Featured Newbie Blogger @luvitornot

Okay, this is late. However, I'm so excited for you all to read this interview.

Read further to be inspired by the person behind Love It!

Tell me a little bit about yourself and your family.

Hello everyone! I live in Rhode Island with my family, my husband and an energetic kindergartener. I enjoy creative things such as gardening, cooking, fashion, entertaining, and interior design. I also love to travel and to shop. My background careers and education includes marketing, hospitality, event planning, and psychology. My "dream job" is to work for a travel company and critique resort properties.

How long have you been blogging? Why did you start blogging? Is this also why you continue blogging?

I started my blog "Love it or…Not" aka "Love It" last month and so far things are going great. I wanted to share my ideas on things that I love and to really focus on the positive aspects of life. "Promote what you love instead of bashing what you hate" is a great overall statement about my blog. That's why I leave the "Or Not" off the top of my page, I try to leave the negativity out (as much as possible). I know that at times you may not love something at all, completely, or even the slightest bit. Well that's ok, I face each experience with positive thoughts and form my opinions in the end. There may be something I post that I just simply adore, but you have a different opinion. I would love for you to share it and tell me why.

I deal with chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and a laundry list of other health problems. Part of my wellness plan is trying to maintain a positive outlook and attitude. Unfortunately I cannot physically due some of the things I once loved, but now I am discovering new love and happiness in everything around me. I love meeting new people and reading about their stories. I have been meeting a lot of stay at home mothers. I also enjoy posting recipes and craft projects that we make as a family, if you also try Pinterest. It lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. If you are not already a member you need to be invited, I'll be happy to send you an invite. If you are a member please follow me at Pinterest.

What direction do you see your blog going in the future?

I also believe that it is important to give back to your community, charitable organizations, and those in need. I see my blog incorporating more of those ideas in the future, especially highlighting issues that are important to my readers.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced so far with your blog?

Due to my injury/condition it is very hard for me to type so I use Dragon Speech Software as much as possible. I am learning how to use Dragon and all of the rest of applications and widgets involved with blogging. Sometimes it gets overwhelming and frustrating but I'm learning new things each day. There is a lot to learn when you are starting out.

What types of product reviews and giveaways do you feature? What was your favorite product to review? What advice do you have for those wanting to get into this or up the value of their giveaways?

I love doing reviews, that was one of the reasons why I starting blogging. To spread the word about products that I love. Right now I am giving away a 2 year membership to RedWeek.com. It's a great site for timeshare vacation rentals so make sure you sign up to win. I hope to feature a variety of products, something for everyone. I really can't think of anything that I wouldn't want to feature or review. Since my blog is fairly new, haven't reviewed a lot of products yet. I have given reviews for Bryton Picks, The Birthday Chronicle, Alphabet Zoo Children's book and Affordable Vacations with RedWeek.com since I've signed up with Tomoson. The more "followers" your blog has the "better" products and giveaways options you can request. I'm not sure about any other sites that offer products for blog reviews, please tell me (lol).

Besides your blog, how else can people find you? What is your favorite/least favorite?

Please contact me if this is anything that I can do to help with your blog. Here are the ways that I can be followed.

Blog | Twitter | Pinerest | Facebook | Facebook-Lee | Google+ | Google Friend Circle | Networked Blogs | Linkey | Klout | StumbleUpon | Picket Fence | Email

Share your top 3 favorite blogs to read and why.

VoiceBoks. In the very early stages of my blog, voiceboks was there and helped me in multiple ways. I signed up from a link on facebook and I was greeted with open arms. Lexi and the other members there are like a family. They are eager to help, review, direct, support you and your blog. I had zero knowledge about anything blog related. They have held my hand and walked me through so much. Joining groups to help you network, share stories and blogs about parenting, enter giveaways and much more can be found at voicebok.com.

What is your best advice for a Newbie Blogger?

Join blog hops. When you are visiting another blog, make note of things you liked and didn't like. Ask the blog owners about where they got that certain layout or how did they do that certain formatting. It's much easier than searching the web for answers.

Swap buttons with fellow bloggers. This is great advertizing for your blog and boosts your Alexa rating. Try using a variety of social media tools. When you visit a blog make sure leave a meaningful comment to let them know that you where there.

Set up an email account just for your blog. I know that hotmail allows you to have 5 additional aliases under one account. Use one for subscribing to blog newsletters, one for signing up for giveaways, one for managing your widget subscriptions, etc. I wish I did this originally.

Thank you, Lee, for sharing your story with us – it's always refreshing to meet new people with such positive energy!!

I hope you all were inspired by Lee like I was! If you are a newbie or feel like one, come link up with us on the Newbie Blog Hop every Tuesday at 9:00PM CST and you may be featured next! Also, join our Newbie Blog Hop Facebook Group.