Name: Sondra Drahos
Email: Sondra@happyhealthyhip.com
Blog Name: Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Blog Address: http://happyhealthyhip.com/blog
Follow on: Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
Share your brief bio:
I’ve been blogging since 2007 and love blogging parenting tips, food & drink recipes, family entertainment and book reviews.
Tell us a little about your family.
I have a son from my first marriage (now 10) and have since remarried and have a 3 year old boy as well. We live in Solana Beach, just north of San Diego.
How do you prioritize time between your family and your blog?
I work full-time, from home but spend the early morning hours with my family, taking a break for lunch with them and after school I am there for them through bedtime.
How do you relax?
I love hanging out and reading with the boys or watching Netflix (with them or with my husband).
When did you start your blog?
2007
Why did you start blogging?
I started a business and knew that blogging was a necessary part in that. It led in an entirely different direction and I am now working full-time in digital marketing and blogging as a business.
How did you choose your blog name?
I wanted to appeal to parents (both moms and dads) who are hip and current but who also want to focus on a healthy and happy relationship with their loved ones so it encompasses all that.
What keeps you motivated and inspired to blog?
I love reading what’s going on in the media as well as what other bloggers are discussing. That often helps me form ideas for blog topics.
Where do you see your blog and yourself in 5 years?
I would love to be able to continue what I’m doing and travel a bit more. I’ve been applying to speak at conferences so my goal is to do more of that as well.
Biggest life lesson learned since blogging?
Do your own thing. Blogging is not competitive unless we make it that way. Strive to write what your readers seek, not necessarily what other bloggers are doing.
What is your secret to success?
Writing often and reading other blogs just as often.
What do you wish someone would have told you when you first started blogging?
How amazing the community is. I would have never guessed I would make so many great friendships within the blogging world.
All bloggers encounter writer’s block. How do you get past this?
I end up writing quite a bit of non-grammatical thoughts that stay in draft mode. I’ll return to them when I am inspired and sometimes can’t focus on what I’m supposed to be doing.
What has been your sweetest success story?
Landing on Nielsen’s Top 50 Power Moms list in 2009 was a nice surprise. It was great that it was announced over Mother’s Day weekend. I still remember that.
What has been your most popular posts?
I think this may have been one of my first recipe posts, but it’s been my most popular. Because of this (and Pinterest), I’ve incorporated many more recipes. Homemade Salsa, Fresh from the Garden
Who are some of your favorite California bloggers that inspire you and that you enjoy reading?
So many, but I love Tonya Staab (www.tonyastaab.com), Gigi Ross (www.kludgymom.com) and Chelsea Nicole (www.somedayilllearn.com)
How long have you lived in California?
I moved here in 1999 right after college.
Where is your favorite relaxation location in California?
I live less than a mile away from the beach, but I don’t take advantage of it as often as I’d like. I love putting my toes in the sand and just hanging out on the beach with my boys.
Have you attended any social media conferences? If so, which ones?
Yes, I am a member of the San Diego Social Media Club and attend many local, social media events.
What was the most helpful thing that you have learned from attending a conference?
Just attending is important for networking. It’s always great to build relationships offline as well as partnerships that could lead to great work.
Share your favorite quote or inspirational thought:
“Well behaved women rarely make history.” I have a coffee mug with this on there and I love it!
Tell us something that most people would be surprised to learn about you.
I have 9 tattoos!
Do you send out a monthly newsletter? How can we get on your mailing list if we are interested in more information?
I do send out a newsletter. You can sign up here: https://www.facebook.com/happyhealthyhip/app_100265896690345
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