Frequently Asked Questions:
Or, things I’d like you to know…
If I don’t cover it, feel free to email me!
1. How did you get started blogging?
It was completely spontaneous and without any strategy whatsoever. I never kept a diary in my life, nor did I ever considered myself a writer; although I’ve always been a stickler for grammar, and I love telling stories. I just thought blogging might be a fun way to keep in touch with friends and family, and I was pleasantly surprised to discover a supportive, encouraging community out there in the blogosphere.
Eventually opportunities started coming along to work with brands and make a little extra spending money, and who am I to turn down free stuff and a little extra income? So here I am, six years later and going strong!!
2. How did you come up with the name Musings of a Housewife?
It was a well thought-out and highly scientific process, wherein I sat here at the computer for about 5 minutes and debated the point of this new space I was creating for myself. I am a housewife, and I like to talk. I decided that musings sounded more intelligent than talking or rambling so that was that! Ironically, six years later, Musings of a Housewife is as apropos as it ever was.
3. Do you really make money with this thing?
The short answer is yes, but not a ton. Blogging does, however, provide many outside opportunities to earn an income. You can find the long answer in my post, How Do You Make Money Blogging?
4. How do you take your WIWW photos?
I usually set the camera precariously on a ledge somewhere and set the timer (this is not the recommended procedure, as once the camera fell and broke our pricey external flash — not pretty!!) Or if my husband is home, I ask him to take it (the preferred method but not always convenient.) 
4. Do you really look that put together all the time?
Uh, no. Not exactly. Just ask the neighbors. I have plenty of days that I throw on sweats or stay in my workout clothes. But I do try to shower and fix up more often than not. I feel so much better and I’m much more productive when I take the time to get dressed.
5. Do you really change your purse to match every outfit?
Not EVERY day. It just depends on how motivated I feel and where I’m going and how badly the one I was using clashes with what I’m wearing. It’s a fun and easy way to accessorize; and besides, it’s a great way to keep your purse organized and cleaned out!
6. Why did you decide to go gluten free?
I have suffered from a variety of tummy ailments for years, and I finally decided to give gluten-free living a try to see if it helped. I feel a lot better eating this way so for now I’m sticking with it.
7. Is eating gluten free healthier?
Not necessarily. Gluten-free junk is still junk, although most gluten-free companies tend to use higher quality ingredients than typical processed food. But gluten-free living is only necessary if you have a sensitivity to gluten. It’s much more important to eat a variety of good quality, organic whole foods. I experienced a bit of a food conversion a few years ago, and you can read all about that here — My Whole Foods Conversion Story.
8. What camera do you use to take pictures for your blog?
We have a Nikon D7000
9. What does your “daily routine” look like? Do you set specific hours for blogging and other projects?
Hahaha. Um. No. I am not a very routine-oriented person. Although I’d like to get better about that.
I usually get up between 5:30 and 6:00 AM. I like to come downstairs an hour or so before the children get up so I can have a cup of coffee and check my email in peace. After I get the big kids off to school, I usually work on blogging or computer related tasks until it’s time to take my daughter to kindergarten. Two mornings a week, I go to the gym to work out during that time. While all three kids are in school during the afternoon, I either work or run errands.
I try to be attentive to the kids during after-school hours, and that is when I do the laundry and dinner prep. We often eat late, and I’m a grannie so I like to be in bed between 9 and 10 PM. That doesn’t leave a lot of time after dinner for being productive. Sometimes I read or watch TV, and sometimes I hop back on the computer, but I try to take it easy during that time. I usually take the weekends off and spend time with my family or read.
10. If you could only shop for clothes (for you) at three stores, what would they be?
Oh that is easy. I tend to shop at the same few stores all the time. It I could only pick 3, it would be Bloomingdales or Nordstrom (for denim and shoes), Banana Republic (for dress pants, tops and sweaters) and Athleta (for athletic gear and casual wear).
11. So what’s up with those Vibrams and what made you switch?
Soon after I discovered my joy of running, I developed knee problems. After reading Born to Run, I decided to buy a pair of Vibrams and I’ve never looked back. You can read more about my experience running in Vibrams and see what you think!
Did I miss anything? Let me know, and I’ll try to answer it!
