Behind the Blogger ... Lolli from Better In Bulk!

I'd like to give a big welcome to Lolli from Better in Bulk!  Thanks for visiting Acting Balanced and answering our questions:

1. Tell us a little bit about your blog: Better in Bulk is a lifestyle blog by a mother of a large family (that's me!). I focus on a little bit of everything related to raising a family - from recipes to parenting tips to entertainment and more. My tagline is - "Kids. Photography. Candy. Cooking. Everything's Better in Bulk!"

Behind the Blogger: Jennifer from Weightless Chronicles

I am so pleased to introduce you to another blog friend for today's Behind the Blogger interview!  She was a little nervous being interviewed because she's a niche blogger, but I know that everyone will appreciate her story and check out her blog!  Please meet Jennifer from www.weightlesschronicles.com!

1. Tell us a little bit about your blog:

My blog is www.weightlesschronicles.com. This is my main hub for writing about weight loss for busy professional women who have no interest in a lifetime gym membership or yo-yo dieting. I take what I learned from my own 100-pound weight loss journey and developed a simple recipe to lose weight and live great.

2. How long have you been blogging and what do you love about it?

This month marks my one-year anniversary of blogging! I love blogging, because it allows me to share information with those who most need it. Also, I use my blog as my main website for my business, Weightless LLC. Weightless LLC is a professional speaking company about weight loss.

3. Who is the person or group behind the blog?

I am a one woman show.

4. What hobbies/interests do you have?

I love traveling internationally. Not only did I live in southern Germany, but I also traveled extensively in Europe. I have visited my extended family in India several times. I also have been fortunate to visit Dubai and our northern neighbor, Canada. 

I also love language. I can speak Spanish, French, German, and some Bengali.

5. If you could invite 4 people (real or fictional, living or dead) to a dinner party, who would you invite and what would you serve?

I would invite two deceased people: my paternal grandmother and Mother Theresa. Both of those women are amazing in their own right and I can learn so much just from being in the same room as them.

I would also invite Jesus, who inspired both of those women. Just to round it out, I would invite the Muslim prophet Mohammad. I’m sure Jesus and Mohammad would have plenty to talk about.

My grandmother would most likely make a full Mexican feast, complete with tamales, refried beans (without the bacon) and Spanish rice, Jesus would handle the beverages, and I’ll make dessert.

6. I can’t live without…

My family. But, since I like food so much, I also cannot live without refried beans or coffee.

7. Something people would be surprised to know about me is…

I was a quiet and somewhat angry child.

8. Three of my favorite blogs to visit are:

• www.happyhoureffect.com
• www.findyourburiedtreasure.com
• www.fittothefinish.com

9. Three of my favorite posts on my blog are:

• 5 Lessons I Learned from my Former Fat Self http://wp.me/p3D8ps-eY
• KFC Put Me in the Hospital http://wp.me/p3D8ps-2M
• Imperfect Model http://wp.me/p3D8ps-2H

Thank you so much for stopping by and agreeing to be interviewed!  It was great getting to know more about you and I'm sure that the dinner party would have a rousing conversation!  Readers, please check out Jennifer's blog www.weightlesschronicles.com and you can also find her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bweightless or www.facebook.com/jennifer.espinosagoswami, Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/jegoswam and LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/jego3!

If you'd like to be featured in a futre installment of behind the blogger or behind the author, please email me at heather at actingbalanced dot com for more details!

Behind the Blogger - Emerald from Sweet Tart Beauty!

I love getting to know more about my fellow bloggers, some I've met and many that I hope to meet in the future... today's blogger is definitely one who I hope to meet soon! She jumped in to today's interview with both feet and saved my bacon! I'd love to introduce you to Emerald from Sweet Tart Beauty!

1. Tell us a little bit about your blog:

My blog Sweet Tart Beauty is a lifestyle blog covering my fascination for beauty and fashion. The blog was created after much encouragement from my mother after I became ill in 2010. This blog, while at time difficult to maintain has allowed me the opportunity to attend The Makeup Show as press and the chance to interview top names in beauty like Naja Rickette's and Patrick T Cooper.

2. How long have you been blogging and what do you love about it?

I have been blogging for three years. I love the chance to connect with people who share my same interest. I also enjoy watching other bloggers fulfill their dreams outside of the blogging world.

3. Who is the person or group behind the blog?

When I first started Sweet Tart Beauty I did most of the work on my own but as my energy levels began to fall, my sisters and mother stepped in to keep this boat afloat. We are a group of loving women who only seek to encourage others to pursue their goals and passions in life. We will also be releasing a new site soon that will focus soley on helping people learn how to have empathy for one another. It is our hope that this site will prove to be a ray of light amongst the nonstop negativity in the world today.

4. What hobbies/interests do you have?

I love photography. Last year i purchased a Canon 550D and I have never looked back. I am inspired by the work of Brooke Shaden and Joshua Spencer. I dream of one day producing eye catching and thought provoking art like they do on a regular basis.

5. If you could invite 4 people (real or fictional, living or dead) to a dinner party, who would you invite and what would you serve?

If I could invite 4 people of my choosing to dinner, I would invite Beyonce,Malala Yousafzi, Somaly Mam and Demi Lovato. From the outside it would seem these strong women have nothing in common but if you search deeper Beyond the image we are fed through the media you will see that all of these women have gone through struggles but have chosen to better themselves and work to encourage others to do the same. Their ability to empathize with others inspires me. I hope to follow their example one day.

I'd serve wine and cheese and have the rest catered!

6. I can’t live without…

I can't live without my family. Without them I would have surely left this earth by now. Their love and encouragement keeps me going even when I feel there is no hope.

7. Something people would be surprised to know about me is… I love documentaries and crime shows. In fact I watch Lock Up Raw on a weekly basis. I also enjoy the television show Beyond Scared Straight.

8. Three of my favorite blogs to visit are:

• Paisley Boulevard: http://paisleyboulevard.com
• Bubbly and Bean:http://www.bubbyandbean.com
• A Night Owl: http://anightowlblog.com

9. Three of my favorite posts on my blog are:

• This interview with Naja Ricketts: http://www.sweettartbeauty.com/2013/09/naja-rickette.html 
• This outfit post: http://www.sweettartbeauty.com/2013/10/fashion-2.html '
• And this post on Yelena Leuchanka: http://www.sweettartbeauty.com/2012/11/yelena-leuchanka.html

Thank you for hanging out at Acting Balanced today!  Readers, you can find Emerald hanging out at her blog, and please follow her on 

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/sweettrtbeauty
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/buzzbeauty
• Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/SweetTartBeauty
• Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/100213924130060939680

If you are an author, blogger or just a fun person and want to be interviewed, drop me a line at heather at actingbalanced dot com

Behind the Blogger... Doreen McGettigan

I am so pleased to introduce you to another of my fragmented Friday friends, author and fellow blogger, Doreen from her self-titled blog, Doreen McGettigan. I love her tag line - "They say everyone has a story..this is mine.."

Thank you so much for this opportunity Heather. I enjoy your blog and keeping up with your beautiful, busy family. I love that you blog with your husband.

1. Tell us a little bit about your blog:

I started my blog, They Say Everyone has a Story to relieve the stress of writing my first book. It is a journal of my journey from grieving sister to published author. It also chronicles the births of my youngest grandchildren as well as many other life -changing events. I am looking forward to some long over due changes on the blog this year.

2. How long have you been blogging and what do you love about it?

I have been blogging for 3 years. I love the sense of community. Blogging provides a community full of support for whatever I may need support with at any given time. The writer’s community is huge and welcoming, readers are amazing, there are other Mom’s and grandmothers, like -minded Christians, food, fashion whatever you need it is there. Meme’s like Friday Fragments inspire me to keep posting. I love that I could meet any of the bloggers there for lunch and it would feel like catching up with an old friend. I also love reading the blogs of people I may not agree with so I can understand both sides of an issue.

3. Who is the person or group behind the blog? 

It is just me a real person, wife, mother, grandmother, writer, caregiver, child of God, friend, daughter, sister, friend, aunt and so much more…

4. What hobbies/interests do you have?

I love to write and I am looking forward to the day (very soon) when it will be my full time job. I love to read anything, blog posts, books, newspapers, magazines whatever I can get my hands on. I am a big sports fan and being from Philadelphia, of course I have a love/hate relationship with our teams. I love anything to do with spending time with my husband, kids and grandkids. I know too well life can change in an instant and I do not want to miss a second with my loved ones.

5. If you could invite 4 people (real or fictional, living or dead) to a dinner party, who would you invite and what would you serve? 

My brother David. He was murdered 13 years ago and I miss him so much. His son, Michael who was only 13 months old when his Daddy died. I know he is so proud of this kid and I would love to see them together. My stepson, John whom I never met. He died of suicide at the age of 17. I am writing a book about him so it would be nice to give him a hug and get to know him. My grandmother, Doris who died when I was six. It was a traumatic loss for me and I still miss her. I would serve an antipasti, sherbet, lasagna, salad, garlic bread, fresh green beans, Portuguese wine and chocolate cake. I just made myself so hungry…


6. I can’t live without…The obvious loves of my life of course but if there was one thing I couldn’t live without I would have to say it is tea. It helps everything and I have it every day.

7. Something people would be surprised to know about me is…

I always wanted to write historical novels and I will one day soon. Only four more non-fictions and it’s on to the fiction world. Would you all be surprised if I told you I was a ghostwriter? How about if I told you I love spaghettios? I eat cookies for breakfast everyday?

8. Three of my favorite blogs to visit are:

That is a tough question because I visit at least ten a day. So being politically correct I will say everyone that participates in Friday Fragments. I love to drop by their blogs to see what is going on in their lives. You can find them here on any given Friday: http://www.halfpastkissintime.com, A blog friend I met in real life always has something either soulful or inspirational to sayand she is an amazing artist, Barbara Hammond www.zeroto60andbeyond.com and because I am a news junky this is a great place to get it all http://www.ravingantics.com

9. Three of my favorite posts on my blog are:

This post about Sophie, the homeless woman who is the subject of my next book
This post about Forgotten Women
After 2 years this post still gets attention both good and bad--Bully Free Zone


Thank you so much for visiting Acting Balanced and sharing a bit about yourself, Doreen!  Blog friends please check out all of the great stories at http://www.doreenmcgettigan.com, check her out on Facebook and Twitter too!

Behind the Blogger - Lisleman of A Few Clowns Short

One of the interesting things about Wayne and I blogging together is that I have become much more in tune with the fact that almost all of the blogs I read are written by women... one of the exceptions is Lisleman's Blog - A Few Clowns Short (of a Circus) and so when Wayne and I were doing some brainstorming on the future of the blog, he said - we should ask Lisleman if he'd be willing to be interviewed... so I sent off an email and I think I interrupted his nap...

Luckily, after a little negotiation - we changed up one question and had to promise to faithfully answer one of his as the 9th question, but I am pleased to give you a peek behind the blogger known as Lisleman:

1. Tell us a little bit about your blog:

It started because my job and the unit I worked for was shutting down.  I thought a blog for common support to help each other get through our lay-off would be good. I had done a little blogging (my daughter got me started).  My theme is "lighten up".  Occasionally I post a serious topic or memory.  Most of the time my objective is to share a laugh or crazy idea.

2. How long have you been blogging and what do you love about it?

Since 2006.  A few months after it's initial purpose was served (see above) it had almost no readers.  I didn't post very often.  Then I discovered a meme/game or two to join.  That lead to finding more blogs I enjoyed, more exchanging of ideas and comments.  I'm thrilled by feedback on what I create.  It's just a blog and not even a short story but I think readers find it creative and funny.

3. Who is the person or group behind the blog?

My day and night dreams and all the readers who comment.  Comments and postings by fellow bloggers often inspire (sounds better than wakes me up)  my next post topic.

4. What hobbies/interests do you have?

Duh, blogging.  Oh I guess you mean in addition to blogging.  As many of you know, blogging can become very time consuming.  My hobby of creating little motorized pieces of recycled junk is directly related to my past career, electrical engineering.  I have made a number of youtube clips of them.  Our grandkids enjoy and then break them.  Playing and watching with grandkids is not really a hobby but it keeps me busy too.  I have traveled a fair amount and would do more if I had the money.

5. If you could invite 4 people (real or fictional, living or dead) to a dinner party, who would you invite and what would you serve?

Hey if we are allowed to bring people back from the dead, I’ll assume we can have the dinner catered.  I could come up with many more than 4 so if you were to ask tomorrow the list might change.

Richard Feynman
Sheryl Crow
John F. Kennedy
Charlie Rose  (if I get lost for a good question I can count on him)

6. What is your favorite rant?

I probably have too many rants and should practiced my lighten up theme more.  Lately, a rant that I know is shared by many others is the rudeness and political views found on facebook.   FB people, think before you post.

7. Something people would be surprised to know about me is…

This was the toughest question.  Surprised to know, but not too embarrassing, that's tough.  Once long ago as a young man I had no desire to be a father because the world was crowded enough already.  The idea didn't last long.  Being a father and now a grandfather is absolutely a wonderful rewarding joy.  That was such a dumb thought to have had.

 8. Three of my favorite posts on my blog are:

A Childhood  http://afcsoac.blogspot.com/2011/05/childhood.html

Lucky Blogger  http://afcsoac.blogspot.com/2012/07/lucky-blogger.html

Can't Tweet My Feeling Of You  http://afcsoac.blogspot.com/2013/08/cant-tweet-my-feeling-of-you.html

9. In a twist, Lisleman took over the interview and asked me to answer the following question: do you find any problems with co-blogging with your husband?

I had to answer of course... I never turn down a good question ;-) Wayne probably has more problems co-blogging with me because I tend to like to veto his choices for our Monday Quiz questions - he tends to be more existential than I want to be on a Monday.  We are just in the start of the co-branding phase and that's been interesting, but it does give us more to talk about :-)

I had such fun going back and forth with Lisleman - and I can appreciate that there are no true absolutes - which is why we exchanged the can't live without question for something that fit better... if you're intrigued and want to check out Lisleman's social media channels I recommend you start with Youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/dad45 and then check out his personal G+ https://plus.google.com/106732389557900775693/posts and blog G+ https://plus.google.com/105803996421800912140/posts Unfortunately, you won't find his twitter account (it doesn't exist) and his Facebook is for family only...

Don't forget that you too can change up your interview (or just play it straight) by emailing me at heather at actingbalanced dot com and I'll shoot you the questions!  

Behind the Blogger with Ashley, the Crunchy Frugalista

I am so pleased to invite my friend Ashley, the Crunchy Frugalista to hang out on Acting Balanced today!   If you've got a blog and a few minutes to jot down your answers to these fun questions, please let me know - either shoot me an email at heather@actingbalanced.com or just leave a message in the comments saying "Pick Me" and I'll get the questions to you!

1. Tell us a little bit about your blog: 

My blog is a lifestyle blog that has a green living lean. Pretty much anything that blows my skirt up I put in the blog. I can be a bit sarcastic at times, so some say my humor is a bit of an acquired taste, but it's all in good fun. 

2. How long have you been blogging and what do you love about it? 

I have been blogging for about 2 1/2 years now. It seems like SO much longer, but not that long all at the same time. I  really love cooking and crafting. Those are probably my two favorite categories to write about.

3. Who is the person or group behind the blog? 

The blog is written by myself, and I have a few fabulous contributors and reviews that write for me from time to time!

4. What hobbies/interests do you have? 

Anything and everything outdoors. Our family loves spending time camping, canoeing, hiking, and that kinda thing. I am also really into crocheting and teaching myself to knit. My husband, aka Mr. Crunchy, has put a ban on bringing anymore yarn in my house. I think he might actually divorce me over it if I don't listen.

5. If you could invite 4 people (real or fictional, living or dead) to a dinner party, who would you invite and what would you serve? 

I am always so AWFUL at this question. Four people hmmmmm, I would probably have to say some of my best friends that I have met through blogging and I would serve lots and lots of alcohol ;) (totally kidding on that one, well maybe)

6. I can’t live without… chocolate, my smart phone, and Mr. Crunchy

7. Something people would be surprised to know about me is that I was born in Hawaii, but even SPF 5000 doesn't keep this white girl from burning.

8. Three of my favorite blogs to visit are:

Dear Crissy http://dearcrissy.com

Mom Spark http://www.momspark.com

Down To Earth Style http://downtoearthstyle.blogspot.com

9. Three of my favorite posts on my blog are :

Death of a Broomskirt http://www.crunchyfrugalista.com/death-of-a-broomskirt/

A Step Parent Adoption Story http://www.crunchyfrugalista.com/a-step-parent-adoption-story/

Don't Let Haters Get You Down: Saying Goodbye to Toxic Friendships http://www.crunchyfrugalista.com/?p=18477

Thanks so much for stopping by Ashley!  Please also consider checking out Ashley on her social media channels - Twitter: http://twitter.com/crunchy_f

Facebook: http://facebook.com/crunchyfrugalista

Pinterest: http://pinterst.com/crunchyf

https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/117206971599361148270/117206971599361148270/posts

Behind the Blogger: An Interview with Jeannette from The Adventures of JMan & MillerBug

Blogger interviews are back at Acting Balanced!  If you'd like to be featured on Behind the Blogger, I'd love to arrange an interview for a future segment!  Just shoot me an email at heather@actingbalanced.com or leave a comment or question below for Jeannette and mention that you'd like to be featured in the future and I'll wave my Acting Balanced wand to get the questions to you!

I am so pleased to invite my friend Jeannette from The Adventures of JMan & MillerBug to hang out on Acting Balanced and let us get a small peek into her life and to get a little glimpse of the blogger behind her blog!

1. Tell us a little bit about your blog:  

My blog is my baby.  Most days it's a hodge podge of the things I love - cooking, crafting, reviews, giveaways, ramblings on how crazy being a mom is.  It started out as a way to share special moments with my family and has grown into my way to stay sane and share the trials of being a mom with the world.  It's also been a unique resource to me where I can seek advice of other mothers and get feedback on the struggles that I have.

2. How long have you been blogging and what do you love about it?  

I've been blogging for a little over 2 years (craziness!) and I love that it allows me to work from home doing something I love while still being able to pick my children up from school.

3. Who is the person or group behind the blog?  

It's just me!  LOL!  After becoming a young mom at 22 and a second time mom at 32, I think I offer a unique perspective to parenting at all ages.  I guess we'll have to have another at 42 to keep the craziness going (but shhhh, don't tell my hubby).

4. What hobbies/interests do you have?  

I love crafting and cooking - which I never discovered until I started my blog.  I'm also a big fan of getting outside and exercising.  Really, there is not much I don't like to do - except clean.  Yeah, I definitely don't like to clean.

5. If you could invite 4 people (real or fictional, living or dead) to a dinner party, who would you invite and what would you serve?  

My dad of course.  After losing him 2 years ago he would be my number one choice.  After that I'd have to say my mom (cause she'd kill me if dad was there and I didn't), my husband (because I need someone to tell me my meal doesn't stink) and my best friend from high school.  In case you can't tell, I'm not about celebrities - give me my family and I'm a happy, happy girl.  As for what I'd serve, probably something simple like spaghetti because I won't want to waste my time with the ones I love cooking. 

6. I can’t live without… My pearls and makeup - if you've met me you understand.  I'm Southern to the core.

7. Something people would be surprised to know about me is…I was incredibly shy as a child.  I couldn't look people in the eye and hated going places where I didn't know anyone.  Boy how the times have changed!

8. Three of my favorite blogs to visit are: 

• Little Miss Momma 
• Don't Waste Your Cancer or Your Life 
• Mod Podge Rocks -  (I'm totally obsessed with Mod Podge)

9. Three of my favorite posts on my blog are:  

• 5 Things I'd Tell a 16 Year Old Me
• Dear Daddy,
• Who Needs Reality TV when You Have Real Life Kids

Thanks so much for stopping by Jeannette... it was great getting to know more about you and I'm sure my readers will agree that it was great getting a glimpse into a little slice of your world!  For those of you who like to follow on social media, please check out Jeannette and The Adventures of JMan and MillerBug on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheAdventuresofJManandMillerBug,

Twitter: @jmanmillerbug and Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/jmanandmillerbug

Behind the Blogger - An interview with Lolli from Better In Bulk!

Blogger interviews are back at Acting Balanced!  If you'd like to be featured on Behind the Blogger, I'd love to arrange an interview for a future segment!  Just shoot me an email at heather@actingbalanced.com or leave a comment or question below for Lolli and mention that you'd like to be featured in the future and I'll wave my Acting Balanced wand to get the questions to you!

So lets meet Lolli from Better in Bulk today... I can't believe that a mom of five with so many interests has time to blog ... 

1. Tell us a little bit about your blog:

Better in Bulk is a lifestyle blog written by Lolli Franklin, a mother of 5 in the Washington DC metro area. Lolli's blog consists of a little bit of everything: food, photography, product reviews and giveaways, books and movies. Once a stay at home mom with lots of little ones at home, Lolli's transition to a full time work at home mom with school-aged kids has been an adventure in learning, growing, and discovering new passions that she didn’t know existed a few years ago.

2. How long have you been blogging and what do you love about it?

I've been blogging since 2007 and had no idea how much I'd love it when I started. I've always loved writing but never had an outlet to express myself like I do now. Also, as a photographer, I love having a place to share my photos. But most of all, I enjoy having something that challenges me and keeps my brain active everyday!

3. Who is the person or group behind the blog?

Better in Bulk is a one-woman stop, unless you count my 5 kids and my husband!

4. What hobbies/interests do you have?

I've been taking pictures semi-professionally for several years now...but I prefer keeping it as a serious hobby rather than a career. I've also always had a special place in my heart for thrift store shopping. If I had more money, I'd do it more often! If I had more time, I'd definitely spend more time reading books.

5. If you could invite 4 people (real or fictional, living or dead) to a dinner party, who would you invite and what would you serve?

I think I would invite some of my favorite book characters to a dinner party. How fun would it be to have dinner with the Harry, Hermione, Ron and Dumbledore...or Percy Jackson, Annabeth, Tyson and Grover (yes, I am a fan of YA adventures!). I would serve a Chipotle bar. :)

6. I can’t live without…

...my smart phone and lots of comfy pillows on my super-soft bed at night!

7. Something people would be surprised to know about me is…

...I got married and had all five of my kids between ages 20 and 30. It was quick, it was crazy and a hectic decade, but I wouldn't do it any other way!

8. Three of my favorite blogs to visit are :

http://crazyadventuresinparenting.com/
http://therebelchick.com/
http://rockinmama.net/

9. Three of my favorite posts on my blog that everyone should check out are:

http://betterinbulk.net/2013/01/7-simple-ways-to-encourage-kindness-in-children.html
http://betterinbulk.net/2010/02/until-i-became-a-mom.html
http://betterinbulk.net/2009/01/my-top-10-tips-to-improve-your-photography-in-2009.html


Thanks so much for stopping by to let us get to know more about you today Lolli, I totally agree that your dinner party would rock... although I would totally want to meet the gang from Harry Potter as adults to get the whole scoop...  Readers - if you want to connect with Lolli and her blog on social media, you can check her out on:

http://pinterest.com/1momof5/
https://www.facebook.com/BetterinBulk
https://twitter.com/1momof5
https://plus.google.com/101220746636686623660/posts

Blogger Interview with Leslie from "Did YOU Hear about the Morgans?"

I am so pleased to be able to introduce you to another great fellow blogger from South Carolina!   Please welcome Leslie from "Did YOU Hear about the Morgans?" to Acting Balanced!  She's answered my questions, but if you are curious about more, leave your questions below and I'm sure she'll come by and answer them too!

1. Tell us a little bit about your blog: 

Our blog "Did YOU Hear about the Morgans?" is a lifestyle blog where I write about the adventures (both exciting and boring) that my husband and I take! I love to write about our 101 in 1001 list, recipes we are making and trips we have taken. 

2. How long have you been blogging and what do you love about it? 

I blogged for about a two years at a blog I started called "Life of Leslie" and I've blogged at our current blog since we got married on 1/1/11. I love writing our stories for family that doesn't live near us. It's also kind of like therapy for me! 

3. Who is the person or group behind the blog? 

I'm Leslie and I do most of the writing on the blog. My husband, Matt, contributes every now and then but usually just behind the scenes. 

4. What hobbies/interests do you have? 

We both love to read. I have also recently gotten into crafting. I love to cook. Matt loves photography and has his own business. We also love to travel when the budget permits! 

5. If you could invite 4 people (real or fictional, living or dead) to a dinner party, who would you invite and what would you serve? 

I would love to have dinner with all of my grandparents who have all passed away. I would love to have them over and have them meet Matt since none of them ever got the chance. I'd make lasagna, The Bread, salad and SWEET TEA! For dessert? Banana Pudding

6. I can’t live without… sunshine! On days when it's dark and dreary, I feel like I never truly wake up! 

7. Something people would be surprised to know about me is… 

I'm very frugal. I don't buy much if it isn't on sale, clearance or have coupons for it. 

8. Three of my favorite blogs to visit are: 

Kelly's Korner: http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/, 

Lots of Scotts: www.lotsofscotts.blogspot.com, 

Enjoying the Small Things: http://www.kellehampton.com/

9. Three of my favorite posts on my blog are:

Introducing our 101 in 1001 list: http://thematthewmorganfamily.blogspot.com/2011/12/morgan-familys-101-in-1001.html

Our Second Anniversary: http://thematthewmorganfamily.blogspot.com/2013/01/our-second-anniversary.html

2012 in Review: http://thematthewmorganfamily.blogspot.com/2012/12/highlights-of-2012.html

Now that you know a little more about Leslie, don't forget to check out her social media presence... you can find her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/slpleslieanne, Twitter: https://twitter.com/lesliemorgan and Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/lesliemorgan!

And if you want to be featured, just drop me a line at heather@actingbalanced.com!

Saturday Blogger Interview with Laura from Dealin and Dishin

I am so pleased to welcome Laura from Dealin and Dishin to Acting Balanced today!  Grab a cup of tea, coffee or cocoa and lets get to know her better:

1. Tell us a little bit about your blog:

My blog is transitioning, but mainly it's about what I love. That's family, sewing, crafts, baking, and frugal bits..tips and hints.

2. How long have you been blogging and what do you love about it?

I have been blogging for 1 1/2 years. I love seeing my thoughts and ideas enjoyed by ohers, and their ideas and suggestions. It helps the creative juices to keep flowing.

3. Who is the person or group behind the blog?

I'm the person behind the content of the blog. My hubs is my tech man who helped me get the domain and deals with my tech questions. He is also in charge of my logo/site redesign.

4. What hobbies/interests do you have?

My current hobby I'm loving is sewing. I just started that this Summer after having a sewing machine for years and years. I enjoy reading, love movies in particular horror, I've a TV addiction when it comes to reality shows, competition ones, the Housewives, and auction shows.

5. If you could invite 4 people (real or fictional, living or dead) to a dinner party, who would you invite and what would you serve?

Wow! That's a great tough question. I would pick my father-in-law and grandma who have both passed and my two children so they could meet them. I would serve food like my Grandma made..dressing, pie, and probably some form of chicken for son (baked with a few spices like onion, garlic, and maye a little chipolte), and then homemade rolls (dough courtesy of the bread machine) for my daughter.

6. I can’t live without…

I can't live without my Folgers instant coffee. I love it and I drink 5 cups a day. I have really lost track recently. The colder it gets and more tired I am the more I drink it!

7. Something people would be surprised to know about me is…

I have a real sacrastic, smart aleck side that is hardly seen on here plus on occassion a potty mouth that my hubs then nicknames Ensign.

8. Three of my favorite blogs to visit are:

For great deals I really like and am jealous of Budget Savvy Diva http://www.budgetsavvydiva.com/ 

For fun recipes, crafts and activities with kids Come Together Kids http://www.cometogetherkids.com/
For my reality tv gossip Reality Tea http://www.realitytea.com/

9. Three of my favorite posts on my blog are:
http://dealinanddishin.com/2012/11/grandmas-holiday-dressing/
http://dealinanddishin.com/2012/10/make-a-penguin-costume-peso-from-octonauts-for-halloween/
http://dealinanddishin.com/2012/02/making-time-taking-time/

You can also keep up with Laura on Twitter https://twitter.com/DealinandDishin, Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DealinandDishin?fref=ts and Pinterest http://pinterest.com/dealinanddishin/!  I want to thank her for taking the time out to visit!  Please check out her blog and of course, leave any comments or questions you have for Laura here too!

If you want to be featured in a future edition just shoot me an email, a tweet or a fb message!

Saturday Blogger Interview with Michelle from Mama's Baby Cupcakes

I'd love to introduce you to Michelle from Mama's Baby Cupcakes and let you get to know a little more about her blog and the woman behind:

1. Tell us a little bit about your blog: 

My blog is focused on my life as a wife and SAHM to three little girls with reviews and giveaways mixed in for children/families/moms

2. How long have you been blogging and what do you love about it? 

I started blogging March 2011 and this blog opened October 1, 2011. I love that it gives me an outlet to express my emotions and opinions, plus sharing great products with other moms.

3. Who is the person or group behind the blog? 

Me. I'm a SAHM for the past 5 years and live in IN. I recently added my co-blogger, Lakeon, who is a SAHM of a little girl and expecting a boy in April. She lives in MS and focuses on her pregnancy journal and pregnancy items at this point

4. What hobbies/interests do you have? 

My hobby is actually tattoos. Every tattoo has a meaning behind it representing strength, my children, or even a tribute to my nephews

5. If you could invite 4 people (real or fictional, living or dead) to a dinner party, who would you invite and what would you serve?  

Steak to Marilyn Monroe because I'm obsessed with her, Lakeon because we've never met in real life even though we've known each other for 4 yrs, my husband, and let him pick one person from the past because he loves history

6. I can’t live without… my family of course! materialistic item would be my Iphone because I can do pretty much anything from it

7. Something people would be surprised to know about me is… Only thing I can think of is that my birth mark is in the shape of a goldfish LOL

8. Three of my favorite blogs to visit are 

 http://happeningsoftheharperhousehold.net, 

http://www.mommyfergblog.com/,

 http://www.the-mommyhood-chronicles.com

9. Three of my favorite posts on my blog are 

http://www.mamasbabycupcakes.com/2012/02/baby-macyns-labor-delivery.html 

http://www.mamasbabycupcakes.com/2012/10/parenting-my-last-5-years.html 

http://www.mamasbabycupcakes.com/2012/10/a-full-list-of-gender-prediction-tests.html

Thank you so much, Michelle!  It was great getting to know more about you and your blog.  Readers, you can keep up with Mama's Baby Cupcakes not only by visiting her blog, but also checking her out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamasbabycupcakes

Twitter: https://twitter.com/m_bardos

Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/101444609943558871123/posts

and Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/mybabycupcakes/

Don't forget that you too can be featured! Just email me at heather@actingbalanced.com and I'll send you all of the questions and info!