Happy April! I don’t know about you, but I am so excited for April to be here. April means more Spring-like weather, my 16th wedding anniversary, and the Ultimate Blog Party hosted by my friends at 5 Minutes for Mom. This will be the 3rd year that I’ve partied alongside Janice and Susan. In fact, here are my UBP2010 post and my UBP2009 Post (back when my blog had a different name!). If nothing else, writing a yearly “What’s Up at Better in Bulk” post is fun for me to do!
So, a little about me:
- I am a 30-something mother of 5. My oldest daughter is in high school and my youngest son is in kindergarten this year. Woot!
- I’ve been blogging since October 2007. My style has changed, along with my blog name, but I’m the same old me. Emphasis on the me, not the old.
- I love photography, and my current obsession is Instagram on my new old-model iPhone. I think I take even more pictures now than I ever did before. Which is amazing, considering I have a photography business.
- I host two memes each week. On Wednesdays, I have a Wordless/Wordful Wednesday linky, and every Friday I co-host PhotoStory Friday/Give Me Your Best Shot combined photography meme with my friend, Cecily from My Chaos, My Bliss. While you’re here, link up with today’s PSF!
- I live in the Washington DC area, but I grew up on the West Coast (California and Oregon).
- You can find me on twitter as @1momof5 and on Facebook, too. I am a classic social media mom, always connected.
- When I’m not on the computer, I love to read, cook, and shop at thrift stores. My kids say I’m obsessed with Aldi.
- Even though I am not a coffee drinker, I still LOVE being a community leader in the BlogFrog CoffeeTalk Community. You should totally join me there (I host live chats and ask fun questions….).
- I rarely wear my glasses. Shame!
- I hate sleeping with socks on.
Some of my favorite posts:
- Until I Became a Mom
- Ten Things I’ve Learned to Unlearn
- Plastic Bin Lids Don’t Make Good Snow Shoes
- The Vlog that won me $250
- WordPress VS Blogger
- Elements of a Successful Blogger
- Bloggy Boot Camp Top 10
- 10 Tips to Improve Your SEO
- And, of course, a list of all of my Photography Tutorials!
I would love it if you would take the time to let me know you stopped by. To make it easier (I know how hard it is to leave comments on a bunch of blogs in one day), here are a few random questions you can pick from to answer:
- How many kids do you have? Do you want to have more?
- What’s the best book you’ve read in the last 6 months?
- How often do you blog?
- What’s one thing you would like to learn how to do this year?
Leave your blog here so that I can come by to visit you!
© 2011, Food Fun Family. All rights reserved.
Anne Jensen says
Hi! I’m belatedly stopping by from the UBP. Nice to meet you!
I have two blogs, and I’d love for you to stop by when you get a minute. We’re giving away a $100 Visa gift card until the 19th at Giveaway Corner. Thanks!
https://giveawaycorner.blogspot.com/ (A free giveaway every weekday)
https://anne-somekindofwonderful.blogspot.com/ (Family blog)
Lolli says
Not one, but THREE comments from Janice?? Wow! Oh, and I totally feel like I know you after seeing you in action the other night. :)
Janice (5 Minutes for Mom) says
oh – meant OFF fast enough. Edit Janice Edit.
Janice (5 Minutes for Mom) says
Oh and THANKS for partying with us THREE years in a row. YOU ROCK!
Janice (5 Minutes for Mom) says
Girl – I don’t even know where I stand on the sleeping with socks thing. Sometimes it makes me crazy if my socks are on and I can’t get them on fast enough. But other times, cold wins over, and I am covered from head to toe. I know Janice. I mean seriously. Take a stand. But what can I say. I am a swing vote.
Kristina @ A Home Made by Kiki says
Hi! I’m stopping by from the UBP! I love meeting new bloggers so stop by and visit to see how I am creating a healthy home for my family if you get the chance! I’m your newest follower! To answer one of your questions…I have 2 girls ages 5 (almost 6) and 2!
angie says
love your blog I am also the mom of several (6) children and love to meet moms like me
Anne - Mommy has to Work says
Nice to meet you! Looking forward to hooking up on Wednsdays and Fridays. I’ve always loved photography, but am now looking to do more with it!
Annett @ Fit Moms Fit Kids Club says
Nice to meet you.. Here are some random facts..I’m a homeschooling mom, pastors wife, a pro athlete that hates to workout LOL.. I also write a fitness blog, but I LOVE fried fatty foods. You can read more about us in my party post
https://www.fitmomsfitkidsclub.com/2011/03/time-to-party-the-ultimate-blog-party-2011-is-here/
Stop by and say hi!
Petula says
It’s nice to visit your blog! I love hopping during the UBP!
Lolli says
I’ve lost track, too. Thanks for stopping by. I’m heading to Aldi later today. :) I’ve found that anyone who know about Aldi loves it.
Lolli says
I loved Mockingjay (and the other 2 books). Even my daughters read and loved them!
Lolli says
Here’s what someone else said about Aldi. I’d basically say the same. LOL “Aldi’s is a grocery store chain. It is no frills, it has a lot of the basics at very low prices ie milk is 2.19 at mine, bananas .39, frozen pizza 2.29, I think eggs are .78. There are rarely any name brands, but I have yet to find a product I haven’t liked yet. I am so glad I started shopping at my aldi’s. And if you like chocolate, theirs is really good.”
Michelle says
Instagram? I think I downloaded it and deleted it. what is special about it?
I didnt realize you did wordless…I’ve only done it once and probably pre new blog.
anyway, party hoppin’.
Cher says
Congrats on your wedding anniversary! I hate socks too!
I blog every day – its been years since I missed a day.
Nice to ‘meet’ you!
Stopping by from the Ultimate Blog Party 2011!
Hope you’ll visit my party: https://momandmore.com/2011/04/2011-ultimate-blog-party-welcome-to-mom-and-more.html
Amy says
I need to do my entry. I have a few more days. :)
I started in 2007 too, but didn’t really get into it until December of 2007. Different blog but same OLD me, too. Only I will emphasis the OLD. 39 is making me tired.
Sherry says
I got a late start to the party, just getting myself signed up today but I’m trying to drop by and visit people during some downtime now to make up for lost time.
I must say I have MAJOR lens envy looking at that picture of you!
To choose one of your questions I will say that this year I am hoping to learn to do a forearm balance in yoga. Tough stuff but I’m working on it!
beenomom says
Hey stopping by from SITS! You were above me in the photo post comment section and I saw your last blog post was about UBP11. This is my first year participating! I saw that you wrote a bunch of photography tips posts and i can’t wait to read them. I purchased a canon rebel xsi, as I am new to the photography world. I can’t wait to try these tips on compostion!
I have been married almos 11 years. My son is 10 and my daughter is 7. We are all done having kids and can’t wait to start travelling and doing more for ourselves now that the kiddos are getting a little older!
Come on by and say hello anytime!
Grace @ Sandier Pastures says
Hello, my name is Grace and I am an expat mom in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. I have a 7 year old daughter. I’ve blogged for four years now and I try to post at least once a day and schedule things to pop up on weekends.
Yours Faithfully says
Enjoy the party. Well in answer to your questions:
?How many kids do you have? I have two kids and no I do not want any more – my 5 year old and 9 month old baby keep me very busy as it is.
?What’s the best book you’ve read in the last 6 months? I must admit I haven’t done much reading in the last six month so none stand out.
?How often do you blog? I try to blog at least twice a week.
?What’s one thing you would like to learn how to do this year? I am always trying to perfect my work life balance.
Feel free to drop by our blog: http://www.yoursfaithfully.ca/blog. Nice to meet you. – Michelle
JDaniel4's Mom says
Stopping from the UBP’11! I grew up and lived near Dulles Airport until I got married four years ago.
@ColoradoMom says
Just hoppin on in from the UBP! :) So great to see so many familiar faces in the blog hop!!!!
Kristina says
My favorite book of the last six months is A Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks. Here from the blog party! :) Like your blog a lot!
I bet you’re excited that all your kids are in school now! More time for mama!
Frances says
I have one sweet 11 month old boy! And oh yeah, I want more! How many? No idea! I suppose we will have to see how the next one goes :-) Your Blog looks so interesting! My husband is in the USAF, but he is also a photographer, and your blog is something we can read together! Also- we both grew up about 1 hour west of DC, and my Mother in Law was a children’s pastor in Alexandria. It’s one of our favorite areas! Cherry Blossoms should be happening soon right?
Have a good one!
Frances
http://www.bibeezbaby.com
facebookcom/bibeezbaby
Luna says
I have zero kids and yes I want more! I’m excited about this blog and your header makes me hungry. Subscribing!
Angie says
Loved reading these “factoids” about you.
tiffany franklin says
oh and I have 2 kids. boy and girl. I blog 3-5 times a week sometimes I may go a week depending on my mood and pick it back up! I want to learn how to budget money for new things next year like selling our house and moving, I want to learn how to fully use my camera and to focus perfectly with my lens, I want to learn to have more patience in life general, and learn to get up early bc my son starts kindegarten and waking up before 8 or 9 pm kills me LOL!
tiffany franklin says
I have instagram too thefranklins05 I would love if you followed I would do the same! your blog is always amazing and that lens on your camera wow wow wow! love to get to know my fellow bloggers!
Julie Anne says
I am already losing track of where I have visited during this UBP11!! :)
stopping by to say, I am obsessed with Aldi, too
I have 4 kids (in 4 1/2 years,) so that’s enough for me!
I can’t remember the last book I actually finished, but I am in the middle of a ton!
I blog 2-5 times a week… depending on my inspiration and mental state and kid’s cooperation.
I would like to learn how to be a kinder, more-patient mom!
Brooke says
The best book I read was Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins.
I review books on my blog.
Knitting blog party post
Book Review Party Post
S Club Mama says
What is this Aldi I saw you post about on Facebook??
Shonda says
Thanks for stopping by The Knowlton Nest. You have a ton of energy. I have 1 son and another on the way. I have 2 blogs. I blog 1-3 times a week.
Cindy says
That guest book is a brilliant idea!
Lolli says
I left a comment on your blog. I love that our kids are such similar ages. I just had 2 really close together in the middle, there. :)
Lolli says
Sometimes the hardest part about leaving a comment is knowing what to say beyond, “Nice to meet you!” Hence, the questions. :)
Have fun picking out your first DSLR!!
Lolli says
I tried to do a Project 365 as well. Sadly, I didn’t make it. Now that I have my phone pictures, I bet I could keep up, though. LOL
Lolli says
I know what you mean about free time. :) Good luck on the ziplining this year. I went ziplining in December 2007 and would go again in a heart beat.
Homemom3 says
I’m the mother to 4, oldest will be entering high school this upcoming fall but youngest doesn’t start K for another year. (thankfully)Currently I go to college online and love to blog. I am now following you on twitter (@homemom3)
Cady says
Hi! Thanks for stopping by my blog! You live in D.C.?? I used to live in Beltsville, MD. I really miss it up there sometimes!
Ashley @ Mama of All Trades says
Love that you gave comment suggestions!
I have 2 kids: a boy (almost 9 months) and a girl (almost 3). We’re done with having children for now, but we’ve left our “options open” in case we change our minds one day.
I am really loving your site and I’ll be following your blog and twitter acct now! Can’t wait to read your photography tutorials as I am in the process of buying my first DSLR right now.
Katie says
Hi Lolli, I’ve been by before and wanted to make sure I said hi for the party! I really wish I was hip enough to have an iPhone. My phone, while a big step up for me, takes really awful pictures and it would be nice to not have to lug around my regular camera all the time. I take a ton of photos, I will have to try and join you on Friday sometime. I tried doing the 365 photo project but failed for the third year in a row to make it past midFeb. But have been reevaluating and thinking a once a week snapshot into our daily life would be a fun thing and more manageable for me.
Janet says
HI!
I am 48 and have raised 5 kids! 4 boys and 1 girl…and do NOT want more!!
I started my blog in my free time (Hardly ever!) and now that they are all grown, I try to update at least once a week.
I love checking out blogs and wish I had a blog 20 years ago.
I would love to Zip line this year!!
Janet DeVito
Lolli says
I am about the same! It’s amazing how much we find that we have to say. :) Thanks for stopping by!
Heather says
Just wanted to say ‘hi!’ How often do I blog… that’s a great question! About once a day during the week (M-F), more often if something really cool is happening!