Aussie Blogs to Love. V7

Vanessa from Slow Heart Sing writes about food, gardening and being a mama to two boys with the cutest little haircuts you ever will see.  When I read her blog I dream of having a garden overflowing with produce from which to cook hearty healthy meals (whilst I eat toast for dinner for the third night in a row). 

Be sure to check out Vanessa's blog (and her recommendations) and let her know I said 'hi'.

Why did you start blogging and why have you continued?

It was quite a serendipitous moment; we'd just moved to the Central Coast and I was hoping for a fresh start – we'd had a rough time since we moved over from the UK in 2009. I was looking for something; I just didn't know what at the time. Then I decided to look up a friend of a friend and I discovered she had a blog. I remember the exact moment that I found her creative little space and whilst hers was a craft blog, I knew I wanted to do a similar thing with my food writing. I knew very little about blogs and the blogging world, but I dived straight in. I wanted to record our new life and the beauty of the every day as a mother of two. But as a writer, I also wanted a place I could write about subjects that wouldn't get to print. I was a full-time food writer and journalist in the UK and I wouldn't have had time for a blog. My focus has somewhat changed through motherhood and moving countries. I don't write for magazines anywhere near as much as before, but I do have time for my lovely blog. I realise now more than ever the significance of that moment of serendipity. A big part of why I am happy here in Australia and happy within myself is being able to channel my creative energy through my blog and express myself as a writer – it's a very different thing when you're writing to a brief with style guides and deadlines!

What do you blog about?

I like to think that my readers come to my blog to be inspired and informed on matters such as slow and sustainable living, good food, organic gardening and family life. It has evolved from when I first started it, and I like that because I have evolved – my blog is a reflection of where I am. This is me pursuing my passions through my writing. I'm engaged in what I do now and with like-minded people, which keeps me inspired, and which ultimately makes me very happy.   

What are your top 3 favourite Aussie blogs to read?

Ooh, that's a hard one because I visit blogs for different reasons. How about if I list my three favourite types of bloggers? Bloggers who inspire (Ché & Fidel – with her photography, her words and her gentle way, Jodi's space is a favourite of mine; Natalie from The Little Gnome's Home has inspired me endlessly with her Real Food series). Bloggers who inform (Tricia from Little Eco Footprints has lots of important lessons to teach and she inspires along the way; Sarah Wilson's blog is a must for anyone wanting to live a toxic-free lifestyle). Bloggers who are a hoot (Typically Red – I love Greer's writing; Inner Pickle – Fiona is such a character and a great storyteller.)   

What do you like most about the blogging world?

The people I've met and the connections I've made, most of which I have because of discoveries that came about through my blog. If you're authentic and your heart's in the right place, it can lead to wonderful things. My blog led me to do two online organic gardening courses, it's encouraged me to become a better photographer, it's shown me what it is to inspire and share with others. There have been countless lessons weaved into my blogging journey.

What do you dislike most about the blogging world?

The fact that my favourite bloggers are in this computer screen and not in my actual life! That's the thing about blogging and the online world; there are some rich pickings out there and out of millions of people, you get to choose a handful that you feel connected to somehow, who make your heart sing one way or another. As someone who left their life behind on the other side of the world, it's been lovely to find connections again, albeit online. It would be lovely to meet some of these guys one day and just hang out.

Aussie Blogs to Love  is now a Facebook group to network and share (and potentially organise meet-ups and events)!  If you are willing to be an active member of this group, sharing what you know and asking questions when you need, please join us!