Featured Blogger Friday

Each Friday on The Mommy-Files, we feature one blogger and have the opportunity to get to know that blogger a little more! I love Featured Blogger Fridays because it gives all of my readers and visitors, as well as myself, a chance to get to know other bloggers out in the blogosphere. Today, I am pleased to introduce Kate from The Shopping Mama!  I absolutely love her blog and am amazed by all of the review and travel opportunities she does.  I’ve been following her for quite some time and am excited that she wanted to be featured on my blog.  I’m excited to learn more about her and her blog!  Without further ado, here is Kate from The Shopping Mama!

What made you choose the name of your blog?

It was the first name that popped into my head and luckily the address was available. It suits me and the content of the blog perfectly.
 
Who designed your blog?

It takes a village to raise a child and to help Kate make a blog. Seriously. Sara Bonds (www.OmniCouple.com) did the design for my old blogger layout,  Cat (3kidsandus.com) transferred the blog when I switched to WordPress and Kate (ParentTrend.com) has been extremely helpful customizing my current template and making it pretty.

What do you love about blogging?

I love that it’s an outlet and a way to use my brain while staying home with my kids. Don’t get me wrong, staying home and raising my little ones is WORK, but I am so thankful to have an opportunity to think outside the toddler box. I also love meeting and learning from other moms.

What is the purpose of your blog?

The Shopping Mama is really about stuff. I started the blog to answer the question “Where did you get that?” I found myself answering that question a lot and thought the blog would be a fun hobby and way to talk about great baby products, clothes and toddler toys my family likes.
 
Do you have any blogging tips (i.e. from those getting started to those who have been blogging longer than you)?

Be yourself. Use and don’t lose “your voice.” Product review writing can be rather mundane and boring unless you put your spin on it. It’s also more fun for the readers to read a review with some personality and it helps them to get to know you.

Are you married?  If so, how long?

Yep! We celebrated five years in December.

Do you have children?  If so, how many?

I have two little ones. My son turned 3 in December and my daughter turned one in November. They are, um, ridiculous in a totally hysterically lovable kind of way. I can’t imagine my life without them.

What is your favorite movie of all time?

I love the movie Sliding Doors. And, of course, Say Anything and any other 80’s love story.

Who is your favorite actor?

Good question. I love John Krasinski from The Office. Well, actually I love Jim the character on The Office.
 
What is your favorite dessert?

Anything. I am not a picky eater, especially when it comes to sweets. If forced to pick only one dessert I’d probably go for a brownie or this delicious coffee-toffee-fudge ice cream from our local shop.

What is your favorite holiday?

Oh, I just love Christmas. It was always so fun as a kid and I love seeing my kids enjoy it now, too. As annoying as it can be, I love all the hype and the lights and shopping . And nothing beat Christmas morning – family, good food and watching my little man giggle about toys.

If you were on a deserted island by yourself, what are 2 things you would have?

Okay, so I have to admit that “deserted” sounds kind of nice, like a nice peaceful and quiet vacay. But, anyway, I’d bring a laptop (with internet access to read, listen to music, blog and plan my escape) and coke.

 And of course, you know me, there has to be a chocolate question.  What is your favorite candy bar?

Twix.