There are so many fabulous bloggers out there, and we want to highlight them on Cityline.ca. We’ll be profiling different lifestyle bloggers from month to month — they might write about food, fashion, beauty, décor, parenting, entertaining, gardening, you get the idea! For April 2013, we’re putting the spotlight on the crafty yet thrifty Creative Mama on a Dime. Run by Susannah Findlay, the blog showcases all of Susannah’s creative ideas, from DIYs to food, to family fun – all within a reasonable budget. Here’s our Q&A with Susannah:
When did you start Creative Mama on a Dime and what was the inspiration behind starting the blog? How did you come up with your blog’s name?
I started Creative Mama on a Dime last May. My inspiration for the blog and the name were one in the same. I love beautiful things, I love amazing parties, but like many other mamas out there, I don’t have an unlimited budget so I have to get creative. Starting to blog allowed me to share some of these creative ideas and also exercise a new form of creativity: writing.
On your blog, you post about a variety of different topics, from DIYs, to food, to family fun, all from the perspective of being a mom. What are your favourite types of posts to write?
Hmmm…this is hard. I would have to say that my favourite type of posts to write are usually the crafty ones. I think this is because they often cross over with family fun, so I get to kill two birds with one stone. I also love that blogging is helping me keep a digital scrapbook of my family life.
What do you hope readers get from visiting your blog?
I really hope readers get inspired to try their hand at some of the crafts, DIY ideas, party ideas, etc. and realize that memories, traditions, and fun don’t have price tags associated with them. Creative Mama on a Dime allows me the luxury of being able to share tips and tricks to make the every day exceptional, but without the exceptional price tags that often go along with what we see in the media. By thinking outside of the box sometimes or putting a little elbow grease into it, you can create outstanding results without spending a fortune.
Tell us about a few posts that you’re particularly proud of and want to share with Cityline.ca readers.
Family posts: With Glowing Hearts. This is a favourite because it takes me to a magical place and really represents a big part of me.
DIY: Tricks to Help them Sleep Through the Night. This one seems to have resonated with parents. I love it too because it gives inexpensive alternatives to expensive products out on the market.
Craft/Project post: Relaxing Roadtrip Travel Binders. This is a favourite because I had fun making them, the kids still love using them, and the response from readers was so positive.
Party post: April Showers bring May Cake & Cookie Flowers. I love creating fun and inexpensive parties for the kids, but I really loved this one because the kids had a blast, the loot bags were useful, and it turned out better than I could have imagined.
What are some other blogs you love reading?
I drool over the food at Pastry Affair.
I love the crafty ideas at I Heart Naptime and Positively Splendid.
I take inspiration around the home from Sarah Gunn Style and Rambling Renovators.
What’s your top advice for other bloggers?
Blogging is really time consuming, so go into it with open eyes. If you can, find a group of bloggers who you can bounce ideas off of and share knowledge. It helps to feel part of a community. Enjoy the process and you’ll enjoy the results.
We want to hear from you! Do you know a blogger we should feature on Cityline.ca? Maybe it’s you! Email us at submissions@cityline.ca and include “Cityline Featured Blogger” in the subject line. And don’t forget to include a link to the blog! Look forward to hearing from you!