first, I didn’t tell anyone what I was doing, and I actually was rather depressing to read, lol. After reading over my little blog then, I decided that’s not who I wanted to be- and I dove in full force. Bought a domain..and researched everything I could about Social Media…and well, the rest is history.

What do you believe helps differentiate your blog from others?

It is 100% me. Doesn’t matter what I write about, my personality is always there. I don’t try to be perfect, and I don’t try to sell you a thing. I just want my readers to feel like they are chatting with a friend.

How do brands work with you to reach your audience?

I offer a variety of options to partner with me to reach my readers and followers. Most want a more personal relationship, which entails anything from going to or hosting events, to featuring them on my blog for a long term period, to well, anything. I work hard for my relationships and always try to go above and beyond to help them reach their goals.

Do you ever refuse to review products you don’t use or believe in?

All the time. My readers trust me, and they do so for a reason. I would never ever promote or feature something that I myself didn’t like/trust/use or see value in. There is no point in that. Wouldn’t be fair to my readers, to me or to the brand of I didn’t believe in the product too.

Do you support any particular non-profit organization or cause through your blog?

None exclusively, but I do blog about topics that I am in support of like Heart of Haiti, Breast Cancer Awareness, Women’s Rights and more.

Do you have news about any recent or upcoming campaign news that you would like to share?

I’m speaking at Hispanicize 2012  on Social Media Tools and I am SO EXCITED!! I am so honored to be part of such an amazing conference and I get to talk about something I know really well- How to use Social Media to benefit you! I am also part of the new Toyota Women’s Influencer Network, which is brand new and am also a new Eucerin Ambassador.

What advice would you have for a Latina who is thinking about starting a blog but may not know where/how to begin? What can you tell them about maintaining balance between home and work?

Number one is know who you are before you even start. The blogging world is very big and very competitive. You may find yourself trying to please everyone but yourself and losing sight of why you started it. Know who you are, learn to roll with the punches and just no matter what, keep writing for you.

Finding balance is something that takes a bit of practice… and I am still learning to juggle myself. I mean… you are talking to someone who is up til 3am typing up posts and then getting up at 7am with my daughter and running all over LA for events, errands and family. It’s tough but you gotta find what works for you and your family. I unplug once a week and spend family time or, go hang out with my friends. You will soon learn to schedule just about everything you can…it works, sometimes LOL

If you weren’t a full time blogger, what other field can you see yourself working in?

Social Media or PR or maybe go back to school and become an IP lawyer so I can stay in the cyber world realm.

Tell us about three people that you admire and why?

Mis abuelos- My grandfather passed away in 2006 but he and my grandmother were married over 50 yrs. They moved their 4 children to the US when they were in their 40’s all for the better of the family. They learned a new language and lifestyle, never once giving up. They taught me what it means to be family and to never forget where you come from.

My mom- She was a young, single mom who went through so much and sacrificed to make sure my siblings and I never went without. She taught me how to respect myself and never ever let anyone make me doubt myself. She gave me my voice, my attitude and my style.

My daughter- Although she is only 4 yrs old, she has taught me more than I have ever learned about life in my thirty plus years. She is head strong, and strong willed and sees things with a keen eye, yet complete innocence. She is the reason I do everything, and every day she amazes and inspires me to be the best me I can be.

 What is the best book you’ve recently read and why?

Ok ok.. so this is where I admit I am a sucker for Chick Lit. I loved Emily Giffin’s Something Borrowed and the follow up, Something Blue. I also love anything by Jane Green. I am a big ol’ mushball at heart and they always tug at my heart strings.

What is your favorite life or business quote?

“Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.” – Dalai Lama

Do you have Twitter, Facebook or other social media contact information you would like to share?

Twitter:  @SassyScorpYM

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SassyMamainLA

GPlus: http://gplus.to/sassymamainla

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sassyscorpym

Stumble: http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/yolim

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/yolanda-machado/19/2/1a0

 

Filed Under: Blogging Tips, Featured Bloggers Tagged With: , , ,

Featured Blogger: Joscelyn Ramos Campbell – www.MamiOfMultiples.com

February 1, 2012 By 5 Comments

 

Our Featured Latina Mom Blogger is Joscelyn Ramos Campbell.   Joscelyn at Mami of Multiples has a very informative blog that provides parenting resources and family lifestyle tips from a Latina Blogger.  Her blog resonates with general market and Latino audiences. She started blogging as way to connect with other mothers  as a creative outlet.

For 10 years,  she  worked as an executive in the fields of public relations and human resources for the federal government. During those years,  she also became a mother.  As part of  her work responsibilities, she travelled extensively, but occasionally brought her young son (and her parents who would care for him while she worked) on trips that were held in family-friendly locations.  After she became a mother of twins, she found herself for the first time not working outside of the home but being a stay at home mother.  In her words, “Motherhood is a wonderful experience but it can be very isolating, especially when caring for infant twins and an adolescent. I wanted to blog to share my experiences and connect with other mothers online.”

She is a wealth of information and truly an inspiration to all Latina Moms who blog.  You can connect with Joscelyn on Twitter: @JoscelynRC and @InnovativeTalk .  You can also connect with her via Facebook at: Mami of Multiples  or at Mami Innovative Media .  She also co-host a show called Chicas Chatting on Blog Talk Radio  and on Twitter at @ChicasChatting.

 

Here is her interview:

  • Who is the target audience of your blog and what data can you provide us about your audience? 

Mami of Multiples offers parenting resources and helpful tips for families, including families with multiples and bilingual children.  The audience primarily consists of women from Hispanic (Latino), Anglo-American or Multicultural (African American/Asian American) descent. They are usually married between the ages of 22 – 55 and tend to be the household decision makers and shoppers.

  • What do you believe helps differentiate your blog/websites & business from others?

I believe what helps to differentiate my sites and ventures are my personal and professional experiences.  My educational background and work history have helped to provide me with a vast array of knowledge and skills, all which have positively influenced my businesses.

  • Do you ever refuse to review products you don’t actually use or believe in?

My policy has always been that I do not review products that I do not use personally or products that I believe would not be of benefit to others.  For example, I have refused to review products that the average family could not afford, regardless if I could keep the product myself.  I believe my readers trust me and I do not want to endorse a product that I don’t believe in or feel that it would be helpful to others.

  • Do you promote events or support through your blog any particular charity or non-profit organization?

Since charity and non-profit organizations are important to me, I always like to lend my support.  Recently I have helped to support the initiatives of Stand Up To Cancer, Heart of Haiti, Cervical Cancer Awareness & Prevention. Go Red for Women & Go Red Por Tu Corazon, Orlando Teen Mom Event, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida Food For Thought Tour.

  • What advice would you have for a mother who is thinking about starting a blog but may not know where/how to begin? What can you tell them about maintaining balance between home and work?

I like to tell mothers who are thinking of blogging to approach it like having a conversation with a friend.  It’s helpful to remember that a blog is an extension of a person; it can be authentic, original, humorous, helpful, pensive…truly everything that makes up an individual.  Ideas, questions, advice, resources are all things that friends share with one another and the blog is like an exchange between friends.  Readers and followers will come when they feel they can relate or have a connection to the blog and its author.

A work and life balance is something that I think all mothers, whether stay at home, work at home, or work outside the home, all aspire to achieve and all struggle with.  I think it’s important when trying to blog or work outside or inside the home is to create a schedule to help with time management.  For example, if wanting to spend more quality time with the family is a priority, then it should be set as a steady or on-going appointment in the family calendar that is just as important as a business meeting.

  • What is your favorite life or business quote?

One of my favorite quotes is…”One hundred years from now, it will not matter what kind of car I drove, what kind of house I lived in, or how much money I had in the bank. But the world may be a better place because I made a difference in a child’s life.” – Author Unknown

  • Can you share what is the most important business habit you have?

I would say the most important business habit I have is my work ethic.  I have been taught from an early age the meaning of hard work and the responsibility of completing a task.  My jobs have helped to mold and hone that trait to be one that I carry in all my professional dealings.


  • Tell us about three people that you admire and why?

My Parents

I admire my parents above all because their values on life and education are things I still strive for.  My Cuban father and Puerto Rican mother overcame many of the obstacles that first-generation Hispanic Americans faced when coming to America years ago.  My father came to the US as professional baseball player and ended up being one of the first Latino union executives for the I.L.A.  My mother was one of the first Latina senior consultants for the New York Dept. of Labor EEO office.  I am the youngest of my siblings and I was born when my parents already had three grown teenagers in the home.  My mother changed jobs, despite having a wonderful career, and went in to the education field so she could spend more time at home as I was growing up.

Billy Graham & Ruth Bell Graham

I admire Mr. & Mrs. Billy Graham because they were a couple that truly embodied the meaning of the word ‘teamwork’ and having a ‘servant’s heart’.  They dedicated their entire lives to spreading a message of peace and love and compassion for others.  Their remarkable life and legacy is reflected in the millions of people worldwide, including global leaders that they have personally affected with their ministry work.

Celia Cruz

Her undeniable voice and energetic spirit was a staple in my home growing up.  She broke racial stereotypes to become one of the most recognizable and beloved Latin musical star in the world.  Her passion for music was contagious and hearing her sing to his day makes me feel like I’m home.

 

  • What is the best book you’ve recently read and why?

I recently read “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett.  I had received the book at a blogger conference that I was speaking at and I was immediately enamored with the storyline.  Although, I greatly liked  the recent film based on the book, I really enjoyed reading more in-depth the back-story of the main and supporting characters and their connection to each other.  Reading the book and watching the movie with my teen son was like having a virtual civil rights and history lesson.  I enjoyed being able to answer his questions and have conversation about that period in American history.

  •  If you weren’t a full time blogger, what other field can you see yourself working in?

 If I wasn’t a full time professional blogger, then I would like to work in the communications, public relations, broadcasting, or legal fields.  Each of those fields, incorporate some of my key strengths as an individual.  I also have a heart for ministry and charitable work.

 

  • You recently relaunched Mami Innovative Media.  We love your redesign & colors.  What type of services do you provide?  What demographics do you cover?  Is there a specific niche market?

Mami Innovative Media is a communications and digital marketing company providing services to brands, corporations, individuals, non-profits and small businesses.  We have a proven track record of creating and implementing successful communication, event management, marketing, public relations and social media programs. Recently, we have been able to  partner and collaborate with some of the most well-known brands and companies, including Disney, Dyson, General Mills, Johnson’s Baby, Lifetime Movie Network, Neutrogena, Nestle, Target, State Farm, and T.J.Maxx/Marshalls.

  • Any recent or upcoming campaigns you would like to share?

I was recently selected to be one of the Hormel Foods Extended Family Bloggers.  Hormel Foods has made their name under many well-established trademarks that include Hormel, SPAM, Jennie-O Turkey Store, Dinty Moore, to name a few. As part of the Hormel Foods Extended Family Preferred Blogger Program, I will be sharing an insider’s look at the official Hormel Foods test kitchen, participate in live webcasts and interactive events, learn new relevant tricks and techniques for easy meal prep, shopping, discounts, hosting giveaways, and more. In addition the Hormel Extended Family Bloggers will be featured on the Hormel Foods Facebook page.

  • Are there any other projects you are currently working on? 

I am an Executive Editor of a recently launched digital publication for mothers of multiples called Multiplicity Magazine.  Created based upon the expansive needs of mothers of multiples, Multiplicity Magazine is a quarterly electronic magazine offering resources and advice on an array of parenting and lifestyle topics directly related to families of multiples.  The inaugural issue is free to the public.

Filed Under: Blog, Featured Bloggers Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Featured Blogger: Ruby Wright – GrowingUpBlackxican.com

December 8, 2011 By 4 Comments

This month’s Feature Blogger is celebrating a blog anniversary! Ruby Wright, Founder & Publisher of Growing Up Blackxican, a blog about growing up bicultural, bilingual, and all the adventures that  go on started  blogging exactly 2 years ago on December 9, 2009, to share what her kids were up to with family and friends since her family was a military family then.

Ruby Wright is  raising her babies to be proud of their two cultures- Black and Mexican.     She also wanted to share the things her family went through dealing with being an interracial couple with bicultural kids.   After doing a survey earlier this year she found that her target audience are 20-30 year-old , married, stay at home moms of toddlers and preschoolers.

Ruby is a beautiful and  amazing writer.  Her blog is honest, informative and thought provoking.  Ruby has been featured at Scentalicious at Blogalicious Blogalicious 2011 Conference.  You can follow her at Twitter at @RubyDW or “Like” her Facebook page:   Growing Up Blackxican.

 

Here is her interview:

  •  Your blog is turning 2 years old? What are some of the lessons learned with your blog? What are some of the goals you have for your blog in 2012?

I’ve learned to be consistent and to interact with my readers.  My goals for 2012 are to feature more GUB like US families and individuals, get my husband to do a guest post, and to continue the bilingualism efforts with more flashcards pintables and related posts.

  • What do you believe helps differentiate your blog/websites & business from others?

I think the name makes our blog very different from others. Though I am another mom blogger my blog is about our cultures, what we go thru being a mixed couple with bicultural kids, and our daily lives.

  • Tell us about three people that you admire and why?

My Mom- A woman with so much passion, dedication, and strong will. Though she could be tough and want you to snap out of it when you’re down she means well and believes in you. My grandfather-A man of faith, determination and loyalty. Always true to his word.

  • What is your favorite life or business quote?

“Life is what you make it.”-Eleanor Roosevelt

  • What advice would you have for a mother who is thinking about starting a blog but may not know where/how to begin? What can you tell them about maintaining balance between home and work?

 Have a plan and research. Blogging is fun but it does take a lot of time. Passion drives most of us. What is your passion? Follow it! To balance home, work, and family is hard I use a planner to stay on top of it all.  Successful bloggers. It takes time, dedication and hard work to maintain a successful blog. I admire those who are committed and passionate about what they share with the world.

  • Can you share what is the most important business habit you have?

Being honest and true to what I write is the most important business habit. I don’t want my readers to think I’m putting on a show or sharing something for my benefit, especially when it comes to reviews and/or giveaways.

  •  If you weren’t a full time blogger, what other field can you see yourself working in?

Definitely would be the education field. Working with continuing education and servicing the community really appealed to me. My job didn’t feel like I job.

  • Are there any other projects you are currently working on? (Additional great news to share)?

I am currently working on a passion that started off by my mother. My mother is an advocate for literacy and I’ve followed in her footsteps. I believe reading to your child aloud has many benefits. I hope to create awareness for reading aloud to kids in English and Spanish thru my blog.

  •  What is the best book you’ve recently read and why?

Well it’s not that recent but I’ve read it 3 times so it must be my favorite. Rain of Gold by Victor Villaseñor will always be my go to. It reminds me of my family. My grandparents, our culture, my home!  It can always make me feel at peace when I’m homesick.

  •  Do you ever refuse to review products you don’t actually use or believe in?

Yes! I refuse because I am not trying to be a commercial. I have to truly believe in the product and it has to fit my blog.

  •  Do you promote events or support through your blog any particular charity or non-profit organization?

Yes I support Ronald  McDonald House Charities, March of Dimes, USO, Kiwanis and LATISM.

 

Happy Blog Anniversary Ruby!

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Blog, Featured Bloggers

Featured Blogger: Ericka Sanchez – NibblesAndFeasts.com

September 12, 2011 By 2 Comments

This month’s featured Latina Mom blogger is Food Blogger Ericka Sanchez.  Ericka was born in Torreón, Coahuila Mexico and arrived in the United States in 1982 to El Paso, Texas.   She stayed home and attended school in her hometown and graduated from The University of Texas at El Paso with a degree in Media Advertising. Early on in her career, her first love was Sports Marketing. That love (and the love of her life, her husband Efrain), brought her to Los Angeles, where she landed a job with the Los Angeles Dodgers Spanish Broadcasting sales team for three years.

Her life took a turn and her love of food began in a food photography studio. She  assisted in food design and photo shoots for a cheese company as well as helped develop and translate classic recipes with a modern twist.  Her  joy of exploring food flourished and she began to explore the different food options available in Los Angeles.

I had the opportunity to interview our amazing Latina Mom Blogger.   Her food blog is educational, features beautiful food photography and will iginite a desire to start cooking gourmet food for your friends and family.  You will truly enjoy reading her delicious food blog, Nibbles and Feasts.   You can follow her on Twitter at @NibblesandFeasts or “Like” her Facebook page at Nibbles and Feasts FB page.

1. Describe your blog? How did you start blogging?  What type of topics do you write about?

I started a personal blog in 2008 when my son was born. Since half of my family still resides in Mexico, I wanted them to see my son grow up. Through my blog, I would update them with Joaquin’s milestones and our fun family excursions throughout Los Angeles.

My food blog, Nibbles & Feasts, began in 2010. I was inspired by a couple of books: Jonathan Gold’s Counter Intelligence: Where to Eat in the Real Los Angeles and Life is Meals by James and Kay Salter. I wanted to combine Gold’s knowledge of Los Angeles restaurants with Salter’s way of telling a story and associating it with a meals and recipes dear to my heart.

Nibbles & Feasts is bilingual, bicultural and all Los Angeles. Living in this great city has given me the opportunity to experience other cultures through food and easily accessible ingredients that otherwise, I would find it extremely difficult to find.

2. What are some of the projects you work on when you’re not working or blogging?

My day job is marketing for a retail property in the South Bay where I get to be creative in a totally different ways. I develop retail social media campaigns, promotions and special events. When I’m not blogging or exploring Los Angeles, I am cooking and experimenting with flavors with my mini sous-chef by my side, my 3-year old son Joaquin.

3. How do you balance a full-time job, blogging & motherhood? What tips would you give to other working moms that want to blog? Who are the people in your life that inspire you to be the woman you are today?

As far as balance, I believe it’s all about organization. Since my blog requires me to cook and write, it can take me up to a week for one post. I am usually ahead of the game (most of the time). I cook and photograph about two recipes weekend mornings. One: because I catch the best morning natural light for my photographs, two:because everyone is still asleep and three: because it’s so therapeutic for me. Cooking relaxes me.

Since I have a full time job, I dedicate evenings and weekends after cooking to my family, going for lunch, exploring the city and cuddling. As far as writing, I try to squeeze it in on my down time but most of the time, you’ll find me up typing away late in the evenings.

Some blogging advice: If you are passionate about something, by all means, blog about it! Take it slow at the beginning though. I made the mistake of overwhelming myself with so much information that I thought I was going crazy! Focus on your blogging platform for a few months and learn the ins and outs of it, then read up on photography, then recipe writing and story telling, then social media…take it one step at a time. It’s always going to be a work in progress.

Also, network! Join Facebook groups, tweet influential people, attend conferences and seminars. You will always walk away with a great new contact, useful information and wonderful resources.

4. What is the first dish you ever cooked? First dish you ever blogged about? Most challenging food to create and why?

The first dish I ever cooked and blogged about is fideo. Fideo reminds me of my college days and my first apartment. I always felt close to home when I prepared my weekly batch. It is so easy and inexpensive to make. It is a very humble but delicious dish.

My most challenging dish that I’m terrified to make is manchamanteles. It is a tropical mole that literally means “tablecloth stainer” because of its rich red brick color. The ingredient list is endless and I still haven’t managed to perfect a simple version of this tantalizing dish. I’m still trying.

5. What provides the inspiration for your recipes? Do you have any favorite cooking shows, magazines that offer inspiration?

I was inspired by a trip I took to Oaxaca in 2005. That trip opened my eyes and expanded my love of telling a story through food and cooking. As far as favorite cooking shows, I really don’t have one. I love reading food and travel blogs from David Lebovitz , Matt Armendariz and Penny de Los Santos. They have such a wonderful and captivating story telling styles with food and photography.

6. Are there any special tips that you would like to give to bloggers considering starting a food blog? When cooking food to blog about, is it really all about the presentation or is the cooking utensils, food, ingredients, taste and/or type of food important too?

For me it’s all about a beautiful photograph but one that doesn’t look professional styled and staged but rather one that says, “hey, look what I made today and doesn’t it look delicious?” I love going to thrift stores and finding amazing dishes. You’d be surprised what $10 can get you at second hand and antique stores.

I also try to stick to natural ingredients. Blog what you know first. If you’re good at baking, start off with baking then venture into cooking. I started with recipes of food my mom would cook for me. Then, I started experimenting with new ingredients. It keeps your blog fresh and fun.

7. What would be your dream come true as a food blogger?

My wish list is pretty ambitious but here it goes…

First and foremost, I eventually want to blog full time and dedicate my all to my blog.

Two: I would love to start traveling with my blog. Experience different cultures in a family setting and learning their cooking styles and using authentic and natural ingredients.

Three: Working with brands, learning their marketing process and developing recipes for products I use on a day-to-day basis with my cooking.

Three:Educating the readers about sustainable agriculture, organic, and natural products and making the right choices when it comes to food. Child obesity and diabetes is on the rise because families don’t have enough available information.

8. What your favorite post on your blog? What is your most popular post?

My favorite post is the black mole recipe because I share a brief anecdote of my trip to Oaxaca accompanied by some amazing photos. Black mole is also my favorite Mexican dish because you can taste the history in the elaborate and exquisite mole sauce.

My most popular post is the Tlacoyitos stuffed with Cheese recipe. They are so simple to make, very authentic and can be eaten as appetizers, a snack or can be a meal at any time of the day.

9. Describes some of the projects you recently worked on and current campaigns.

I have met so many wonderful people and have collaborated in so many great projects through my blog.

Early on, I was able to help Yoplait with their cancer awareness campaign Save Lids to Save Lives with singer Sheryl Crow. I’ve also been involved with Go with the Grain|Grain Foods Foundation on the Bread Art Project, along with actress Teri Hatcher.

I had the opportunity to cook and with fellow bloggers and recipe developers in the Nestle Kitchens.

Currently, I am a contributing blogger for Nestlé’s Constuye El Mejor Nido bilingual site and SpanglishBaby.com a site that focuses on raising bilingual children.

10. Highlight any upcoming projects, conferences you would like to attend or projects you would like to work on. Where do you imagine yourself as a blogger in 1 year? in 3 years?

My goal for 2012 is to attend as many food writing and food photography classes. I will be attending the International Food Bloggers Conference in November and Camp Blogaway in May.

I am also extremely excited to be visiting a couple of family owned dairy California farms at the end of September.

In 1-3 years I would like to expand my cooking by attending culinary classes and hopefully (cross my fingers) have traveled to several cooking trips to other countries.

Filed Under: Featured Bloggers

Featured Blogger: Margo Porras -NachoMamasBlog.com

July 31, 2011 By 3 Comments
We recently interviewed Latina Mom Bloggers member, Margo Porras. Margo Porras originally started blogging to promote her business.  She soon realized that, not only was she good at it, but she loved communicating this way.  If you’ve read any of Margo’s blogs you’ll find that she is very passionate about her writing and about the people in her life. Every time I read her blogs I get goosebumps because her posts are full of emotion and inspiration.   In addition to  Nacho Mama’s Blog, she writes a blog for her Jockey Person to Person fashion business, Nacho Mama’s Style and she writes columns for San Diego Momfia and Rock On Mommies.   She is a Latina Mom Blogger with Hispanic market and general market appeal.

This interview features Margo Porras background,  blogging experience and her love of Charro (yes, Charro).  You’re going to be in love with her and Charro  after this interview as well.

1. Something interesting about your blog is that you have a background as an Interior Designer.  How has your background helped you with blogging?  What differentiates your blog from others?

I read A LOT of blogs!  I always say that the #1 mistake that most bloggers make is that they forget that the internet is a VISUAL MEDIUM. Being a designer, I know that the look of my blog is an integral part of the content and my readers’ overall impression of me.  What makes every blog special is the blogger’s point of view. In my case, I like to say that Nacho Mama’s Blog is “The Nate Berkus Show meets Charo at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.” So far I’ve lived a life full of design, salsa and bellylaughs, with just enough drama to make me want to stick around until the end. Along the way I’ve picked up an EXTREMELY diverse collection of interests from Beethoven to blackjack, plus many tips for living a life that’s lovable, no matter what gets thrown into the mix.

 

2. Who is the target audience of your blog and what data can you provide us about the demographics of your audience?

Many of my readers find Nacho Mama’s Blog either through twitter or from the other blogs that I write for. MANY of them are moms and (of course) I have a wonderful Latina following. Because I’m pretty vocal about following the Weight Watchers plan, I also get women who are interested in living a healthy, balanced and FUN life. I even have a small but loyal following of men! They like to stay under the radar, though.
 

3. What is your favorite post you have written and why?

My favorite posts are definitely the ones concerning my Latina upbringing. If I had to pick one, it would be “Raised on Chicano Soul” about my love for Chicano Soul Music from the 60s (my uncle was a founder of The Mixtures). The hardest post for me to write was “Making a Short Story Long: My Story” because it was so personal, but it resulted in my most treasured comments from my readers.

 

4. If you weren’t a blogger, what other field can you see yourself  working in?
First of all, I think I’d be a blogger no matter what I did for a living! I’m a big believer in goal setting, though.  I attended Jockey’s Person to Person Fall Fashion Preview and had the honor to meeting the JockeyP2P Head Designer Sunil Ramnchandani. He designed my yellow coat which I will be styling at BlogHer conference.  I also recently celebrated my birthday and made a goal to become Jockey Person to Person’s first ever LATINA Director of Sales by this time next year. However,  I want to do more than just sell the clothes, I want to help other women to realize their dreams by “playing a bigger game” in their own lives. Fingers crossed for me, chicas! Then after that? I’d love to be the first Latina to have a lifestyle tv show.  I could talk about my dreams all day!

5. What advice would you have for a mother who is thinking about starting a blog but may not know where/how to begin? What can you tell them about maintaining balance between home and work?

The best advice I can give any mom is just really just to Be Yourself. You ARE enough! I see so many “mommybloggers” who try to be all things to all people so they can boost their numbers, get sponsors, etc. If you forget about the stats and just share your true self, people WILL connect with you, I promise! And the home and work balancing act? We all struggle with it. I’m always at my best when I’m clear about my priorities and where I want to go, and then schedule around that. And we ALL have to remember to take time for ourselves! Nobody wants to hear from a burnt-out Mami.

6. Tell us about three people that you admire and why?

Only three? OK, lol! Well, definitely Kathy Cano-Murillo (The Crafty Chica) because she’s one of the only people I know who does as many different things as I do! Kathy has been a role-model of mine for many years and recently I had the pleasure of taking an online course with her on DIY publicity for independent artists (and bloggers) that was a real “game changer’ for all of us in the class. If you ever have a chance to take a course with Kathy, DO IT. Secondly? Yes, Charo! I LOVE CHARO. She’s sexy, ageless, extremely talented and intelligent enough to realize that “Cuchi-Cuchi” was the road to the bank. And I admire her for speaking out against the cruelty of bullfighting. And lastly, Rupaul. Because he is living proof that life is too short not to enjoy it, no matter WHAT you want to be. Plus? We were born in the same hospital!

7. What is your favorite life or business quote?

“Only those are unwise who have never dared to be fools.” -Elsie de Wolfe, the world’s first interior designer and a VERY unconventional lady!

8. What is the most important business habit you have?

I don’t do anything or work with anyone I’m not truly enthusiastic about. Again, life is too short! I’d rather keep my crappy car another year than make millions doing something I hate. Because the well-being of my spirit cannot be bought for any amount. Seriously.

9. Are there any exciting campaigns you are currently working out you would like to share with our readers?

I’ve been doing some wonderful social media stuff with Jockey Person to Person, of course! I’m also currently doing something with Ross Dress for Less, who I’ve loved working with in the past.

10.Will we see you at BlogHer 2011 Conference?  What session are you most excited about?

YES YOU WILL! I’m most excited for “We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Recession: Frugal Blogging Is Always in Fashion ” just because the title is so intriguing! And then, of course, there are the parties.

 

Do you have an interesting story to tell?  Would you like to nominate a Latina Mom Blogger member to be featured on Latina Mom Bloggers?  Sign up for Latina Mom Bloggers Featured Blogger Program or feel free to contact me at eva [at] latinamombloggers.com.

 

 

Filed Under: Featured Bloggers

Featured Blogger: Sara Patterson – MommaFindings.com

June 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

 

Latina Mom Bloggers welcomes Sara Patterson, Founder and Editor of Momma Findings. Momma Findings is a Website/Blog that reviews products for parents. Sara Patterson was born and raised on the Texas Gulf Coast.   She is a Mother of three.  The products showcased on her website are always family friendly.

Sara started blogging as a simple prayer journal, but quickly fell in love with the social media behind it. Companies working together, through campaigns with bloggers, create a whole other level of awareness that is unlimited!

This interview features Sara’s life,  blog, blogging experience and blogging tips:

 

1. Tell us about three people that you admire and why?

Wow. There are so many people I admire, but if I had to narrow it down to three they would be:

  1. My Parents: I celebrated 10 years of marriage this year and, it isn’t until now, that I fully appreciate how difficult it is to have a successful and meaningful reltationship with my spouse. I look up to my parents because they’ve trudged through the same things we have yet, they stand together in a their marriage and are remarkable role models for my children.
  2. My Husband: He’s not afraid. He’s not fearful to admit when he’s wrong. He’s not so set in stone that he doesn’t realize when a change needs to be made. He’s my rock.
  3. My Friend: His name is Kevin and I met him my freshman year of High School. He’s been there for both my husband and I for the last 10 years. As a  younth minister in his Church he leads our community by teaching young teenagers how to walk in Christ and, let’s all face it, that’s a hard job.

2. What is your favorite life or business quote?

This applies to both my life and business I’ve done throughout the years. Whenever I’m worried. Whenever I’m stressed. Whenever I feel the world is crashing down upon me, I’m encouraged by this Beth More Quote:

“Beloved, let this one sink in deeply: if God allowed you to be thrown into a pit, you weren’t picked ON; you were picked OUT. God entrusted that suffering to you because He has faith in you. Live up to it. All the way up.”

I refer to this quote when I minister to friends going through rough situations.

3. If you wouldn’t be a full time blogger, what other field can you see yourself working in?

Being a full time blogger definitely crept up and surprised me. I tell my children all the time, “God gave me this very important job. He entrusted me to take care of you every day so Daddy can go to work and so you can have someone there for you at home whenever you need it. It’s a job I can’t believe I so lucky to have.”

So, if I wasn’t a full time blogger, I’d still be a full time Mom. A job that a lot of people look down upon, but a job that fulfills both me and my family. One day, my kids will grow older and then I’d like to see myself working in a marketing position or social media manager.

4. What advice would you have for a mother who is thinking about starting a blog but may not know where/how to begin? What can you tell them about maintaining balance between home and work?

The first thing I’d ask is the reason she wants to start a blog. I think, especially here lately, that rumor has it that you can make GOBS AND GOBS of money with a blog. So, the first thing I’d do or say is that the rumor is false.  Yes, you can make money. Yes, you can get tons of cool products. Yes, you may even have fun opportunities, but those are not reasons to start a blog. If those are your sole reasons, then stop. Stop right now. Being a full time blogger is hard work. Like up at 5:00am. Like strict schedule organization. Like passion.

 

5.  What tips would you suggest for first year of blogging?

  1. Pick your passion. If you love what you write about now, you’ll love it five years from now.
  2. Develop a Tribe: Not an indian tribe, a blog community tribe. Find other blogs that write about the same things you do. Comment on those blogs. Every day. I promise you, they’ll comment back. Within a year, you’ll have your own little tribe that you can lean on and trust.
  3. Schedule your time: This is the hardest thing to help someone understand. Friends of mine will state, “Why can’t you go to lunch? Don’t you work from home? You can set your own hours.” Exactly. I set my own hours so I can make time for my family and I’m keep our household structured. If you have to, set a timer. Blog for an hour. Clean for an hour. Blog for 30 minutes. Do laundry for 30 minutes. Whatever works best for you, but make sure it’s planned.

6. Do you find it therapeutic to blog? That is, sometimes being a mom can be overwhelming, do you find some sort of escape or stress relieve through blogging? Or does it actually add more stress to your already busy schedule?

Believe it or not. Blogging used to be therapeutic. A lot of bloggers will say it’s cheaper than a shrink. In fact, I started blogging because I lived 900 miles away from family, with no friends, and three kids under the age of 5. It was insane. When I blogged, I left a little of my heart in each post and that was therapeutic. Now, however, my children are older. One has actually asked that I don’t blog about him or take his picture and ESPECIALLY don’t take a video. They want privacy and that’s when I turned my blog into a family blog about products, events, music, and charitable initatives. I can still talk about my family, but not like I used to.

 

Being that it’s more of a business to me, it’s a teeny tiny bit more stressful with deadlines, conference calls, events, and business trips.

 

7. What is the most important business habit you have?

Clear communication. Whether it’s a buisness partnership, a 6 month long campaign, or a product review… communication is key. I’m not perfect. I get busy. I get side tracked. I’m running a business and a home, so I’m not always able to meet a deadline or I have to bow out of a campaign I thought I could do. Things happen. Kids get sick. For the most part, companies and Brands have been exceptionally understanding when I communicate my plans with them.

Communication. It’s the ONE habit I work hard at.

8. What is the best book you’ve recently read and why?

I’m reading The Help right now and LOVE it. Telling the story of “The Help” through a journalists eyes has really empowered and encouraged me.

 

9. What do you believe helps differentiate your blog/websites from others?

Well, all blogs are different. I strongly believe that my site is amazing to one person and not so amazing to another. It’s all about the reader and what they like, but what differentiates me from other bloggers is steadiness. I try really hard to schedule 2 blog posts a day during the work week. I don’t usually post over the weekends, however, that may change over the Summer. I give my readers a steady idea of what to expect from my site. Two blog posts a day.

 

Oh. And my coolness factor. J

10. Do you ever refuse to review products you don’t actually use or believe in?

Yes, I refused to review products on a daily basis. Most of the time it’s because I know I can’t schedule them into my editorial calender, but if I don’t believe in the company or product, I won’t review it. If I’m not going to use it? Well, you won’t see me reviewing it. For instance, I don’t have a baby anymore. My baby is 4 years old, so you probably won’t see me reviewing baby products unless it’s a Brand I’ve used and trusted with my own children in the past. We’re working to recruit other Mom Bloggers to become contributors so we can cover all age groups.

11. Do you promote events or support through your blog any particular charity or non-profit organization?

Yes we do. In fact, every Christmas we do a blog series about how you, as a reader, can help families in need by highlighting different local charity organizations. We also, just finished a tour of the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center and talked to them about how we, in Social Media, can help spread the word about the need for blood in our region. You can find our post and our plans to partner with the Blood Center here.

Other organizations we’re passionate about include: Special Olympics, Mercy House, Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center and One laptop Per Child

 

12. Something interesting about your blog is that although you are Latina, you don’t really blog in Spanish or position yourself as a “Latina” mom blogger. On that note, what is the biggest Hispanic marketing cliché you would love to see go away?

You’re right. I don’t’ market myself as a Latina Mom, because I started blogging almost five years ago prior to the Latina Blogger boom. I learned to position myself with high profile mainstream bloggers. Since I’ve made it known that I’m passionate about my Hispanic culture, I’ve come across Hispanic marketing trends that are quite bothersome.

As you mentioned, I’m positioned as a General Market blogger and I’ve found that a lot of brands recruit Latina Bloggers to work on Hispanic specific campaigns. While this is great for the campaign and blogger, I’’ve also found that Brands exclude Latinas in bigger and broader scale campaign programs that we can greatly influence.

I’d love to see that go away. I’d love to see more Latina Bloggers involved in mainstream campaigns and iniatitives, if only the marketers can see the power behind the culture.

13. From your blog, I can tell you are a Texas girl and love your state! How does being from Texas inspire you? Were you born in Texas? Where is your family from?

Yes. I am a Southern Texas girl for sure. In fact, when we moved to Memphis 8 years ago, there was a welcome sign that said, “Welcome to the South.” I turned to my husband and said, “Well, why did I have to drive 9 hours NORTH to get to the South?”  I’m very proud to be a Texan and tell everyone I meet that we’re our own little country. There’s nothing quite like the community togetherness that the lonestar state brings to it’s people.

I was born in a small town right outside of Houston called Baytown. We like to call it the Capital of Exxon. Everyone here works for the chemical giant and everyone is proud to work a company. It means security for the community and the families involved. My parents, however, aren’t from  here. They lived in a small town in the Rio Grande Valley called Raymonville (close to Harlingen). They moved here to find work. Once my Dad found it, he recruited all his brothers to follow. Now 95% of my Dad’s family live here in town and have successfully moved up in each company they work for while raising a beautiful family in the process.

When I think of Texas. I think of country life. I think of High School football. I think of State festivals and Bar B Que. I think of family. When we were deciding to stay in Memphis or move back home I couldn’t quite see my family anywhere else beside Texas. It’s my home. It’s my culture. It’s a way of life I don’t ever want to leave.

 

14. Who is the target audience of your blog and what data can you provide us about the size of your audience?

My target audience is, of course, Moms. I don’t cater to Latina Moms or Afican American Moms. My site is for any Mom of any color. I also target Dads, Grandparents, and Educators as I hope to build a community involvement with the companies that cater to them.

Momma Findings is your average blog with your not so average Blogger. Our site reaps, on average, 35,000 page views a month with the community comments growing on Facebook and Twitter.

 

15. Do you have any accompanying Twitter, Facebook or other social media contact information you would like to share?

Of course I do! I’d love for all of you to join me on my Social Media Channels that include: Find me on Twitter @Sarann, Momma Findings Facebook, Sara Patterson on Linked In, Momma Findings on YouTube

Do you have an interesting story to tell? Sign up for Latina Mom Bloggers Featured Blogger Program and feel free to contact me at eva [at] latinamombloggers.com.

 

 

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Featured Bloggers

June 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Latina Mom Bloggers will be featuring a Latina Mom Blogger each month in an effort to provide more recognition to our bloggers.  Do you have an interesting story to tell? Do you know someone that you would like to recommend to be featured on Latina Mom Bloggers? Sign up for Latina Mom Bloggers Featured Blogger Program or feel free to contact me at eva [at] latinamombloggers.com with your recommendation.

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