This week, we have Jo from Organised Jo taking part in the Blogger Spotlight interview.
If you would like to take part, and your blog is under six months old, or has been re-launched in the last six months, please email me randommusings29@gmail.com
1 Firstly, tell us a little bit about yourself
Hi, my name is Jo, I am a 42 year old wife and mum of two girls, who are aged 5 & 8. We live in sunny (well sometimes) South Devon.
2 What is your blog’s name and what is it about?
My blog is called Organised Jo and it’s where I share tips and tricks on how to deal with the chaos that being a working parent brings. So far I have covered things from meal plans, organising the kids toys to sorting the dreaded paperwork.
3 Why did you decide to start a blog?
I started the blog as I have been a working parent for nearly 7 years now and have tried so many routines and tricks to get me and the kids out of the door on time, looking respectable (which is debatable sometimes) and having everything we need for the day. I know there are so many of us working parents out there that I just want to help make their lives easier too.
4 Do you have any goals for your blog?
At the moment I am really enjoying writing and sharing but I have started to think recently how I could monetise the blog. My day job (which is with a local authority) isn’t as stable as it used to be, so if I can make some money in the future that would be a bonus.
5 Tell us one random fact about you
I roll this one out every time I get asked this question – I am a National Rugby champion. Back in 2003 the team I played for, Brixham Ladies, won the national cup.
6 What is the best piece of blog related advice you have received so far?
I have read a lot of blogs about best tips and the one that sticks with me is being consistent. This helps your readers know when to expect a post from you and will come looking. I only post once a week as my day job keeps me busy and my post day is a Friday.
7 What is your favourite thing about blogging?
For me it’s the blogging community and linking up to linkys. If you ever have any questions about blogging, there is no doubt someone out there that has got the answer. I have enjoyed being part of the many Facebook blogging groups, everyone is so friendly and helpful. I also enjoy joining up to linkys, it is such a great place to find new blogs to read.
8 Is there anything you would do differently if you were starting over knowing what you know now?
At the moment there is nothing I think I would change but I wish I had started blogging sooner. I kept putting it off, thinking I didn’t have enough to say or share, but now I have so many ideas I can’t stop writing!
9 Anything else you’d like to share with us?
If you are thinking about blogging but not sure, my advice is just do it! You won’t regret it.
10 Where can we find you? (blog link and links to any social media)
website: www.organisedjo.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/organisedjo
Twitter: www.twitter.com/organisedjo
Instagram: www.instagram.com/organisedjo
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/organisedjo
Liz A.
It took me a while to start a blog, too. But now that it’s started, you’ll never go back.
Debbie, My Random Musings
It’s so addictive, even from the first post isn’t it!
Claire
National rugby champion is a great fact! I love this idea! #anythinggoes
Debbie, My Random Musings
It is – what an achievement!
Mackenzie Glanville
I love the blogging community too! And great links like this. Nice to meet a new blogger #anythinggoes
Debbie, My Random Musings
The community is fab 🙂
Life Loving
Lovely to read about you Jo. Your blog is fab, really nice mix of topics. I’m following on Twitter so to see what you get up to next.
Sally @ Life Loving
Bridie By The Sea
Great to get to know you Jo, I’m going to look up your blog as always in need of meal plans! That’s fab that you used to play rugby at national level, what an achievement 🙂 I couldn’t agree more with your blogging advice, being consistent is so important so readers know what to expect. For me I’ve had to be realistic with myself as to what I can achieve in a week around family life. Thanks for hosting #anythinggoes
Debbie, My Random Musings
Consistency is definitely important – it’s great for readers when they know when to expect a new post from you 🙂
Cheryl @ ReimerandRuby
One thing I love most about blogging is the community too… It’s a great group to be part of. And joining the linkys as well, just amazing. It’s lovely to know you Jo #AnythingGoes
Debbie, My Random Musings
The blogging community is great, and definitely one of the best parts of blogging!
Kelly Robinson-Key
I love the tip of blogging the same day each week. I only blog once a week but do it at random times. I will start being more consistent. Great post #Anythinggoes
Debbie, My Random Musings
Its best to post the same day if you can – it helps readers know when to visit and helps with google rankings too 🙂
Jaki
It’s an awesome community isn’t it?! I feel like I have a whole group of friends sat inside my laptop and phone! 🙂 Welcome to the world of blogging, I hope you stay! #AnythingGoes
Debbie, My Random Musings
I couldn’t agree more!
Kristin McCarthy
I love reading these bloggy interviews.
#anythinggoes
Debbie, My Random Musings
Thank you 🙂
Emma (Upside Mum)
I’m finding working and getting time to write blog posts quite tricky too. I love reading about bloggers behind blogs, always interesting. #anythinggoes
Debbie, My Random Musings
There’s never enough hours in the day! Thank you 🙂
Fancy
Blogging has been magic for me. It really helps you get it all out!
Debbie, My Random Musings
It’s like free therapy!
Claire
Your blog sounds really interesting, going on my list to check out today! xx #BloggerClubUK
Debbie, My Random Musings
It’s fab, enjoy! x
Claire
This post is a lovely idea to support other bloggers xx #BloggerClubUK
Debbie, My Random Musings
Thank you 🙂 x
Mum-Work-Repeat
Great to find out about you and I need your blog in my life as a full time working single mum…any tips to get organised are always welcome 🙂
Loving the Rugby Champion fact #BloggerClubUK
Debbie, My Random Musings
I don’t even have children and I’m never organised! I don’t know how you do it!
The Mummy Diaries
I have subscribed to all of Organised Jo’s social media because as a working mum I would love to hear tips etc #BloggerClubUK
Debbie, My Random Musings
Being organised is something I need to be better at lol!
Sarah-Jane
Welcome to Blogging Jo … Its insanely addictive 🙂 Thanks for sharing about her
#BloggerClubUK
Debbie, My Random Musings
It really is!
Rainbowsaretoobeautiful
Hello Jo! #BloggerClubUK
Agatha & Mary
I also love the linky community – its a great discipline too and keeps you in touch with what’s going on out there! #BloggerClubUK
Debbie, My Random Musings
Very true!
Clare Bailey
I’m in a similar position – I also work for my local authority. I have just re-started my blog and I’m loving it. I only discovered linkies 2 weeks ago! #BloggerClub
Debbie, My Random Musings
Linkys are a fab way to engage with other bloggers. I’m so glad you found #BloggerClubUK 🙂
Sarah - Sarahbel
Hi Jo! Defo going to be nice to you as you’re a rugby champ, hehe!!! bloggerclubuk
Debbie, My Random Musings
Haha 🙂
An imperfect mum (Catie)
Oh yes I agree with the consistency and love the community and linkies too. Such a great interesting fact too (I’ve no idea what mine would be, I must be boring! 😉 ) #BloggerClubUK
Debbie, My Random Musings
I’m the same Catie, I have no idea what my interesting fact would be!
Jaki
Popping back from #bloggerclubuk
Twicemicrowaved tea
I love reading posts like this because I’m so nosy! Organisation is definitely a skill I’m lacking in, so I’ll be having a look at your website for tips! #anythinggoes
Debbie, My Random Musings
Haha, me too!
Briony
The blogging community is just the best. I love these articles, getting to find out more about the bloggers #BloggerClubUK
Debbie, My Random Musings
I agree, the blogging community rocks! Thank you 🙂
Sarah - @threedinners
I’d rather blog than work! #BloggerClubUK
wendy
Nice to get to know a bit more about a new blogger, love this interview series. That is one impressive random fact!xx #BloggerClubUK
Debbie, My Random Musings
Thank you 🙂 The random fact is fab!
Turning Up In Devon
You are probably only down the road from me in glorious Devon! I wish I’d started blogging sooner too! You’re right – it’s an amazing community and so much to learn from being a part of it. 🙂 #BloggerClubUK
Debbie, My Random Musings
I wish I had too, and yeah, the community rocks!
Michelle
It’s lovely getting to know you! Welcome to the blogging community. I’ve been blogging for a year and I’ve met some really great people! #bloggerclubuk
Debbie, My Random Musings
The people are fab, so many bloggers I now think of as friends 🙂
Helen Needham
the community supporting bloggers was a pleasant surprise to me, as I didn’t know it existed when I first started blogging. Definitely recommended for anyone considering starting a blog. #BloggerClubUK
Debbie, My Random Musings
Same here – I expected it to be competitive and quite back bitey if I’m honest – how wrong I was!
Sarah - mud cakes and wine
Love this idea to chat with bloggers and introduce ourselves. I have not joined any Facebook blogging groups maybe I am missing something #bloggerclubuk
Debbie, My Random Musings
I love Facebook groups, I would definitely recommend them 🙂
Tooting Mama
It’s always great to meet the blogger behind the blog, I love hearing about why people start blogging, their motivations, and their dreams for their words. Thank you! #BloggerClubUK
Debbie, My Random Musings
I love a good nosey behind the scenes too!
Mum in Brum
Always nice to know more about the blogger behind the blog. I need to take some tips from Jo – we can never get out of the door on time! #BloggerclubUK
Debbie, My Random Musings
I have the same problem and there’s only me lol!
Jess
Love to read the behind the blogger questions . Really like reading jo’s blogs some great advice #bloggerclubuk
Debbie, My Random Musings
I love Jo’s blog – some great advice there I agree
becca farrelly
Its great to know about the person behind the blog! Great idea! Love the fact you are a National Rugby Champion! 🙂
#BloggerClubUK
Debbie, My Random Musings
I love a nosey behind the scenes lol 🙂
Alana - Burnished Chaos
Great random fact! I wish I had started blogging sooner too and the community really is great.
#BloggerClubUK
Debbie, My Random Musings
I wish I’d started sooner too 🙂
Jane taylor
Lovely to meet you, Jo. Consistency is a really good tip, especially around posting times. I use to be a bit scattergun but even I have benefitted from having a set routine and dates to get posts ready for.
Great series! #BloggerClubUk
Debbie, My Random Musings
My schedule is like my bible lol, I’d be lost without it!
Helena
With two under two I’m fast learning organisation is key to getting out and so I’m thankful to Jo for showing how it can be done. #BloggerClubUk
Debbie, My Random Musings
Jo is an organisation rock star!
Barrie
Loved learning more about you! the community of bloggers is lovely.
Trista, Domesticated Momster
Nice to meet you Jo and welcome to the blogosphere! That is pretty cool that you are a Rugby champ. Never played the game myself but I have watched it a time or two. Thanks again Debbie for hostessing #AnythingGoes!
Debbie, My Random Musings
The rugby thing is amazing isn’t it! You’re welcome, thanks for linking up!