I’m in the bloglight!
Que the Angels Singing!…..What?…. I feel so unworthy!
I know y’all know about Hometalk….cause I’ve talked about them quite a bit….but in case you missed one of the five hundred fifty-five thousand, Nine hundred and eighty times I’ve mentioned them….
Hometalk is this really fabulous site where you can find more ideas and projects than you could do or try in a lifetime! Folks share their pictures and stories…and even ask (and get answers….lots of them) their burning questions about plants and designs. It’s chalked full of some of the most creative and helpful people you’ll ever find. I think what impresses me most about Hometalk…is you don’t have to be a professional…or have your own website to join…or participate. I love that ANYONE can get in there and share and show off all their awesomeness!
Once on Hometalk…You’ll probably meet Miriam I. What can I say? She’s done so much for me…and my little corner of blog land. Just get over there and join for Pete’s sake….before I start crying!
Once a week Hometalk chooses a blogger to be in the “bloglight”. For those of you who don’t blog…or aren’t on hometalk….it’s a big deal!
Anyhoo…. Here are some questions that Miriam asked me:
How did you first get into blogging?
For years before I started blogging, I did strange and unusual projects. Friends and family prompted me to start a website so that they could keep up with my latest creations/ventures. I started a blog…and the rest, as they say is history. Although I started in August of 2011, I really don’t consider my blog that old. I’ve learned so much in the last six months…that I really am pretty embarrassed of the older posts. I still have a long way to go… It’s a constant journey in self improvement.
How did you decide on the name of your blog?
Even before I started blogging I called my projects my Deja Vu’s. Most of my projects are upcycle/recycle creations….Stuff you’ve “already seen” in a different way. I didn’t want to spell it exactly the same way… I wanted a “different way”…so Deja Vue (as in vision) Designs came to be.
What do friends and family think of your blog? Do they read all of your updates?
Sincerely? I don’t think any of my family members read my blog any more. I think that for the most part…they don’t “get” blogging. They are the ones that really motivated me to start…but they are probably the last to read it now. More than likely, it’s just really old news to them. They see the projects in real life before it ever happens on line. I do have a few friends that do…and they are my biggest cheerleaders!
What is your most popular project on Hometalk to-date?
Hands down it’s my “Chipity Do Dah” post. It’s been shared, liked and passed around more times than an old Cherokee Chief’s Peace Pipe!
Do you stick to a strict posting schedule?/
How do you keep track of when and how often to post?
I don’t post on a strict schedule. I tried for a long time to post every day. Life and projects get in the way of that…and I found that I spent more time at the computer, than I did creating more projects. Now, I try to post at least once a week on both of my blogs. ( Oh…yeah, about four months ago, I had a brain storm that I should start another blog with some friends! Because apparently I didn’t feel like I had enough to do! lol so… www.livecreativelyinspired.com was created.) If I get ten projects done in a week…then I consider those…ten different week’s worth of posts done. It allows me to have some down time without the guilt.
What are your top 5 favorite home&garden/DIY websites or blogs that you would suggest to those of us looking for new inspiration?
Man….I hate to play favorites…because I read a LOT of blogs. But…there are some that have inspired me….so
I would definitely have to say at the very top of the list is Funky Junk Interiors. I discovered Donna’s blog not too long after I started blogging. Until then, I thought I was the only soul on the face of the earth creating fun “junk” for the house! Her blog….is what my blog, would like to be when it grows up! 😀
Secondly, one I just found a few months ago is Everyday Home. Barbara’s style and work is out of this world, crazy, fabulous!
Thistlewood Farms. When you visit…you’ll see why. Between her ability to make a story out of anything…and her GORGEOUS photos….I really won’t have to describe it any further.
Town and Country Living. I just recently discovered Jennifer’s blog too….but WOOZERS! This girl is just unbelievable. Just go look!
Mrs. Hine’s Class. She isn’t just about diy/design….although, she has some of that too. I would consider her my “soul” inspiration. She just gets down deep in my heart..and feeds my soul.
There are so many more…but you asked for five…and so I’m gonna quit…but I’m listing some other really good ones at the bottom to click on and enjoy.
What advice could you give to other bloggers that you wish you had known before you started blogging?
Take a photography class. Heck, get a master’s degree in it! I HAD before I started blogging…but never really put much thought into it when I started photographing my projects. I’m really pretty embarrassed of my projects to-date. Although I’ve done somewhat better…it’s near impossible to keep up with some of the amazing blogs out there.
Research LOTS of sites and blogs before you start….unless you seriously don’t care about growing much. Bloggers are better than magazines stylists…and they’re getting better daily.
Be prepared….like any business…to be married to it. It takes a lot of time and energy to blog…and then you fall in love with it, and spend ten times the time on it than you intended in the beginning.
I feel so honored that I was chosen for the bloglight…and I really, sincerely want everyone to go check out Hometalk. They really become like a big family!
Here are a few other blogs I suggest:
I could go on forever….enjoy!
Tammy, it was so wonderful to read your story. You truly are an inspiration and your creativity always amazes me. I am so very happy to have gotten to know you ~ you rawk the world of awesomeness!
Hugs,
Mary Beth
Mary Beth @ Cupcakes and Crinoline recently posted…Garden Tour August 2013 ~ The Frontlines
Awww. How sweet Mary Beth. Your corner of blogland is pretty darn awesome too! Thanks Marybeth!
Very enjoyable interview! I came over via Blogtalk. Looking forward to exploring your blog. 🙂
Melissa recently posted…30 Creative Garden Container Ideas
Thanks You Melissa. I’m so glad you came by. I’ll have to go check your blog out…that article looks amazing! I hope you’ll stop by again!
Tammy, so glad to learn more about you. Congratulations on being featured in the Bloglight! laurie
laurie recently posted…BACK TO SCHOOL TABLESCAPE
Thanks for stopping by Laurie. I’m gonna head over and check out your site…it sounds like my cup of tea.
Wow congrats on being in the bloglight! You must be jumping up and down..I would be!
Marilyn, I was too busy trying to shut my mouth to jump through hoops! lol Thanks for stopping by! I’m gonna get over and see your site too!
Congratulations on being in the spotlight, Tammy. It has been fun getting to know you through blogging. You are so creative and I love your “Junk!”
Jane @ Cottage at the Crossroads recently posted…Roasted Balsamic Cherry Tomatoes over Angel Hair Pasta
Thanks Jane. I’m so happy to be getting to know you. I’m so glad you came by and looked around. Your site is awesome and amazing. The recipe sounds wonderful!
You are amazing Tammy! Love your style….photos…and you are incredibly sweet! Congratulations on your feature! And thank you for the shout out 🙂
xx
Anne
Anne…I wouldn’t NOT give you a shout. Your blog always impresses me. I’m so glad we’re getting to know one another….it’s awesome working along side you.
So excited for you and so well-deserved!!! It’s always helpful to us newbies to read how you started and what advice you more experienced bloggers have to share! Your blog and the blogs of the ladies you listed are my fave’s too–you are an inspiration and I honestly don’t know what I would have done all these months without your help and support Tammy! I am very blessed to call you friend! Congratulations!
Karen Ploransky recently posted…My Home Goods Chalkboard Redo
Awe. Thanks Karen. I don’t know what to say. Any help I have offered…well it was probably a stroke of luck that I might have even known it. lol It’s been so much fun getting to know you. You’re amazing and an inspiration!
Congrats on being featured by Hometalk. You work so hard and you deserve it. Thank you for listing my blog as one of your faves … and thanks too for the opportunity to work with you at Live Creatively Inspired. It really means a lot to me! I’ve told you before and I’ll say it again … your enthusiasm is infectious and I truly appreciate you!!
Jennifer @ Town and Country Living recently posted…Summer Snapdragons from the Farm Market
Awww. Thanks Jennifer. I’m glad that you think so. I love working with you and the other girls…it’s so much fun…and I’m learning a lot from Y’all! I’m thrilled that you came on board with us…it wouldn’t be the same without you!
Awww girl…. thanks so much for the mention! I’m completely honoured! Once a junker, always a junker, so you’re in good company! haha
So agree with the amount of times it takes to blog. Who ever knew we’d sink in so many hours on one thing?! This is why blogging about something you’re passionate with is #1. If you never run out of content, you know you’ve hit the gold mine topic for you. 🙂
Congrats on the feature!
I never do…but then I don’t think the world will ever run out of junk! lol You’re an inspiration! Thanks Donna!!
Tammy, this was an excellent post! I’m so proud of you…not just for being in the bloglight, but for your drive, determination, creativity and beautiful spirit. So glad to be partners in this crazy world of blogging. And I’m honored beyond words to be in your top 5 faves.
Sharon recently posted…How to Remove Wall Anchors and Patch Holes
Sharon, I have enjoyed working with you so much! I feel so blessed to have such amazing mentors…and it feels unreal that y’all consider me even close to your caliber! You just amaze me!
Super-huge congratulations to you, my friend! I love your story, and you listed all my favorite bloggers too! 🙂 So glad we’ve connected because of Hometalk! Hugs and congrats!
Laura / The Shed by Pet Scribbles recently posted…29 Creative Lampshade DIYs
Thanks so much Luara! It’s been so wonderful getting to know you! Can I just say…you are an inspiration!!!
Congratulations! It great to get to know you 🙂 Have a great weekend!
Debbie
Debbie refresh restyle recently posted…Budget Friendly Design Tips
Debbie, Thanks you so much for the kind words! There are so many bloggers…like you…that keep me going every day…in hopes that some day, my little blog will be as wonderful as y’all’s! 😀
Congrats, Tammy and well deserved!
Awww….Thanks so very much! That was a wonderful compliment. So many precious people stopping by. I really appreciate you for being so supportive and awesome! You ROCK!!!