Meet Emily!

One of the biggest reason I love blogging is because I adore so many bloggers that I have the priviledge of getting to connect with.  Kim in New York, Andrea in Indiana, and Emily in Texas are three ladies that I just ADORE!  If we lived in the same community then I can only imagine the fun we would have together.  

Today sweet Emily is introducing her blog base to me.  I have been super blessed to meet so many new friends since being introduced to Andrea's reading base over at The Blended Blog after she featured me.  Today I decided since Emily is relatively new to blogging (thought you would NEVER know it) I would feature her!  

I really love Emily's blog because she and I have a lot of things in common.  We are both proud mamas, we are Trim Healthy Mama followers (she introduced me to it!), and we both value our families and faith with a stronghold.  

When Emily emailed me her questions for me to answer I was thinking I would love to know her answers to those great questions too!  So guess what I did?  I asked her to answer her own questions so that I could do a feature on her.  No, I'm not lazy but man she just came up with some good ones!

So guys, without further ado, meet Emily from Simply A Rough Draft!

How long have you been blogging and what inspired you to start blogging?

Three words…The Pioneer Woman.  Back in 2007 I discovered her blog and wanted to be her.  I loved her humor, her writing style, and her yummy recipes.  I dabbled in blogging in 2007-2008, but never really stuck with it.  I had mentioned to a few friends and family members over the last few years that I wanted to start a blog and they always encouraged me to do so, but I was too nervous.  I decided last fall that 2016 would be the year of the blog for me…but probably more like Fall 2016.  I wanted to have some time to organize my blog strategy (is there such a thing?).  The one thing that held me back, was that I didn’t have good camera.  What do you know, my mom bought me my first “big girl” camera for Christmas.  Well, that was one excuse down.  Then, a few days after Christmas I dropped my old phone into a mixing bowl accidentally and had to get a new iPhone…that takes much better pictures than my old phone.  So, on a complete whim (so much for blog strategy) I whipped up an appetizer on January 1, 2016 while my husband was watching a bowl game and posted the recipe to start my new and improved blog; Simply A Rough Draft. 

 

How did you come up with the name of your blog?

Kendall is awesome!  What a testament to how fabulous of a mom she has had rough draft I think not!

I had my daughter, Kendall, when I was twenty years old.  I am an only child and babysat very little growing up.  I have always joked that she was my rough draft child because I had no idea what I was doing.  When I started thinking about blogging the term kept popping in my head.  I thought about all the times we “write” rough drafts in life and how many revisions we have to do to get it where we want it.  Or, sometimes, there are times when our rough draft turns out to be one of the most beautiful master pieces we ever create (like in the case of my daughter).  When you read my blog I want you first and foremost to know I am not an expert, this life is my rough draft.  I will share some recipes, some (small) DIY projects, maybe even some everyday tips, but I will definitely make some mistakes along the way, too.   

 

Of all your posts, which one was your favorite to write and why?

I love Just a Small Town Girl, because it so adequately describes the amazing way of life in our hometown.  I sat down with the idea and wrote it in 15 minutes, but could have gone on and on for days.  I have had the most feedback, from people I know in real life, for the Cream Cheese Chicken recipe.  In fact, when my Dad was in town last month, he requested this meal.  It never disappoints!

 

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received? 

This one was hard, because I could think of a million different things!  Recently in a Bible Study by Priscilla Shirer, she discussed how prayers of thanksgiving release peace.  Since I heard that I have implemented it into my life and been amazed at how it works.  When I am stressed over my chaotic house, I try to be thankful to have a house and for the people inside it causing the shenanigans.  When I am overwhelmed by laundry, I choose to be thankful for clothing options, and for the messy little kids that wear them.  You get the idea, but basically counting my blessings in the midst of my storm.

 

 

Let’s pretend a big TV executive called you up and wanted to feature you on a popular talk show each week.  Who’s talk show would you want to appear on and what would your segments be about?

 

I would love to be on Racheal Ray and remake some of her hearty dishes into low carb, healthier options. 

 

What are your go to’s?  In other words, I’m going to give you a scenario when you might find yourself in a time crunch…tell me the first thing that pops in your head.

You need an outfit and you only have an hour to find it.  What store is your go to?  

Belk…always, Belk!

Friends are coming over for dinner tomorrow night?  What’s your go to entertaining meal?  

Crockpot Chicken Tacos and Sopapilla Cheesecake.  Easy peasy!

Your cleaning house on a Saturday afternoon.  What’s your go to CD or Pandora station?  

90’s on 9 or Billy Joel

You need to stare mindlessly at the TV to unwind.  What’s your go to TV show?  

Friends is the one show that I can always watch, and no matter how many times I’ve seen it, I laugh!

You’re planning a date night (or girl’s night out).  What’s your go to restaurant for a fun time?  

If I’m splurging on a date night or girl’s night, I will always choose sushi or Mexican.  My local favorite for Sushi is Blue Fish, and my local favorite for Mexican is Mi Cocina or Gloria’s.  Yum!

You need some encouragement.  Who’s your go to person for a little pick me up?

Thankfully, I am surrounded by positive uplifting people.  My husband is supportive, my parents are amazing, BUT it is my sixteen year old daughter, Kendall, that can always put a smile on my face. She is so encouraging and genuine!

Emily with her beautiful family on vacation in Branson this summer!

Now guys, do you see why I just love Emily?!?!  She's fantastic and such a sweet spirit.  Please make sure you visit her blog and leave her some love!  Leave it here too in the comments :)

xo-

Amanda