Blog Hop: Behind the Scenes

When Jess, from Stamp in my Passport, nominated me to go next on a blog hop, I was immediately flattered by her kind words about this humble little space.  How could I refuse?  This one is focused around the writing process, so I had to sit back and think about how I actually end up posting what I do on my blog.

Q1. What am I currently working on/writing? Nothing!  Honestly, my queue of posts is basically empty.  I have been traveling a lot, it's my MBA finals week, and my cousin's wedding just happened, so I have neglected my blog.  Usually, I have a half dozen posts lined up and space them out as I see appropriate, inserting new posts in between as needed for sponsored content and whatnot.  That's the usual cadence, anyways!
Q2. How does my work/writing differ from others of its genre? It's probably more incoherent than other lifestyle blogs.  While I admit I do have some fun travel posts, I don't really know what my blog is supposed to be about, other than me.  It tends to veer towards travel, food, shopping, and my cats, but I don't generate enough content to do any of them exclusively.  If you like me, you'll like my blog.  If you don't like my blog, we probably wouldn't be great friends.  I also don't generate a consistent income/living from blogging (always <$100/mo in goods and giftcards) and a bunch of that ends up going to taxes.
Q3. Why do I write what I do? I have kept a journal since I was a teenager, but blogging took me from writing a private journal to creating content for others to read.  I no longer write in a notebook; it seems like a waste of paper.  I write for a few reasons...  One, it's cathartic.  I'm a chatterbox by nature, and so blogging makes sense.  It helps keep me from overwhelming my IRL friends on Facebook with all the stuff in my head.  Two, I like the social aspect.  I've made friends through blogging, and I like to crowdsource ideas about where to travel, where to eat, good shopping deals, etc.  By posting my own reviews and ideas, I'm giving back to the community as much as I take.  Lastly, I blog because it gives me an opportunity to learn.  I learn about basic coding, basic Photoshop, lots of geeky things.  I enjoy learning something new.
Q4. How does my writing process work? Typically, my posts are event-based.  I ate at a restaurant.  I traveled somewhere.  I wore an outfit that made me feel good.  Then I take photos (usually my iPhone) and upload them to my Google Drive.  I create individual blog post drafts, usually a bulleted list at first so I don't forget details I want to write about later.  I use these lists, and my photos, to craft a post when I have more time to sit down and focus.   I only spend a couple hours a week blogging, when it's all said and done, because I have a full time job and MBA going on.
To continue the fun, I nominate my blog friend Meghan at Hayes Days.  She's beautiful, sweet, and I love seeing what she's up to!  (P.S. Meghan, you don't have to if you don't want to.)

Fresh Face Friday with We Took the Road Less Traveled

Hey everyone!  I'm in NYC on bridesmaid duty today, but I wanted to let you know I'm being featured as a Fresh Face on We Took the Road Less Traveled today.  I really love Casey's blog, and she's definitely got the travel bug as badly as I do. Today there's also a blog hop that allows you to find some new blogs to read/follow and feature your own blog as well.  Check it out, and have fun!

Welcome to the

FRESH FACE FRIDAY BLOG HOP!

Hosted by: Casey @ We Took the Road Less Traveled

This week's writing topic: 

Tell us about the greatest trip of your life!

Rules for hopping:

1| Follow your host & co-hosts (first 3 links), pretty please! 

2| Link up your post! Please only link up the FFF writing prompt post...all other entries will be removed.

3| Hop around, meet new bloggers, and leave them love!

4| Have fun? Spread the word and share this blog hop with your friends!

5| Want to be a co-host? Click here for more info! 

Grab a button and share the blog hop love!

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An InLinkz Link-up

Colorado

Courtesy of a wonderful work retreat of sorts, I was able to have my first official (i.e. non-airport, grown-up) visit to Colorado.  We started off the trip with a stop for lunch in Golden, grabbing lunch on the creek at Grappa Mediterranean Bistro.  I had a delicious Croque Madame (I can never say no to a Croque Madame).  You could see the Coor's plant in distance from near the restaurant.

After lunch, we headed to the Keystone/Dillon area, where our house was.  It was a gorgeous, modern cabin with eight bedrooms, a movie theater, gym, game room, huge kitchen, and beautiful views.  We made our own breakfasts and divided into teams to make dinners.  It was definitely a retreat-like atmosphere.  We even played games at night, like Heads Up, Apples to Apples, and Scattergories.  It felt like a trip with extended family!

We spent most of our time in the Keystone area, including grabbing burgers at Kickapoo Tavern and golfing a 9-hole scramble at Keystone River Course.  It was my first time actually golfing on a course, so I had a lot of slices, but I contributed a couple of good shots that helped me team.  I also attempted to run in Keystone, but between the altitude and my exercise-induced asthma, I only managed 1.5 miles vs. the 5 I was planning; it felt like someone was sitting on my chest!

Golf Course

The highlight of the trip was definitely our ATV adventure with Nova Guides.  I'd never been on an ATV before (as I mentioned earlier on the blog) so I was a bit terrified, but the vistas were just unreal as we climbed the mountain!  I was really impressed by the terrain the ATVs could handle, thought going down was scarier than going up.  We even got to go on some really rocky paths and through some mud, getting filthy in the process.  Our guide, Stan, was awesome, and very patient with me.  I can't say enough good things about him.  They even provided us with a good, warm lunch afterwards. It is an experience I will not forget!