Behind the Blog: Holly From 504 Main
Grab a cup of coffee or tea and get comfy. It's time to get to know a new friend…
I'm so happy to introduce you to a blogger whose work and writing I really enjoy– Holly from 504 Main. When I think of Holly, I think of the word gracious. She has such an inclusive, friendly approach to blogging. I have a feeling that's how she is in "real life" too.
Ok—you’re a published
Author, Crafter, Mega Blogger, Mom, Wedding
Planner and Writer… how do you manage your time? Any tips?
Ha, ha, ha {maniacal
laughter}…Schedules and I have never gotten along, but when I really enjoy
something I make room for it. I stay up very late – I always have – but now I
am blogging away…do not be surprised to see a timestamp of 2 am on a post or
comment.
At first, I tried to
maintain a schedule…post on 504 Main on M/W/F and Hip Weddings on T/Th…but that
was a lot of blogging, and commenting…so I blog when I feel like it. There are
times when I have blocks of time to blog {or do whatever I want} and comment
and am completely inspired to do so, and then, like right now {summer} the kids
are home and I am scooting them all over, and my time is limited.
Ultimately it all depends on
the day…and the current project. On top of it being summer, right now I have a
book to finish pretty quickly, so my blogging time will be greatly reduced
until I meet my deadline. I seem to instinctually know how much time it takes
me to complete a project and I am able to prioritize. Prioritizing is key to
managing the craziness.
When it really comes down to
managing it all…I have to remember that I blog for myself. I have had ranking
widgets and other similar things on my blog, but I have removed them…when I pay
too much attention to those numbers, blogging becomes a chore, and I feel like
must blog and it loses is appeal. Do not get caught up in numbers…blog because
you like it, because you want to.
I had/have no intention of
making money/a living from this blog – I am not counting anything out, but that
was not the main motivation behind the blog. I hope this blogging will lead to
other ventures, but for now, this blog is my place to manage as I see fit.
DIY Club
I am also a
part of the team for DIY Club Inc. and the team for Win, Lose, or Blog.
Where do you create? What types of projects are your
favorites?
I got {very} off track after
starting my own wedding planning business…and then, there were kids. All the
creating and crafting I used to do for myself was done for someone else…and
then I just quit really creating at all. I never organized a craft room or a
dedicated space for crafting and creating. I see some amazing ones around and I
am inspired to get moving on this endeavor…in fact we are getting ready to move
my 3 year old to a big girl bed, which will free up some space in one of the
extra rooms.
But, for now, I attempt to
have my crafting supplies neatly {ha, ha! I am trying to believe it} in the
garage. They are organized by type or function and then I select those boxes
and get working. If it is nice, I will craft outside {depending on the project
also} or at “my table” in the family room. When I write – really write, like
for $$$$ – I go to the upstairs office and shut the door. When I blog…the
family room it is.
I enjoy unique projects. I
LOVE repurposed crafting and creating. I usually do not do knock offs {I do not
even get the pottery barn catalog, nor would I have time to look at it}…sometimes
I end up with a knock off looking item, but not because it started that way. I
prefer to use unusual materials to create beautiful projects, like my screen
wreath, or my biscuit table. The crazier, the more unexpected, the older, the
odder, the more beat up something is, the more likely I am to be inspired by
it.
What’s the last thing you
made?
Pom-pom cloud balls with
lightning coming out of them, swim noodle swords, and foam board shields for a
Percy Jackson birthday party. They will soon have Thomas, Percy and James
hanging from them – the benefits of having kids born 3 weeks apart – repurposed
birthday décor!
I also just finished up one
project for the DIY Club inc. We use vendor-sponsored products for our projects
on that blog. Being a party of the DIY Club challenges me every month, whether
that is because I am using a product I have never tried or using a common
product in a new way.
Additionally, I have about
30 projects in various states of finishing at my house. Sometimes they are duds
– not quite right – not bad, but not good, so I put them away until I figure
out how to make them right.
Have you always had that
creative spark? How did you
nurture it?
I wanted to be a fashion
designer from the time I was seven years old. I have always drawn and sketched…and
still have some of those early drawings. My Mom sews and crafts so that was
always inspiring and encouraging.
When I had my own apartment,
I was determined to copy everything Martha did for my own little space…that
continued on when I got married and we bought our first house. Then I realized
{duh!} I am not Martha…I need to be me. Being authentic and true to myself, my
own style, has sparked the creativity like never before.
As I mentioned, I did not
nurture my creative spark for a while, but watch out now. Blogging has also
renewed the creative spark. The spark hits me and I just know. Sometimes I also
have to walk away and then I come back renewed. Sleep helps too! I need more!
What inspires you? How do keep your inspiration fresh?
I love a vintagey, beat up,
discarded, slightly French or very American aesthetic. My kids inspire
projects. My home inspires way too many projects. I seem to be really drawn to
repurposing items, so a trip to the local thrift store always leads to new
ideas. Also, looking around the house I can generally find something that needs
a facelift – something that I like, but maybe does not quite fit with the
current décor anymore or looks old {in a bad way} or blah.
You write about etiquette—do
you have a few tips to share about Blog Etiquette?
That is a loaded question. I
did a post on this awhile back and it got a huge response. At that time my blog
was smaller and I had a lot of time to visit blogs on a daily basis. My blog
grew tremendously after that post, and I have had a harder time keeping up, but
I still believe {and do my BEST to follow these same “rules}…
-
Treat others they way you
would like to be treated. Be kind and be respectful. Don’t go looking for a
fight. If someone is writing about their troubles with breastfeeding, don’t
clobber them over the head about giving their kid formula. If someone is having
trouble with their kid, don’t tell them to go to parenting classes. If someone’s
craft or DIY creation is not so “hot,” don’t tell them that. Seriously folks,
it is common courtesy and common sense. -
Reply and respond to
visitors/commenters. As I mentioned I am behind these days – real life has
taken priority lately – but acknowledging someone’s comment is important. I
recently read a blog post by a somewhat big blogger who said comments are not
important…I completely disagree…to me blogging is about interaction. I email a
response and/or comment back on blogs…with a real comment, not just “thanks for
stopping by my blog.” I may include that line, but I also include a comment
about their post. -
If you are going to
comment, make it count. “Hi. Nice blog. Come follow me.” And the like is one of
the most annoying comments E-V-E-R! Even if someone leaves that comment for me,
I make a real comment on his or her blog. Lead by example. I do not do things
to others that I would not appreciate done on my own blog. -
LINK UP! I have had
numerous people visit and when I click on their names, I get profile unknown or
I get a profile but with no web page or even email linked to it. I have my
blogs and a {free} email linked to my profile. But it does not stop there…be
sure to link those same things to your profile for GFC! -
If you are inspired by
someone’s idea or project or post, give them credit…real credit by actual
including their name or blog name somewhere. Do not plagiarize anyone or
anything!
You’re writing is fun to read, I really enjoy it. What
do you enjoy most about blogging?
Thanks…you are too kind. I
actually do not consider myself a writer…English was my least favorite class. I
never thought I would be a writer at all…I had zero aspirations to write
anything other than a check. However, never look a gift horse in the mouth –
when I was approached to write my first book, I started thinking I may have
something here.
There are two things that I
enjoy most about blogging…
-
Practicing my writing and
finding my voice. Challenging myself to write and to hit that PUBLISH button
without fear. -
The amazing interaction
with other bloggers is beyond anything I could have imagined. I have cried,
laughed, screamed with glee, and even been pissed off at things I have seen and
read. There is such an amazing and diverse community of bloggers.
Hip Weddings
Regarding your “other” job
as a wedding planner—are there some general tips you can share with us about
planning big events?
Another loaded question…
As for weddings, I tell
every couple to not get caught up in the wedding, but remember they are getting
married for life. Arguing about colors, flowers, or seating is insane and not
necessary.
I also encourage couples to
be themselves…who cares if it has not been done. If you like it, if the venue
allows it {now I am not talking about anything risqué or obscene}, and you can
afford it, do it! Make you wedding memorable by including what you love, not
because someone told you that you have to or you shouldn’t.
Do not overspend…it is not
worth it. Make a budget, add 10% for overages, and stick to it. Maxing out
credit cards or draining your savings may seem like a good idea at the time,
but think about the long term.
Mostly, whatever the event
is, enjoy it! Put aside your annoyances {the flowers are too purple, the
candles flame is not high enough – don’t laugh, I have heard these things}.
Deal with it later if it is a real issue, but for that night live in the
moment, enjoy the celebration, and let yourself just “be.”
Oh yeah, one more thing…hire
a wedding planner…seriously even for a few hours…it is worth it.
Oh wait, I am not done yet…don’t
believe the whooie on reality TV shows.
Favorite Coffee Drink? Favorite Drink Drink?
Mochas – iced or hot, I do
not care…I would prefer they be from The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf! After that
it is sparkling water…and if I am living it up, champagne or a champagne
cocktail.
Favorite Books?
I do not read as much as I
used to…unless you count blogs…but I love these books: The Glass Castle, Time
and Again, and The Falcon and the Snowman.
Favorite TV Show?
I watch entirely too much
TV. I do like noise when I work, so sometimes it is on, but I am not paying
attention. However, when Project Runway, Criminal Minds, Law and Order (any of
them), Gossip Girl, or America’s Next Top Model {don’t judge!} come on, I pay
attention.
Is there a quote you
especially feel drawn to?
It is not very profound “Go
big or go home.” When I dive into something, I give it my all, my everything. I
feel like anything worth my time is really worth all my effort as well.
Anything else you’d like
to share?
Follow your heart when you
blog…it will come more naturally and people will respond. Some of the posts
that I thought were awful or not attention-getters have proven to be some of
the reader’s favorites. I think if you are genuine in your blog and comments
people can tell, and they will respond and come along for the ride.
Where can we find you?
Other than chasing the kids
around the yard, scavenging at the thrift store or junkyard….
Thanks Holly! Next week I'll be visiting with Keren… the talented blogger behind Free Pretty Things for You.
Thank you…You are wonderful and I so appreciate you taking up your precious blog space to go behind my blog!
That was so interesting reading a bit more about sweet Holly! She is a fabulous blogger for sure. Thanks so much for sharing this bio.
Best wishes,
Natasha.
Thanks for the great interview! I really enjoy Holly’s blog and have been following her for some time now. It’s been great to learn a bit more about the woman behind the blog. I have to say that I agree with a lot of her philosophies; especially the one about commenting. I never understand why people don’t acknowledge comments, it seems that blogging would be a much more lonely endeavor if you didn’t take the time to get to know others.
I LOVE 504 Main and sweet Holly! So glad you featured her. I would love for you to come link up to Fabulous Friday (open till Monday!)
Heather @ http://www.savingmoneylivinglife.com
just coming by to say thanks for dropping by my blog! i really appreciate that. hope you are having a loveLee weekend.
xo,
alely Lee
What a terrific interview! I love Holly and her blog! She is a jewel!
Good responses Holly.
I think I would have fallen out of my chair laughing had I read the blogger that said comments don’t matter. I learn so much from others that I can’t imagine blogging with no interaction.
great interview!
just stumbled upon your blog and i have to say i LOVE it. please drop by mine too when you have some time. maybe we can follow each other. =)
Persis.
http://www.onestylemile.blogspot.com
I came across from Holly’s blog – she’s such a lovely, friendly, and inspiring blogger :)
I love these interviews, Malia. It is easy to tell that you have a background in journalism.
Holly – I love that your first rule of blog etiquette is to treat others as you would like to be treated. Years ago, I read that the definition of a true lady or gentleman is someone is doesn’t do anything to make anyone else uncomfortable. I love that definition, and I think it is another way of saying treat others as you would like to be treated.