MC VIP: Amanda @ MommyMandy

Our Mom Central VIP: Amanda Acuna

Kids: I have 2 daughters who were born in 2003 and 2005. We currently are expecting another little one in early 2012.

Twitter: @MommyMandy
Your Blog URL: www.mommymandy.com
What year did you start blogging? 2004

In addition to blogging and being a mother, what other jobs do you have?

Besides blogging, which basically a full time job, I also work at our elementary school as a duty and teacher’s aide.

Why did you start your blog?

I started blogging to journal my frustrations and struggles with trying to conceive our youngest daughter, which later turned into a pregnancy journal.

What advice do you have for those starting out?

Be yourself, and don’t be hard on yourself. Don’t give up! Blogging can be hard and time consuming but if you're committed you can do it.

What are your favorite and least favorite part(s) about blogging? One of my favorite things about blogging is the friendships I have made. I have met some amazing people who I talk to regularly and are very close friends. I have worked with a lot of amazing companies and had some opportunities I know would never have happened without blogging. I’d say my least favorite thing about blogging would be how time consuming it can be.

What is the wackiest opportunity you have gotten since you started your blog?

I am sure a few years ago I had some pretty interesting pitches, but over the last three years I can’t really think of anything “wacky”.

What are your top three blogging tips?

• Be Patient! Whenever someone wants to start blogging, I love to help them out, but I always remind them that blogging is not an instant gratification. If you want something you have to work for it.
• Manage your time. I have seen many bloggers start out and they spend their entire day on the computer. Bloggers need to learn to manage time and know when to close the laptop.
• Be yourself. People will like you for you! Never try to be someone you're not.

What are you hoping will happen for you and your blog within the next year?
Just to continue to grow like it has over the past few years. I hope to continue my relationships with friends and companies. I love the opportunities I have already had and just hope to continue to grow as a person and blogger.

We love link back love! Please tell us 2 or 3 blogs you love, their URLs, and Twitter names.
I have a few bloggers who I love to read and are wonderful mothers and bloggers!

Caryn (@RockinMama) from www.rockinmama.net is someone I met 3 years ago and has become a very close friend of mine. Not only is she a fabulous blogger, but a truly genuine person.  

Stephanie (@stephsday) from www.metropolitanmama.net is so passionate about everything she does. I love reading about her travels and take to heart her parenting tips.

Stephanie (@babysteph) from www.adventuresinbabywearing.com is another blogger who is truly a great writer and captures her children’s spirit wonderfully. I love reading about her family’s adventures and daily life.

I also love reading about my sister Kristin and how her family has turned to eating organic and a more simple life.

Thank you, Amanda! We love working with you!